Gunnedah are heading into the 2021 Group 4 season "a bit short on halves" but while the quantity isn't there, the quality is, coach Mick Schmiedel says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Greater Northern representative Reece Jaeger will partner up-and-coming playmaker Nick White in the halves in Saturday's trial against the Port Macquarie Sharks.
The Dogs will have close to their starting 13 playing on Saturday and Schmiedel was most interested to see how White handles himself.
"He's come out of the 18s and into first grade without any footy [the past year]," Schmiedel said.
"He's been training the house down. I've had some serious coach talks with him and I'm super impressed and keen to see how he goes.
"He's tough. I've had Lincon [Smith] and KC [Edmonds] going at him and he hasn't shed his duties. It's easier at training than it is in a game but I think he'll do a good job for us."
Schmiedel said the same goes for Liam Ireland who will have a chance to put his best foot forward at hooker on the weekend.
"He's just an out-and-out enthusiastic kid," Schmiedel said.
"I'm happy with how he's developing. He played a fair bit of first grade a couple years ago from the bench."
The brigade of young players doesn't stop there.
Schmiedel said there was a good group of juniors coming into the senior ranks.
"We've got a lot of kids like Cain Eather, Zak Turnbull, Bevan Jones - they're only young fellas," Schmiedel said.
"Bevan reminds me of a young Lincon Smith. A young firebrand - another big front rower. He wants the ball, wants to run hard, fast and over the top of people."
At 22, Smith isn't at all old himself but Schmiedel sees plenty of leadership traits in the front-rower.
Smith played for Greater Northern in the Country Championships and also got a season of football in last year in the Newcastle competition.
"He's matured a lot. I think that year playing with Cessnock has helped him maturity-wise and his mentality," Schmiedel said.
"I have big expectations of Lincon. He won't be the captain but he's the man up the front as the leader of the team setting a platform.
"He's the biggest bloke in our side and gains the most momentum. I have those expectations and I've spoken to him about that."
The game will be played at Rugby Park due to Kitchener Oval still being used for cricket. "We thank Gunnedah Rugby for allowing us to use the oval," Schmiedel said.
The ladies league tag is set to start around 1pm with the men to play at 2.30pm.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark northerndailyleader.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News