Coach keen to restore honour

PUTTING pride back in the Yarrabah Seahawks jersey is the key for coach Brian Murgha ahead of kick-off in the 2023 FNQRL season.

The Seahawks kick off their campaign with one of their longest road trips for the year, as they take on the Tigers under lights at Tully Showgrounds on Saturday.

Facing Tully at their home is always a tough ask, but it’s a challenge Murgha is looking forward to in a year the Seahawks are keen to bounce back into the finals.

After claiming the premiership in 2021, Yarrabah suffered through inconsistency, several suspensions and other off-field issues that ultimately led their missing the post-season.

However that is in the past, with Murgha driven to instil pride in the Seahawks jersey as a number of young guns make their way through to the top side.

“Getting that pride back, that’s one of the main goals for this year,” Murgha said.

“Everyone has the goal to win the premiership, but my main focus is developing young fellas and giving them the opportunity.”

Yarrabah is “as ready as we’ll ever be” despite not playing any pre-season trials, and they face a Tully side which is battling several injury issues and had suspension concerns out of trial loss to Herbert River Crushers last week.

Former Italy international Colin Wilkie has taken the reins at the Tigers, on top of his football operations manager role, and there is hope he will be able to steer the club to the expanded top six.

With both teams out to start their season on the right foot, Murgha will turn to the likes of co-captains Hayden Golchert, Jayden Kynuna, and experienced trio Ammiel Harris, Zac Mossman and the returning Lyle Murgha to lead the way.

“I’ve appointed Hayden and Jayden for round 1, they’ve been putting in great efforts through pre-season,” he said.

“Zac Mossman, he’s certainly showing he is in for a cracking 2023. Ammiel Harris is destined for a big one. They’re young leaders, and once they’re fit and raring, everyone piggybacks off the back of that.”