SADDLING UP FOR TRIAL GAMES
RESULTS are important – after all they are the perfect measure of success.
There are other ways to measure ‘success’ though, especially early on in rugby league pre-seasons.
The Western Clydesdales are taking under-16 and U18 boys and U19 girls teams to Kingaroy this weekend to face Wide Bay.
All three teams want to secure wins in their first games for 2022, but their coaches have other markers for success in mind as well.
“Obviously you want to win any game you’re involved in,” Clydesdales U18 boys coach Brendan Wilson said.
“That’s not the most important thing for us right now though.
“Right now for me and the coaching staff it’s about seeing where we are at.
“We’ve had a very physical pre-season with a lot of focus on our defence.
“That (defensive structure) is one thing I’d like to see – see if that work so far is paying off.
“Pre-season games are also an opportunity to see which players are ready to step up.
“Some players might train really well but not show that in the game and vice-versa.
“Everyone in the side will be given equal opportunity in pre-season to show they’re ready.”
A young Clydesdales women’s team will make to the roadtrip to the South Burnett on Saturday.
For many of the squad it will be their first time in a Clydesdales jersey but coach Russell Jones is confident.
“They’re young but very enthusiastic,” he said.
“We’ve had great numbers at training and all of them are really looking forward to the challenge ahead which is fantastic.
“Wide Bay may have the edge on us for age and a little bit more experience but I don’t see them matching us for enthusiasm. At the same time we do have a few girls in the side who have performed at a very high level which is good.”
A win in Kingaroy would be great for the U19 women but like Wilson, Jones focus is elsewhere.
“If you’re playing good footy the wins will come,” Jones said.
“For me the first thing I want is for all the girls to get through the game.
“I also want to see them play to their best of their ability.
“Achieve what we think is achievable for them and give it their all.”