RUGBY LEAGUE
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YOUNG Bears coach Zac Russ faces a distinct challenge as he prepares North Tamworth for defence of its Group 4 first grade premiership without one an maybe two of his first grade squad.
The Bears have lost former captain-coach Shaun Ferguson to second Division club Dungowan Cowboys and could about to lose young prop Jake Cocking as well.
“Shaun has gone to Dungowan,” Russ confirmed.
“I rate him as one of the top two or three hookers in Country NSW.
“He’s going to be a big loss and a great pick-up for Dungowan.
“He and Tubby (Dungowan coach Luke Taylor) are pretty close mates.” Ferguson’s ability plus his leadership, on and off the field, will be severely missed.
Also missing could be young prop Jake Cocking.
“He’s waiting to get into the Armed Forces,” Russ added.
“He was great for us last year and great for the Group too. A talented young footballer.”
Initially Russ was to share the coaching duties with last year’s skipper Marshall Barker, but the outstanding prop is unable to tackle that position although he will play.
“It’s going to be a challenge for me,” Russ said of his sole coaching job.
“Last year we went through undefeated and won the Clayton Cup. That was a great achievement and I do have big shoes to fill after Brad McManus and Dave Parsons (last year’s coach and trainer).
“They did a fantastic job.
“My job will be to build on what they’ve done.
“Just a matter of keeping the core group of players together and
motivated. “I’ll just try and keep them having fun.”
On Tuesday afternoon the Bears were “tip-toeing” between the campers and their caravans and tents to continue their
preparations. The Bears had an early start to their pre-season with a month of training sessions from November 25.
They broke for Christmas but returned to the training paddock last week (January 13) and were training through the campers and spitting rain on Jack Woolaston Oval on Tuesday evening.
“The numbers have been very good,” Russ said.
“We were pushing 40 to each of last week’s sessions. They dropped off a little this week because of the country music festival, but the numbers have been positive for the three grades.
“It’s still early days but it looks very promising.”
He said the likes of Bill Jeffery, Nic Dobson, Callum Hayne and Shane Wadwell have been impressive while new signing, Chris Mitchell, has “been training the house down”.
“He hasn’t played for 15 years but he’s been training hard,” he said.
“Young Cameron Howard and Corey Manicaros have also been going really well.”
The Bears are talking to Greta Branxton and Grafton Ghosts about pre-season trials and already have a March 21 trial against Terrigal inked in for Jack Woolaston Oval.
“We train every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm at Jack Woolaston,” Russ said.
He invites any interested player to join in or catch them at the Oxley Bowling Club afterwards.