We’ll do the North proud

Whalan relishes the challenge his troops face

EQUIPPED with lofty 2021 goals in the Townsville and District Rugby Union, David Whalan said the opportunity to take on a Central Queensland outfit was one he could not pass up.

According to the Western Suburbs coach, this is another stepping stone to what he believes is an inevitable premiership.

The Western Suburbs coach has assembled most of his side from this season, with an eye to blood several upand-coming youngsters into the rigours of A-grade football.

It will also mark the final appearance with the club for Blackhawks gun Kalifa Faifai Loa before he returns to his rugby league commitments full time. Their rivals, the CQ Dingoes, will be made up of the best players from regions such as Mackay and Rockhampton, and Whalan said the challenge of taking on playing styles foreign to them could unlock their premiership aspirations.

With several young talents such as William Fox, Josiah Setiu and Josh Hanlon beginning to establish themselves in the 15-man code he said this clash would give him some idea as to where they fitted into the top squad moving forward.

“We got to blood a couple of young fellas towards the end of this season, and we’re going to do so and give chances to young fellas who are hungry for the opportunity,” Whalan said.

“It’s just their physicality and aggression, it’s probably the best I’ve seen in a very long time. This is their chance to impress and make A-grade a permanent home for them, and it’s putting pressure on the players who are generally in Agrade, so it’s very competitive within the team to make that top grade.”

While the Dragons will approach this game with a do-ordie mentality, Whalan said it would also be a chance to experiment with certain structures and see how they worked in the throes of a contest.

Plenty of ball movement and “a few cheeky set piece plays” are expected to epitomise their style at Joe Baker Field.

Whalan said this game was just the start for their club ambitions.

“We’re taking a championship home, given we beat Brothers two weeks prior to their win over Teachers convincingly there’s no reason why we can’t take that championship out next year,” Whalan said. “We sort of have an idea about what the Townsville teams have to offer, so it will give the players a bit of a challenge to adapt to a new situation quite quickly.

“The team’s mindset is North Queensland versus central Queensland, so to us it’s not just our club pride on display.

“We’re representing the North. I would hate for central Queensland to get one over us.”

The women’s clash is at 5.30pm. The men follow at 7pm.