1999 REVISITED.
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That could well be the theme of the Moree Boars for the 2002 rugby league season which is launched tonight with a pre-season trial against Goondiwindi at Burt Jovanovich Oval.
The Boars took out the Group 4 premiership in 1999 and coach Tony Murray said the personnel for this season had a very similar look to three seasons back.
"We've got quite a contingent from the 1999 season," Murray said on Thursday night.
"Ben Bailey played hooker for us in 1999 and he'll run on at halfback on Saturday. Mick Squires is also back with the club."
Murray said Squires had been training hard and would take his place in the back-row for tonight's match.
"He's a player with plenty of skills," Murray said.
Bailey and Squires join other 1999 campaigners who have returned to the club including Trevor Tighe and Steve Rampling.
Tighe and Rampling won't be playing this evening however.
Some of the proven performers from previous seasons will be interested spectators tonight.
Murray himself will sit out the match and cast a watchful eye over some of the newcomers to the club.
"We know all about blokes like Jason Darcy, Steve Rampling and Trevor Tighe," Murray said.
"We've got a lot of new players who we want to have a look at."
Murray has been focusing on pre-season fitness at training.
His approach has been well received.
"Our fitness has picked up 100 per cent," Murray said. "The players are well aware it's an area we needed to make a lot of progress in."
Talented back Malcolm Peckham will come off the bench tonight as will former Rothman's Medal winner Ewan McGrady.
The centre pairing of Rick McGrady and Alex Barker looks particularly dangerous for the Boars.
MOREE BOARS: 1, Luke Raveneau, 2. Matt Cain, 3. Alex Barker, 4. Rick McGrady, 5. Dallas Brown, 6. Matt Munro, 7. Ben Bailey, 8. Daniel Hobday, 9. Jade Porter, 10. John Craigie, 11. Mick Squires, 12. Jack Davis, 13. Morgan Bell, 14. Paul Raveneau, 15. Malcolm Peckham, 16. Ewan McGrady.