He’s proudly worn the sky blue and white hoops for over a decade, and now Quirindi stalwart Toby Simkin is taking up the coaching pad.
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Simkin will co-coach the Lions this season with Ben Wilks, who has been at the helm for the last two seasons with Nick Rees and helped pilot the Lions’ resurgence.
The best and fairest for the Lions first grade and joint players player with Rees last season, injury forced Simkin’s hand a bit.
He injured his ankle playing in the Lions’ Toothy’s Tens Tournament back in October.
“He (Wilkes) just needed someone and because I can’t be playing I’ve got to be doing something,” he said.
Simkin is not so sure how he will go watching on from the sidelines.
Last year was Quirindi’s best season for several years. The Lions broke through for their first win in almost three seasons and went on to qualify for the finals for the first time since 2010.
The goal will be to build on that momentum, although they have lost a few players.
“We’ve got a couple of new guys coming in but we’ve lost more than we’ve gained,” Simkin said.
“But we’ve still got the bones of a pretty good side.”
He said they’ve probably been hardest hit in the forwards and are chasing a couple of second rowers.
“The backline should be pretty well the same,” Simkin said with English winger Jake Smith rumoured to be returning.
He indicated last season he was keen to pull on the Lions jersey again.
Simkin is also excited about Tom Tanner and Jake Murray teaming up in the backs.
Murray was one of the Lions most consistent performers last season and added a bit more punch to their attack.
Belief was one of the biggest factors in the Lions’ renaissance. Where that was most evident was in defence.
“Defence was one of our strongest points last year,” Simkin said.
“Compared to previous years it was a lot better.”
One thing he said he would like to see them do better this season is stick to the game plan.
“Not wavering from it like we did so much last year,” he said.
They are hopeful of fielding two grades and are training at the moment on Monday and Thursday nights from 7pm.
“We do need a few numbers but they usually come out of the woodwork closer to the season,” he said.
At this stage they have a trial locked in with Coolah but ideally like a couple more. Quirindi kick-off their Central North campaign away against Walcha on April 22 then host Gunnedah in Round 2.
