Outgoing Maitland Blacks coach Bobby Tynan believes Wanderers will be too strong for Southern Beaches in this weekend’s Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union grand final.
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Tynan, who has called an end to his five-year senior coaching stint at Maitland after his maiden season in charge of first grade, said the Two Blues showing in their recent preliminary final win was enough to convince him the minor premiers would be able to overcome Southern Beaches at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
“The fairy tale would be Southern Beaches in their first grand final appearance, but my head says Wanderers,” Tynan said.
“After the way they kept turning Merewether around with their kicking game last week I think they will be too strong for Southern Beaches.
“Wanderers also have a good goal kicker in James Wivell and Dan Kevill is one of, if not, the best player in the competition.
“Stranger things have happened in grand finals and I don’t think there will be much in it, but my tip is Wanderers.”
Wanderers will feature in all four premier grand finals in 2014 and will attempt to go one better than the Blacks in both 1998 and 1999 when Maitland won the top three grades but were beaten in fourths on both occasions.
Tynan said Maitland remains the last club to defend their major title in first grade but he won’t be trying to break the Blacks’ 16-year premiership drought in 2015.
Maitland failed to make the top grade semis this season after finishing seventh on the competition ladder and Tynan, who had coached reserves since 2010 including back-to-back title successes, said he was ready to hang up the clip board for the time being.
“I’ve done five years of coaching at the club and I was only ever looking to do one year in first grade,” Tynan said.
“We didn’t quite get the results that we needed but it was pleasing to see improvement throughout the year and the fact we were competitive with a lot of the big sides.
“I think it’s probably time for someone different to come in anyway.”
The Blacks have received several expressions of interest for the position of first grade coach and once applications close at the end of the month they will discuss their options following the club’s annual general meeting at Marcellin Park on October 8.
