For veteran front rower Peter Cronin, it is as strong a playing roster as he has been associated with.
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For coach Matt Lantry, it is nothing short of the premiership that is the goal.
That's the level of confidence in the Maitland Pickers camp heading in to the new Newcastle Rugby League season.
"It's only a team on paper at this stage - we haven't played a game yet - but geez,it's a strong squad, we've got to be looking at winning it," Cronin said in this week's episode of The Mercury's Sport Talk
The Pickers have their first hit out of the season on Saturday when they play in the Kurri Nines.
Coach Lantry says he couldn't be happier with the team's pre-season training, with one major setback. Senn Kane, a new recruit from Wests Tigers has suffered a broken foot.
"It's a blow to us because he was training the house down," Lantry said. "You really just have to let it heal."
Bandy sends his best
Former Maitland player Mick Threlfo caught up with Pickers legend Don "Bandy" Adams in Scone this week.
Threlfo said Adams, an Australian Kangaroo (he toured in 1956), three-time Maitland premiership player, NSW and NSW Country representative, is doing OK.
"He said to say hello to all Pickers fans and wished good luck to Matt (Lantry) and the club for 2020," Threlfo said.
"My dad (South Sydney premiership player Frank) always said there was no better player than him."
Back to school for Lantry
Matt Lantry will be head coach of All Saints College St Mary's Campus in this year's school competitions including the prestigious Tier A Schoolboy Cup competition.
In his role as Rugby League Academy director, Lantry said the academy was privileged to be provided with the "opportunity to work with such an excellent school within the local Maitland community and contribute to such a rich Rugby League history within the campus".
Pickers star signing Alex Langbridge has joined the academy team delivering programs on the Central Coast.
Bulldogs barking
A great chance to hear the plans from the NRL Bulldogs and Newcastle RL Bulldogs coaches on Saturday, March 7.
The Kurri Kurri Old Boys are hosing Canterbury coach and former Australian player Dean Pay and Kurri coach Mitch Cullen in a double act.
Tickers are $60 per head which includes beer/wine on arrival and dinner. To book contact Jason Linnane (0417 419 408) or Brett Cullen (0417 420 937).