The Maitland Blacks are banking on returning star Michael Howell and their talented youth to return to the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union finals this year.
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Wing Chris Martin and five-eighth Pat Batey make their first grade debuts for the club on Saturday against Southern Beaches at Alan Davis Field.
Loose forward Alistair Fraser will play his second first grade game after debuting late last year.
All three were part of the grand final making second grade team which was coached and captained by this year’s first grade joint-coaches Mick Hickling and Ryan McCormack.
Batey will assume the five-eighth duties in the top grade this season.
“Patrick and Alistair have come through the junior ranks and Chris has spent the past couple of year here as well,” Hickling said.
“We’ve got a quite a good core of young blokes coming through, not just those three, in second grade and colts so hopefully we can hold onto them.
“Hopefully we will introduce some of them into first grade, but certainly into grades from colts.
“Our third grade coach has a big youth policy trying to get as many young players contributing as possible, which is our future..
The Blacks finished seventh last season, despite boasting Anderson Medal winner Nick Davidson, but Hickling said with an ounce of luck they could have converted close losses into wins and made the finals.
Mick (Howell) is an outstanding footballer, he will certainly bolster the ranks.
- Maitland Blacks join-coach Mick Hickling
He said Howell’s return, after two years away playing in France and New Zealand, would bolster the Blacks forwards and cover the loss of James Johnston (work commitments).
“Mick (Howell) is an outstanding footballer, he will certainly bolster the ranks. He is a big powerful young man and he is good to have back on deck,” he said.
“Adam McCarthy will be our halfback. He has been able to sort out work commitments and will be available for us all season, which is great news as well.”
The Blacks play their first home game at Marcellin Park in round three against University after away encounters against Southern Beaches and Nelson Bay.
