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That’s the message from Maitland Pickers captain-coach Luke Dorn and his team going into the 2018 Newcastle Rugby League season.
And Dorn and his bolstered playing group don’t want it any other way.
“It’s a big challenge ahead of us to return to the finals, but it’s one we think we can achieve and want the Pickers fans to get behind,” he said.
“What a way to start the season. A Coalfields clash against Cessnock, we can’t wait to get out on the Maitland Sportsground in front of hopefully a stadium packed with Maitland fans.
“We’ve had some tough times over the past years, but they are over. We are back home in a fantastic facility and no longer have to play out of Coronation Oval which was killing us.
“We have the backing of Club Maitland City so we’re financially sound. There’s no more excuses. It’s time for us to deliver on the field.”
Former Canberra Raider and Newcastle Knight Adam Clydsdale heads a major influx of new talent to the club to build on a strong core of Maitland juniors and last year’s key signing giant former NRL forward Dane Tilse.
The club’s 2016 best and fairest Geordie Connelly returns adding versatility across a range of positions.
The Pickers have retained Newcastle rep players Jarrod Smith (hooker) and Lachlan Smith (forward) along with premiership forwards Jacob Sinclair and Brenton Horwood.
Young back-rower Tylar Carter has continued his stellar form from last year in trials, Rob Mason is fit and firing and Pat Robards is likely to return by round three.
Dorn and his recruiters have bolstered depth across the field but in particular in the backs.
Young halfback Ryan Walsh (Kurri), Scott Williams a centre/back-rower from Concord Burwood in the Ron Massey Cup, Tim Watson (Scone), Ethan Niszczot (Kurri) and Nelson Bay trio Drew Watkins, Isaac Upton and Tyler Perrin all join the Pickers in 2018.
“We want to build our game on defence,” Dorn said.
“Offensively last year we were in the top four teams in terms of statistics, probably until three-quarters into the season. But we were the worst defensive team by far.
“If we could have improved our defence by two tries a game we probably would have been in the top four in terms of statistics and playing finals .
“If we can defend well and nullify other team’s strengths we will have enough in attack to be able to score points.
“But if we’re not giving ourselves a shot in terms of what we’re doing when we are defending, in terms of attitude and effort, then it doesn’t matter how good our attack is.”
The Pickers have an abundance of talent in playmaking roles with hookers Clydsdale and Smith and halves Hayden Grainger, Perrin and Walsh in the mix for the opening game against Cessnock.
“I think everyone has given themselves a good chance. Ultimately someone will get the nod probably on gut feel because there hasn’t been a whole lot of difference between them, they’ve all impressed me,” Dorn said.
“The situation is there are going to be a lot of good players who don’t get picked.
“I can guarantee though that the first 17 picked will not be the final 17 picked for the season, it’s just the way things are with injuries and form all coming into play.
“We’ve got greater depth now and competition for spots to deal with that.”
Saturday’s game is the Harry Hofman memorial round, with a tribute before the reserves game at. Action starts from 10.30am with Ladies League Tag. First grade is at 3.30pm.