A Note from our Coach on the pre season so far.

Valleys seniors began their pre-season on November 5 with a 6 week block of fitness and skill development aimed to give all those players available at this time of year a head start of getting their fitness up to standard whilst also hammering in our expectations of skill level in all our core skills.

Early fitness tests were done and most players performed quite well for the early time of year. It has been particularly satisifying to see a new crop of under 18s players at the club and equally satisfying to see those from last year’s 18s Grand Final winning team who are now progressing fulltime into the seniors.

From that really successful age group we have already seen Huey Sedger have a break out year in A grade last season and judging by the pre season so far it looks like Huey will only get better in his 2nd year. Jason Sharpe and Josh Hancock, after tastes of A Grade last year, in particular look to be the ones who will make big imprints in senior footy next season also from that age group.

From our returning seniors I really think Tyrone Jowett is going to have a huge year. Tyrone didnt have much of a preseason in his first year with us last year and from what we’ve seen in this preaseason he is going to hit the ground fit and ready. Luke Smith and Sam Capewell both have trained well and im sure will continue to improve on their big seasons last year whilst Blake Edwards, who i believe was the most improved player in the TRL last season, looks certain to begin where he left off last year.

At this time of year everyone is talking recruitment however. The current environment makes it hard to recruit with once again one or two clubs throwing about some ridiculous money. My attitude towards recruitment has always been that we will only bring in players if we feel they will add to the clubs strength on and off the field. We will not bring in players for the sake of it, or on reputations or just because they’ve played a decent level of footy. They have to be a perfect fit for our club character wise firstly and football wise secondly. Therefore, as last year, our recruitment will not be huge but just a few little additions in areas we feel neccessary. As last year im totally confident in our current crop and the youth coming through and i wont risk comprimising those players’ happiness just to brag about a big signing.

We are currently talking to a few players and will announce any new signings as they happen on the website and the club’s facebook page.

Id also like to congratulate the Valleys players that have been selected for the upcoming Toowoomba Clydesdales Representative games against Ipswich & South Logan. The stage is going to be a big one, directly before the NRL trial game between the Gold Coast Titans 7 North Queensland Cowboys at Clive Berghoffer Stadium, and it’s a huge honour and opportunity for our selected players. Once again ive decided to take on coaching the Rep Side and im really looking forward to working with all the players, especially those from Valleys, on such a great occasion for Toowoomba Rugby League. Well done to Sam Capewell, Luke Smith, Tyrone Jowett & Huey Sedger.

Finally on a sadder note, club captain Andrew Farrell is departing Toowoomba for work reasons and will most likely miss next season. Faz is one of the best clubmen ive ever come across, so much so that he has been training the preseason with us despite knowing he’s leaving! He will be sorely missed. His form last year was absolutley outstanding and was the main reason behind our strong run home and if Faz doesnt return to the Roosters his performances last year are a great way to remember him. We wish him all the best but we’ll welcome him with open arms if he returns!

Dean Bosnich

Posted in : A Grade News, Club News, Reserve Grade News, Under 19's News