NORTH Tamworth Bears will be heading into this week’s Wests Knockout at Gunnedah as heavy favourites after their history making last season despite copping a loss for the first time in over 12 months last weekend.
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Norths went down to the Jamie Goddard-trained Terrigal Sharks 32-20 in a trial match that was the curtain raiser to the Legends of League game at Jack Woolaston Oval, which Goddard then played in for Queensland.
The Central Coast Division side is a strong outfit that regularly finishes in the top four, and were too good for a short Bears side, who only had 10 fresh starters, and are still getting used to paying without premiership winning captain Marshall Barker.
The big forward has had a release granted to re-join the Moree Boars, who now play in Group 19.
New season player-coach Zac Russ said he has been spending a lot of time in Moree with his father.
“It is a big loss for the team and the club but we have to move on,” Russ said.
There are plenty of hands already in the air to take on the jersey according to Russ, with final positions and combinations still being tweaked before the Knockout and season proper.
“We have got plenty of depth this season and plenty of players who can play first grade,” Russ said.
“I am really excited about the squad.”
Last season’s Group 4 winger of the year and equal top tryscorer Callum Hayne was being trialled at hooker on Saturday, and may be seen there again after performing to expectation.
“He played hooker when he was younger and is pretty good in there,” Russ said.
“He has great vision and a good footy brain.”
Corey Manicaros also shone in the role of hooker, picking up two tries, and will likely start the season there with Hayne on the wing.
Richard Clegg impressed at fullback while Shane Wadwell was a force in the middle.
The Bears will have to play this weekend without five-eight Abel Carney who is playing in the Tamworth first grade cricket final for Old Boys at No. 1 Oval.
Russ has stepped up into the coach’s role this season after Brad McManus took up the job of club president, and knows that last year’s amazing season has painted a target on their backs, with everyone out to beat the Clayton Cup winners.
“It is going to be very hard to emulate what we did last year,” Russ said.
“The guys have been here long enough to know that last year doesn’t matter this year.”
“But it has made everyone really excited to get back into it.”
“There will be no shortage of motivation this season and so far we look good and have plenty of legs.”
The Bears will kickstart their title defence with the latest Tamworth derby on April 12, as the Oxley Diggers embark on a second year in the competition with a trip to Jack Woolaston.
The Bears will also be defending the Wests Knockout crown they won last year when the tournament begins on Saturday morning at Kitchener Park, with the league tag girls playing at the Longmuir Fields.
A change to the format this season will see first and second division playing together in both divisions with plenty of great match-ups over the weekend, with a good crowd expected both days.
