OAKEY BEARS

LAST YEAR 2-14, 10th

THE YEAR AHEAD

THIS time last year Oakey was just grateful to be in the TRL, and now they are looking to make an impact where it counts - on the field.

Coach Tom Friend said he was pleased with how his team applied themselves in the offseason, as they looked to improve on a tough 2017.

“We have been gelling well and things have been running smoothly,” Friend said.

“We had a good first-up trial and training has been good. We had a loss at Chinchilla but they have a good side and we had eight players that didn’t travel.

“It gave us a chance to look at what we’ve got and haven’t got. We have speed in our backline and a pretty handy sort of forward pack.

“I think we’ll be competitive. I’m pretty sure we’ll be middle of the pack or above.”

The signing of former Eel and Warrior Mark Tookey has been a big one for the club, and Friend said his impact stretched beyond football.

“He’s very good. Playing wise, his best days are probably behind him, but he can see things happening and keeps the boys in tact,” he said.

“No one panics, and they respect him.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

“In our two trials, Corey Mullins was playing well up front. He has come up from Gatton after not playing last year. We have two outstanding players in Josh Robinson and Dylan Adamson, who have been rotating between fullback and centre,” Friend said.

VERDICT

Oakey has taken a massive step towards football redemption.

Issues that plagued them previously seem to be past them, as they look to work their way back into finals contention.

This year might be a bit soon for them, but you have to love how the side is trekking for the future.

PREDICTED FINISH 8th