The Gunnedah Red Devils took on a new strength and conditioning program during the pre-season and club captain Matt Roseby says it’s working wonders.
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Firstly, Roseby said the program – which includes plenty of circuit work – has kept players interested in training but has also increased their size and strength heading into the 2018 Central North Rugby Union season.
“It’s probably one of the strongest teams [we’ve had],” Roseby said of the 2018 Red Devils.
“When you go to training on Thursdays for scrums and lineouts, you see there’s a big forward pack – in both strength and size. It’s probably one of the biggest [packs] I’ve seen in my time with the club.”
Roseby’s been at the club for 11 years – the last 10 of those he’s served as club captain.
In that time he’s seen players come and go and this season will be no different.
There was one player in particular he was keen to don the Red Devils strip in Gunnedah’s season opener against Narrabri in round two – they had the bye in round one – of the competition this weekend.
“Nick [Lyons] has come across from Tamworth Magpies. He’s working in Gunnedah,” Roseby said.
“He’s a young, fit fella, plays in the forwards and he’s going to be a big asset to us this year.
“There’s also a couple boys in the backline looking to push their way into first grade.”
Lyons will be be filling some big shoes in 2018.
Gunnedah’s 2017 best and fairest Joe Duffy and best forward Will Archer have both moved abroad this year.
“Joe’s in Canada and Will’s gone to New Zealand for work,” Roseby said of the backrowers.
“Their big losses but we have some pretty handy replacements, Nick’s one of them and also Dan Brown.
“We have some good quality depth to come into first grade.”
Heading into this weekend’s match against Narrabri, Roseby expected the Blue Boars to be as tough as ever on their home turf.
“They’re a young, fit team from what we say at the end of last year,” Roseby said.
“Jason [Waerea] went to Walcha and watched them play and they had a few older, experienced players back.
“They’re always tough at Narrabri, too, but we’ve worked hard in the pre-season and we’re confident going the first match but we won’t be taking anything for granted.”
