Rams could run rampant

THE ARMIDALE Rams took an understrength side to the Domestic Violence Cup at Moree on Saturday but should be far stronger when the Group 19 season starts on April 6.

The Rams have made a few good signings and are waiting on the arrival of two English imports that will help bolster the club’s squad for the upcoming campaign.

Fijian internationals and Group 19 reps from last year, Josh Koroibulu and Apakuki Mate, have traded Guyra for Armidale and will bulk up the Rams pack.

“Especially after we lost (Anthony) Postle and Geoff Swan from our forward pack,” Rams captain-coach Brian Dennison said.

“We hope we’re going to have a few players back that haven’t played the last few years, like Josh Martin and Wes Kelly.

“John Roberts will be back and I’ve spoken to Mitch Cooper and he is still deciding.”

Dennison was also hopeful of keeping Clarrie Moran but he could be off to Newcastle.

He will still have plenty of halves options though.

One of the two English recruits plays halfback and should be a handy addition.

“They arrive on Good Friday,” Dennison said.

“The halfback played in the British U23s comp and he’s bringing his mate who won his local competition.”

The Rams had a hard time just getting to Moree for the Domestic Violence Cup on Saturday and once there they struggled to get over Bourke and went down to Narrabri.

“We’ll have a better side than the one we had over  there,” Dennison said.

“The Armidale Show is on and we had trouble getting here.

“We got to Bundarra and the road was closed so we had to come the back way.

“We wanted to make the effort because of the support they (the Let’s Tackle Domestic Violence campaign) have given us.”

The Rams have a trial against Tingha as the curtain raiser to the Legends of League game on March 16 and will also play at the Group 19 pre-season tournament a week later.

They then face Tingha again in round one of the competition at Tingha on April 6.