Pirates go for new start

Matahaere puts 2015 run in past as club rebuilds

BOND Pirates coach Lincoln Matahaere says he won’t look to mimic the methods that got his club to the 2015 Gold Coast District Rugby Union grand final on his return to the head coach role.

Having seen the Miamibased club in trouble last year – they lost their opening 10 games, including being kept scoreless through the first four – Matahaere decided to put his hand up to coach for the first time since that decider.

“One thing I don’t like is when the club starts to go backwards,” he said.

“I thought if it’s going to get worse, that’s no good, so I’ll put up my hand to go out there and coach and hopefully get it back on track again.”

With plenty of time to observe and plan, Matahaere identified recruitment as a crucial pillar to restoring the Pirates’ fortunes.

“And it’s about recruiting players that are probably going to stay there for long periods of time, not just guys that come in and out,” he added, although keeping his cards close to his chest about any particular names that have signed.

Four years ago, the Pirates made a stunning charge from fourth place to almost upset a powerhouse Gold Coast Eagles side in the final – but Matahaere indicated a different direction would be taken this time around.

“There are different things in the game like coaching styles that you have got to keep up to date with,” he said.

“We have obviously nutted that out but you have always got to put improvements every time on how you recruit and who you recruit. It’s just a matter of improving.”

One thing Matahaere did make obvious, however, was his burning ambition to take the Pirates to the top.

“I didn’t come back to be second place,” he said.