With the 2010 Group 2 season set to kick off on April 10, the Macksville Sea Eagles are well-advanced in their preparations for the coming year.

Having fallen short by only one point in last year’s grand final the Eagles are keen to go one better this year, and the early indications are they will again be a force in the competition. Numbers at training for the senior squads have been consistent so far, even in the heat of January, and new coach, Grant Coleman, has been impressed with the commitment from many of the

established players and some new recruits.

The weekend saw the arrival in the Valley of the Eagles’ newest recruit, Remy Bueno, from the French First Division Club Toulons.

Bueno, a second rower or lock comes with high recommendations from ex-Macksville coach Brian Woods, and has spent the last month training with the Parramatta Eels.

The Toulons Club are a step below the level of the Superleague Club Catalans, so Remy comes with some experience, though it may take him a little time to acclimatise to the Eagles’ style of play.

Bueno is not the only new signing for the Eagles, with Michael Roberts, Michael Flanders and Dean Edwards having agreed to turn out for Macksville this season, and the club is still on the lookout for new signings.

While the senior numbers at training have been good the Under 18s have been a little disappointing and any juniors intending to play for the Eagles this season are reminded that training is on Tuesday and Thursday at Allan Gillett Oval from 6pm.

Club supporters and players get their first opportunity this year to get together this Sunday when the club is holding a golf day at the Bowraville Recreation Club. This event will be a three man ambrose with a 9am kick off and will cost $10 per player. It will be a good

opportunity to get together early in the season and show your support for the Eagles.

The club’s first games this year will be on Saturday, February 27 when a squad of players will travel to Tamworth to compete in their 7s Competition, while at this stage the club has also set down two trials, the first against Port Macquarie on March 20 at Allan Gillett Oval and the second at Wauchope on the weekend of March 27. The club is also working to get another trial on March 13.