AT the start of the 2016 A-Plus Contracting Hunter Valley Group 21 season, co-coaches Gary “Bomber” Jones and Steve Haylen had one goal – to lead the Muswellbrook Rams first grade outfit to glory.
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Now, they’re just a win from achieving that aim.
Standing in their way, however, is minor premiers Scone Thoroughbreds, who’ll meet the Rams at Olympic Park on Sunday.
“We’re where we wanted to be,” Jones said.
“In fact, we demanded success from the very start.
“But, our focus wasn’t solely on the ‘firsts’.
“We wanted to bring the club together [as one] and make it stronger.
“A lot of the guys in this squad, we’ve coached as youngsters.
“At least 18 of the 20 came through the Rams’ junior system.
“And, we’ve been impressed that they all genuinely get along.
“For instance, hooker Adam Grech and halfback Cade Boney played together as 16-year-olds.
“So, this is the first time since then they’ve been in the same side.”
Muswellbrook accounted for the Thoroughbreds 18-16 in the major semi-final a fortnight ago, however Haylen said there was plenty of room for improvement.
“We need to play better than the last time,” he admitted.
“I think we got away with it, especially at Scone Park.
“We must put a complete 80 minutes together.
“There is a lot of experience in that Scone [side].
“I know it’s a cliché, but we’re concentrating on our own game.
“It would be great to get the win on Sunday; the boys have definitely worked hard for it.
“Defence will be the key though.
“We may have the home ground, and crowd, advantage but that doesn’t guarantee a victory.
“If all the guys are switched on, we’ll be okay.”
As for the mentors, they’ve thoroughly enjoyed the journey in their maiden season as senior coaches.
“We’re just two Muswellbrook boys living the dream,” Jones said.
“We’ve known each other a long time – and this role keeps us busy.
“But, we’re here to win.
“The big question is: What are we going to do when it’s over?
