• PHOTO: Kevin Thurston-Welsh, Nathan Walker (Snr), Jack Kelly, Jack Barrett, Preston Smith, Brian Wallace, Derek Robinson, Mickayla McEwen, Jenni-Leigh Gatt, Joshua Forgione, Thelma Leonard, Shakaye Walker and Kyle Wiggins get ready to tackle the 2023 footy season.
By MARNIE RYAN
The Coonamble Bears have started preparing for what is set to be a tough football season, with pre- season training kicking off on Tuesday 24 January at 6pm.
More than 20 members of the men’s rugby league and women’s league tag eagerly turned up to training, ready to start the year off strong with an hour long session filled with football drills and fitness.
Rugby League
The Coonamble Bears Under 18’s have unfortunately not formed a side for the 2023 competition.
Nathan Walker, this year’s Coonamble Bear’s Rugby League Coach said it was great to see so many senior players turn up to training.
“It is a great start to what is expected to be a successful season for the Coonamble Bears.
“I was quite surprised to see so many turn up due to the heat and holidays but it is great to see,” Mr Walker said.
“Our goal as a team this year is to make it to semi-finals, and be highly competitive within the competition.
“There are a lot of tough teams in the men’s rugby league, it would be great to see the Bears be amongst them this year,” he said.
Leaguetag
Paul Wheelhouse and Stuart Canham have put their hands up to jointly coach the Coonamble Bearette’s Ladies League Tag squad.
Both Paul and Stuart were coaches of the original Coonamble league tag squad who won the grand final in 2015.
“I am excited to be coaching the girls again. I think we will have a great side this year, mixed with both the experienced and younger girls,” Mr Wheelhouse said.
“It is time to get the girls back into fitness mode and working together as a team. The ball skills and the rest will come with time.
“Our goal this year is to make it past the semi-finals and secure a spot in the grand final.
“I have a few plans in place, and one of them is to see the girls turning up for each other. It is great to see them already turning up to pre- season. The hard work starts now.
“It is time to win again, it has been a good while. Working alongside Stewy again is also exciting. He has great knowledge of the game and we work well together,” he said.
Pre- season training will continue for the next eleven weeks, taking place at 6pm every Tuesday and Thursday.
“The Rugby League competition will start in late April after various footy knockouts at this stage,” said Mr Walker.
“We always welcome newcomers, so hopefully we will see a few new faces at pre- season over the next few weeks.