Inverell triumph at Croppa Creek Gala Day

The Highlanders were undefeated for the day, securing the honours with a 15-12 win over Moree in their final game in what was a great note to finish their Central North preparations on.

“We couldn’t have finished any better,” Highlanders coach Tom Davidson said.

He did qualify that the Moree side they played was nothing like the one they will face in the competition, but there was certainly cause for encouragement.

“We still want to polish up on our processes. We need to be a bit sharper,” he said.

It was their second hit-out after playing a three-way trial with Robb College and Armidale, and Davidson is happy with the progression they have made.

“Moving forward we’ll put a lot of focus into our catch and pass, and tackle,” he said.

Another big focus is working hard off the ball.

“We really want to have a look at what we’re doing when we don’t have the ball,” Davidson said.

“Instilling the mentality that the results aren’t going to be gifted to us. We’re going to have to work really hard.”

One of those to impress during the pre-season is half-back Pulu Siaka Maea, better known as Jack Jack.

“Jack Jack has been looking good,” Davidson said.

He is back after a bit of a first grade hiatus. His return has seen Scott Houston make the transition into the backrow, where he has gone pretty well.

Davidson is also the Central North Colts coach. 

They are training at Barraba from 10am this Sunday as they prepare for the Country Championships.