The Coonamble Rams will be looking to put their pre-season training to the test when they compete in the Western Plains Knockout this Saturday in Walgett. Having started pre-season training in early February, the feeling from the coach and players was that fitness was one of the biggest weaknesses from last season. Road runs, sand sprints, crossfit circuits and rugby 7s have all been featured so far in a pre-season program designed to rival that of Michael Cheika’s Newcastle Wallaby camp or Brad Thorns gruelling pre-season program at the Queensland Reds.
The knockout will be a great opportunity for players to get some game time and see how they fare against the other clubs in the Western Plains. Coach Tom Cullen Jnr says it will also be a great opportunity to get a look at every player, particularly the newcomers and see where they will fit into the team. “Being so early in the season it will be hard to get a full squad to commit but the Knockout will be a great day to throw a few players together and see what they can do,” Mr Cullen said.
The makeup of the Rams this year will be bolstered by the inclusion of former players that were prominent in the glory years of the Rams a few years back. These players will bring much experience to a squad that is keen to carry on the hard work done in 2017. It’s also great to see some newcomers to the club with these players already making an impression at training. With the newcomers, along with an eager squad from last year, it looks very promising for the upcoming trials and the 2018 season.
Knockout hosts Walgett are defending knockout winners and eventually went on to win the premiership. They will be strong along with Warren and Nyngan who will continue on from their dominance in 2017. Brewarrina could be a dark horse with the league team folding, possibly revealing some unknown talent to join their ranks.
Whatever the challenge, with a solid pre-season already under their belts and a new look squad, the Rams will be keen to take them on and bring home some silverware. For anyone keen to head up the highway to watch, keep a look out on the Coonamble Rams facebook page for the Knockout draw.
“There is always room for more players and anyone who is keen to throw the boots on and have a go at the great game of rugby will be welcomed,” Mr Cullen said.
“Training is on every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 6:30pm at the Oval,” he said. “Anyone wanting to register as a player or a social member should come down to the Golf Club at 8pm this Thursday 15 March.”