THE SENIOR Nambucca Roosters are reviving their fortunes with the help of a number of recently signed players.
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Talented halfback/five eight, and former Grafton Rebels player, Jay Melrose, has signed with the red, white and blue, as well as local lads Max Macoll and Patrick Sneesby who are back in town after lengthy stints playing interstate.
The appointment of highly credentialled first grade coach Peter Barrett has drawn a number of players, both new and returning, who are all settling (back) into their playing surrounds.
“We’re really happy with the progress,” Peter told the Guardian.
“We’ve got some blokes coming back to the club, some players who many would remember from their junior years who have moved back home, and we have some good imports too.
“There’s a good vibe.”
Other names already signed with Nambucca are Matt Field and Zac Sheppard - back from a year with the Woolgoolga Seahorses, brothers Kade and Jacob Welsh, Edgar Cowell and Ben Welsh.
“And there are plenty more to come,” Peter said.
“From what we’re seeing so far, we’ll be a competitive side, but we’re not making any assumptions about the other teams.
“We’ve still got a way to go, but I’m confident with what’s happening at the moment.”
Matt Field, who will be one of a handful of players to take on a senior role in the team, said it’s been a positive lead up to the season.
“Everyone is really happy and every week we’ve got more and more people turning up to training,” he said.
“And with that the intensity is picking up too.
“Those who have already signed – some whose names have not been released yet – will be a big boost and a huge bonus to the club.
“Everything is looking positive.”
Training for all three Roosters grades is on Tuesday and Thursday, and the committee is still welcoming players who can sign up on these nights and meet the coaches.
The roll-up for reserve grade and Under 18s sides are just as strong with large numbers regularly attending training sessions under the eyes of coaches Peter, Mal Edwards, Rod Hardy and Garren Stig.
“The work of the committee, Peter and Jackson Elphick has been invaluable,” secretary Steve Russo said.
“They’ve been a huge help and led the way with player recruitment and the new club culture.
“From what we’ve already seen, Peter is going to be sensational for the club, he’s passionate and determined to see the club come back from last year.”
*coffs harbour 9s competition The Roosters will kick off their compeititve season in a smaller team format when they send both a senior and junior team to the 9s competition in Coffs Harbour on Saturday before two trial games against Sawtell Panthers and Grafton Rebels.
“Watch this space,” Steve Russo said. “It’s going to be a good year.”
* The Macksville Sea Eagles will also send two squads to the competition after success in last year’s 7s competition which saw the senior side take out number one spot, with the 18s coming in runner-up.