MUSTANGS SET FOR SEASON
Cullen takes captain’s armband
RUGBY LEAGUE: As anticipation builds for the Hastings Deering Colts season, Western Mustangs skipper Blake Cullen is determined to lead from the front.
The Pittsworth Danes junior has been a staple in the Mustangs program for a number of years now, and he is ready to take his game to the next level in 2019.
Cullen was named as captain during the pre-season by coach Eugene Seddon, and the young man said he wants to make the most of the opportunity.
“I was taken aback and very surprised (being named captain),” Cullen said.
“It’s a great honour and I can’t wait to get out there. It will be very challenging but very rewarding as well.
“I’ve never got this opportunity before so I’m looking forward to taking it with both hands.
“I want to lead by my actions, I think that is the most important thing.
“If everyone does their job, I think we will be able to get the job done (this year).”
Alongside Cullen in the leadership group will be Chris Chalmers, who will serve as vice-captain.
“This will be our third year of footy together. I know Chris very well and I know he will do his job,” he said.
“He’ll definitely back me up and take over the reins when he needs to.”
The Mustangs have taken a more professional approach during the pre-season as they look to get an edge over their opponents.
Cullen said while the time away from playing has felt long, they have been able to build themselves into the team they want to be.
“It’s been a very long off-season. We’ve trained very hard and all the boys have come together to form the squad,” he said.
“The strength and conditioning side of things has been unbelievable. Personally I’ve never had anything like this and I think that’s the same for the rest of the team.
“We’ve never consistently gone to the gym first and then had field sessions. All of us going through the same thing is very important.
“This is definitely a step into elitism and I think it will make a massive difference in our year.”
Last year was a disappointing one for the club, as they languished towards the bottom of the ladder for the majority of the season.
However, Cullen said there was a new-found belief among the roster that they can turn it around in season 2019.
“The team is very different this year. We’ve improved our culture and all the boys are really embracing it,” he said.
“We’re looking to improve big time this year and we’re just keen at this stage to get out there and do the fun stuff.
“I’m hoping we can improve each week. I think we can be very competitive. We’re setting the goal of making the finals, so hopefully we can achieve that.”