Wellington Cowboys’ new coach Aiden Ryan believes things are looking positive for the 2017 Tooheys Group XI First Grade Season.
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Ryan said he hopes to build a strong side and move on from the disappointment of last year’s forgettable campaign.
“Things are looking tremendous at the moment.
“We’re getting everyone out to training and there is a really good vibe amongst the boys,” he said.
Ryan said he is hoping to implement a three-year plan to help the Cowboys rise into the upper-echelon of the Group XI competition.
“I’ve got a solid idea of how I want to build this team up and this year is the first step of that plan.
“The aim is to make it to the semi-finals this year. I’ll be happy with that.
“If we make it any further than the semis, it would be an absolute bonus but I’m being realistic about this year,” he said.
Along with several returning players, Ryan said a few high quality recruits will add the depth that the side had previously been lacking.
“We’ve got a few of the older players back who may have had a year or two off.
“Norm West will line up for us. He’d be up in the best few full backs in the competition, so he’ll be very handy to have back.
“We’ve also got five-eighth Richard Peckham who’s been looking extremely good at training.
“I’m expecting a massive year from him,” Ryan said.
Ryan said the the club was able to lure a big recruit in Damien Wells.
“He played at Macquarie last year after coming down from Newcastle.
“He’s a gun and I’m hoping he’ll be big for us,” Ryan said.
Several boys from last year’s under 18s premiership winning side will join the firsts and Ryan is hoping they can learn from the older heads.
“Will Lousick, Brogan Black and Graham Peckham are going to be superstars for this club in the future.”
The Cowboys will face off against Dubbo CYMS at Kennard Park this Sunday in their first trial match.
“The league tag will kick off the day at 11am, then the 18s and reserves will play and the first grade will get started at around 3pm,” Ryan said.
He encouraged any interested parties to come out and enjoy the good first hit-out for the year, where he hopes the boys will be able begin to implement his three-year plan.
“It would be great to start to see some big crowds.”
