GROUP 4 selectors have named a preliminary training squad as they look to restore the Group to its former glory.
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They are keen to get things underway and have come up with a 30-strong squad, and bedded down training days for February 18 and March 18.
Both will be held in Gunnedah and Group president Mick Schmiedel is hoping to see as many of the squad as possible there.
“We’re trying to get Group 4 back to being competitive and back on top,” Schmiedel said.
“We used to dominate.”
It’s been a long time though since they won the Greater Northern (formerly Northern Division) Championships.
Schmiedel stressed that what has been named is only a squad.
“If somebody plays well at the (Wests) Knockout they’re still a chance of working their way into the squad,” he said.
The Knockout will be played on March 28 and 29 in Gunnedah.
Schmiedel said the Group was exploring the possibility of a tour later in the year.
“There is a chance we may send a side to Fiji,” he said.
They’re definitely looking at it for next year but could look to test the waters this year.
“There’s still a lot of people to talk to,” Schmiedel said.
Gunnedah co-coach Wayne Griffiths will coach the Group side with Brad McManus looking after the 18s.
They’ll (18s) have a possibles v probables trial at Gunnedah on the Sunday (March 29) of the Knockout.
Schmiedel said they were still looking for a coach and manager for the Ladies League Tag side.
Nominations for positions close on March 20.
The League Tag competition at the Knockout will act as a selection trial.
But whereas the men’s side is just a First Division side, the women’s will be combined.
“Girls can be selected from First and Second Division,” Schmiedel said.
It will be the first year League Tag has been played at the Knockout.
They’ll play at Longmuir Fields, with the first game at 9am on Saturday morning.
The men will have an even earlier start, with action getting underway at 8am.
First and Second Division will be thrown together, with the first-round winners progressing on to play for cash and the losers going into a second tier play-off series.
Group 4 training squad: Beau Ryan, Chris Vidler, Callum Hayne, Oliver Neader, Danny Reid, Zac Russ, Sean Russ, Nic Dobson, Trent Hilton, Tyler Fleming, Matt Brady, Jordy Ford, Aaron Donnelly, DJ David Smith, Lachie Cameron, Daniel Howe, Jake Rumsby, Michael Skillicorn, Chris Hunt, Jamie Trindall, Dylan Lake, Ben Power, Sam Power, Josh Trindall, Sam Sadler, Sam Douglas, Scott Berry, Will Saunders, Tommy Hine, Shane-Leigh Wadwell, Brock Wadwell, Jie Smith.
