GATTON HAWKS
LAST YEAR
9-7, 6th
INS AND OUTS
IN: Tyrell McCullough (Goondiwindi), Zac Stanfield (Fassifern) Rhys Teelow (Cullamulla) Tyson Mitchell (Highfields)
OUT: Austin Jennings (Mustangs, but duel signed with Hawks), Samson Mariner (Gold Coast rugby union), Daniel Marsh (Bowen)
LIKELY TEAM
1. Billy Jackwitz 2. Tye Gray 3. Daniel Jennings 4. Brayden Mitchell 5. Jayden Williams 6. Luke Nolan 7. Hayden Lipp 8. Dom Haak 9. Tyrell McCullagh 10. Zac Stanfield 11. Michael Frohloff 12. Rhys Teelow 13. Shannon Hicks 14. Allan Morris 15. Jack Soderquist 16. Scott Cubit. 17. Tyson Mitchell
THE YEAR AHEAD
Gatton knows it let chances slip last year that prevented a finals berth, but the Hawks re- fuse to dwell on what could have been.
“We’re really looking forward to the year ahead,” coach Shaun Hobson said.
“We’re under no illusions of the strength of the competition. We finished the year well and have retained a significant part of team, as well as adding a few extras.
“Adding Tyrell (McCullagh) to the mix will give us three dominant footballers in key positions, and while there might be some teething problems, it will definitely be a benefit.”
Hobson said Gatton has been able to put together a credentialed roster that will help get through the grind of the season.
“I believe our balance is quite good, which helps setting up a football team,” he said.
“We have some quality forwards, try-scoring outside backs and two clever halves that can produce things when you need it.
“To be successful in this competition you need to tick those boxes, and we’re confident we’ve assembled a group capable of good things, and we’re very confident in them.”
PLAYER TO WATCH
Billy Jacwitz. “I think he is going to have a massive season this year. He’s trained the house down and has looked really good in the rep games so far,” Hobson said. “While he has been good for many years, I think he can finish the year as one of the best fullbacks in the TRL.”
VERDICT
They played some of their best football at the end of the year, and despite the momentum they had come round 18, they were left with nowhere to vent after finishing in sixth. Gatton has recruited strongly in the off-season, giving Shaun Hobson a great roster to work with.
FOURTH