DANIEL Jobson has run his first training session as the Blues' new coach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He oversaw the session at Cooma Oval, having replaced Brenton Cochrane as captain-coach.
The talented forward - runner-up in last season's Tooheys Group 4 first grade best and fairest award - was appointed top-grade captain-coach earlier this month.
Read also:
He is part of a new-look Blues leadership group, with Tom Mason appointed the new club president at the recent AGM.
For Jobson, 29, it's his coaching debut.
For Mason, it's his first stint at the helm of such a strong club, which has a long tradition and successful history in Group 4.
"He's enthusiastic," Mason said of Jobson.
"[It's] going to be a big year for all of us. New coach, new committee, and [it is] going to be a big challenge for all four grades."
Mason added: "We need to make a little bit of an improvement (in first grade) if we are going to match Norths. They are the benchmark."
He said reaching a good level of fitness is the first priority. "Making it fun too," he said.
"It's a big job for Daniel and I will be supporting him in all areas. We had a good year a few years back [2017], when three sides made grand finals, and we look like getting a few old blokes back to help out this year too."
One of those former players is Daniel Howe.
"He played first grade for Newcastle Wests last season but has moved back to town," Jobson said. "He's a great signing for us."
Jobson has been talking to Cochrane and hopes he will also return while young backline star Damon Gleeson, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last season, is rearing to go.
After a couple of years at Wee Waa and one at Moree, Jobson has been at Narrabri for several years in a row.
Ashley Hynch and David Toomey are back as co-coaches of the Blues' reserve-grade side. Jeremy Saunders has been appointed league-tag coach and Cliff Toomey will coach the under-18s.
