TAMWORTH Kangaroos have started 2016 in far different TAFL form to last year.
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They head to Gunnedah today searching for their first win after a first-round bye and last Saturday’s 13-point loss to Inverell Saints at No 1 Oval.
For one thing the squad is nowhere near as fit as it was last year when the Roos beat New England Nomads in Armidale in the first round of the season before losing the grand final to them in Armidale.
The Roos are also missing some key men and will be missing them for a few weeks yet too – Luke Robinson, Daniel Johnson, Ben Evenis and Ben Mitchell are all out for extended periods, coach Tony Bishop said.
“We had to play whoever we had,” he said of last Saturday’s loss to Inverell Saints.
“It would have been good to blood just one of the new players but we had to play all three.”
And all three, particularly OVA Mushrooms soccer convert Ryan Searl, impressed Bishop with their endeavours.
“It’s unusual for us to do that but we had no choice.”
Another to impress Bishop was teenager Callum Fleming.
While down on troops it was still a game “we could have easily won”, Bishop said.
“This time last year we beat Armidale up there in round one.
“But we had trained hard in the pre-season.
“Unfortunately we weren’t as committed this year.”
That fitness showed as they wilted while the Saints, also missing some stars and playing a handful of second gamers, lurched home, kicking four goals in the final quarter as well as double digit behinds.
For Bishop, the first six weeks of this new season is something of a train and learn as you play period.
“We will be strong when we get everyone back,” he said.
He thought Dean Hoy, who turned 38 last weekend, was the Roos’ best and had a special mention for Justin Hathway who “filled in for me”.
Moree Suns are at home to Inverell Saints today.
