A strong turnout has left Group 4 under-23 coach Paul Hyson with plenty of options after the representative team’s first trial on Sunday.
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Hyson said several players from across the region impressed during the trial at Ken Chillingworth Oval.
“It was well attended and the guys who did turn up did well in the conditions,” Hyson said.
“It’s never easy to get there early on a Sunday morning but the boys did well.”
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Hyson highlighted Gunnedah’s Lincoln Smith as a key to the side’s future success.
“I think the one area we really lacked in last year was the size in our front-row,” he said.
“The guys who did play there went well but weren’t natural front rowers.
“This year we have Lincoln Smith who trialled today [Sunday] and was really impressive.
“He is a big boy and hopefully he is a guy who can take us forward.”
Next season will be Hyson’s second at the the helm of the under-23 team, after the side fell just short in both of its games earlier this year.
“Taking on the role has certainly been a lot of fun and I’m learning as we go,” Hyson said.
“Preparation will be key for next season. This season we’re a little bit behind the eight ball, and it hurt us.
“However, we are on top of it for this coming season and hopefully we can go a step further after coming pretty close in both games this year.”
The side will train on December 19, when the squad will be finalised.
“I think we will mix our training up a bit in preparation and look to organise a trial game as well,” Hyson said.
“Now that we have some guys committed, it’s about them continuing to put in the time and train … If we’re prepared, I think we’ll go well.”