New coach backs young guns to become Southern stars
THE new era at Southern Suburbs is off to a healthy start with a few young guns ready to make their names under a new coach at Alley Park.
Paul Stevens has moved from Stan Williams Park to Gordonvale as he takes control of the Alley Park club, and tries to deliver the success-starved club a finals berth – or a fairytale Cairns District Rugby League premiership. And the former Brothers coach has liked what he’s seen from the Cockatoos so far, in particular two young forwards and a veteran who he thinks could take the club to new heights.
Roland Gallen and Riley Archer have instantly caught Stevens’ eye, while former Northern Pride-contracted forward Aidan Day is expected to step up as a leader of the pack.
“Roland has been fantastic so far and Riley, everyone loves a big, red-headed forward,” Stevens said.
“(Riley) brings a lot of energy.
“A couple of guys slip through the cracks every now and again, but Riley is big, athletic and has plenty of ability.”
Day played his first game for the Pride in 2016, and accumulated 39 games in the blue and orange – 22 of which came in their torrid 2019 campaign.
He has always impressed in club land, and that’s one of the reasons why Stevens expects the big man to perform.
“He brings a ton of experience,” Stevens said. “He will be a real leader of the forward pack, he’s strong and has plenty of ability, but you can’t buy that experience. Our A and reserve grade numbers are strong, and the guys are eager to get out there and play.”
Suburbs have several trials already locked in, with a homeand-away pre-season double against Innisfail either side of a planned clash with the Northern Pride’s under-21s.