Wateford expects tough Coalfield initiation against Cessnock

“I’ve heard about these games, but I’m not too aware of the tradition behind it. I do know I’ve got to be ready,” Waetford said as the Pickers prepare to host Cessnock on Saturday.

“I know a few of the players in the Cessnock team and they’ve got some pretty big boys so it’s going to be a physical one with the grudge match feel.”

Waetford said he was still feeling the after effects of the Pickers thrilling win against Central Newcastle on Sunday.

“I was saying to the boys, it was one of the best wins I had felt in a long time,” he said.

“I’m still feeling sore.

“I had heard good things about the comp and knew it was going to be hard. The standard is good.”

Waetford has moved into an attacking fullback role, after playing in the halves for the past two seasons with the Warriors NSW Cup side.

“The role of the fullback has changed big time and I’m getting older now so trying to match it with what those fellas do is a challenge,” he said.

“You’ve always got be around the park, try to get around the ball and work in defence.”

Waetford said as Sunday’s game progressed the understanding between himself and partnering halves Tyler Perrin and Zebastian Luisi improved.

“It’s a new halves partnering and we are  still trying to adapt to the game plans. I like the mix of experience and youth and once we started to understand each other’s game and roles it worked well,” he said.

Waetford says the Pickers will ­benefit for the hit-out having their first serious game with the new game 

plan and ironing out some technical aspects. But defensive attitude was one area that was spot on from the beginning of Sunday’s match.

“There wasn’t a great deal of technique, but the attitude was right,” he said. 

“The boys were there for each other. 

“The tackling was amazing. If they made a break there were players in numbers to get him. 

“We might struggle a little bit this year, with rotations, people pulling out because of work commitments, and the size of the team. 

“But if that defensive attitude is right you are always in the game.”