THE Singleton Greyhounds have returned to the training paddock ahead of a much-anticipated Group 21 2017 season.
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Already, there has been a change in the coaching department with first grade mentor Noel Dent reluctantly stepping down from the position due to changed work circumstances that would have prevented him from committing to the role as he had envisaged.
The good news is the club has found a more than suitable replacement from within its own ranks.
Twenty-six-year-old Jye Bayley will take over as captain-coach and he is held in great esteem by the Greyhounds and his peers.
Bayley, a former Country representative at junior level, has previously played in the Newcastle-based competition.
For the past two seasons, he’s run out for the Greyhounds.
Bayley has been the pillar in the engine room, last year playing big minutes in the front or back-row.
He is keen to create a positive training and social environment in 2017 as the Greyhounds celebrate their 70th anniversary.
Bayley will be assisted in the role by Ben Thorley, who is no stranger to the Singleton top side.
The club is optimistic of an improved showing on their fourth place finish in 2016 and have assembled an impressive list of experienced former players making a comeback to the “Red and Whites”.
Ex-captain-coach Russell Richards will step out again in 2017 after a two-year hiatus and has been ripping into pre-season training.
Also joining him is 200 game star and recent life member Luke Gardner after a year off the scene.
He will add some class and experience to a relatively young backline.
Prop Josh (George) Desmond, who has capably steered the first grade team these past two seasons, is another key player on board.
He is hoping for more luck on the field than he enjoyed in 2016.
Former club player of the year Craig Edwards is also back following a few seasons off the scene – and will add to a formidable looking pack that is taking shape.
Thomas Johnson, 20, is home from a stint with Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup.
He, too, will be a welcome inclusion into the top side.
Training continues at Cook Park in the short term on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm, so anyone considering playing this year in any grade is urged to attend these skill-based sessions.
The club is hopeful of once again fielding three senior grade teams in the Group 21 and Newcastle competitions together with women’s league tag and under-18s.
News suggests the juniors’ fixtures will increase to a much more appealing six-side format with the expectation of the Aberdeen Tigers fielding an outfit this year.
Pre-season speculation also suggests an under-19 second tier competition will be established in Newcastle, which could open the door for a number of additional youngsters from 17 to 19 that can be accommodated.
It doesn’t stop there either with the ladies game continuing to gather momentum.
For the first time, the women will conduct a short local Group 21-based competition with ‘full contact’ that will begin in February and run through to the start of the regular league tag format in April.
The club’s first trial game has been locked in for March 18 (less than seven weeks away) against the Taree Bulls at Pirtek Park in first grade, under-18s and league tag.
Other hit-outs are being considered potentially against the Forster Hawks.
Hats off to club stalwart Heath Moore, who has ploughed many hours into the playing surface at Pirtek Park during the off-season to have it looking a treat for the coming year.
There are only a couple of sponsorship opportunities left in 2017 for interested parties before the season kicks off.
Contact club president Scott Matthews on 0431 051 404 if you would like to find out more.
Don’t forget the raffles and Joker draw conducted at the Clubhouse Hotel each and every Friday night.
Plenty of prizes to be won and also the “registration” promotion, giving players the chance to save on their registration costs. See you all at training.