Coach Andrew Verrell has taken a back seat, with players Jake Douglas and Tim Collins the driving force behind the idea, with Jeremy Cooper to coach.

Verrell won’t be too far away and comes with some very good sevens connections, with his brother Paul the coach of the Australian women’s squad.

“There can only be positives,” Verrell said.

“It has created a new avenue for the boys to have a hit out.”

The new squad will consist of 12 players per tournament, with the Hamilton, Lake Macquarie and Crescent Head events in the crosshairs.

There is no lack of interest, with over 30 players already putting their hands up, and training beginning tomorrow.

Verrell believes that fitness will be the biggest gain for the squad, but also the intensity around the breakdown and one-on-one defence will also benefit the players when they come back to the 15-man game.

“It is great for the back three and the outside backs,” Verrell said.

“That’s because of the attention to the set piece and tackle contest, as well as defending in channels.

“There are some great spin- offs to the full game.”

Current back three Conrad Starr, Josh Stewart and Doug Biffin are all involved and should make a formidably mobile front row.

With Douglas running off those boys out wide, the Pirates sevens will be an instant force to be reckoned with.

“There are a few of last year’s 18s  coming up into grade who will play as well,” Verrell said.

The Wallaby connections have already come in handy, with training programs from the ARU ready to be put into use.

Although the new idea is still in its infancy, the goal of playing and competing in the Kiama Sevens has already

surfaced.

Shute Shield sides generally dominate the south coast comp, although Verrell can see the Buccaneers matching it with the metro men.

“It is a huge step up in fitness and a great opportunity to upskill the entire club,” Verrell said.

“But fitness-wise, it will be very good for the Central North season.”

As the CNRU season approaches, the club is still coming to terms with the loss of fly half Andrew Moody to the Group 4 second division Kootingal Roosters rugby league side.

“It is a huge loss and we are looking at some strategies to cover him,” Verrell said.

While the club hasn’t looked outside to replace Moody just yet, it has advertised for a new first grade coach.

“I will step into the role of club coach if we can find somebody,” Verrell said.

The ideal candidate would be a level two coach or above, “to bring in some fresh blood and ideas”.

“It is time in the evolution of the club that we would benefit greatly from having someone new,” Verrell said.

“We will never turn away anyone interested in coaching at any level, the same as new players.”

“But the first grade role, we are looking for someone dynamic with a good knowledge of the game and 

experience.”

Anyone interested in playing in either the CNRU season or sevens side should just turn up to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Chillingworth Oval.

Anyone interested in the first grade coaching role should contact Verrell on 0429422150.