THE Moree Boomerangs will take on Glenn Innes Magpies this Sunday, with coach Chris Binge promising a fiery start to the season.
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“The team is confident with their pre-season training and the players are looking forward to the game,” he said.
Binge is determined to lift up the team’s score, saying recent performances had fallen short to the player’s true potentials.
“The Boomerangs had a good and successful run between 2013 and 2016, but the team’s performance has tailed off over the recent years,” he said.
Binge said he has gone back and reviewed past plays, focusing on training and game strategy. He said he has already seen a return to form at pre-season training.
”I am happy with the way everybody has improved in the lead-up to the season. It puts the Moree Boomerangs club as a whole in a competitive position.”
The team has trained tirelessly to improve their fitness levels, running through strength, conditioning and cardio exercises.
“We’ve alternated our training to emulate the game situation. I’m making players reach a state of tiredness and then training them on ball drills and skills. They learn how to think during levels of fatigue, preparing them for the game. You’re in a different mindset when you start a game to when you’re in the middle of one.”
READ MORE: Magpies to take on Moree Boomerangs.
Binge said it also helped the team with the recently completed football ground.
“Hopefully our club house is only three or four months away from completion, and that way the club will be able to enjoy all the facilities.”
Binge has been coaching the team since 2013, saying he knows the players won’t let him down.
“I’ve had the opportunity of coaching a lot of these younger kids, watching them grow up and step up to the A-Grade team.”
He said selecting this year’s A-Grade team was about achieving one thing.
“The team is to balance experienced players with younger recruits.”
On that note, Binge said he was happy with the talent of the new players.
“Kyle Butler has made his way from Wyong to play as a front rower. He has played in some NSW Cups and for A-Grade in the Wyong competition.”
U18s Josh Walker will also be stepping in for the first time.
“He’s an absolute talent: a bit of a jewel player. He’ll set the game alight.”
Josh has played for the Black Boars at Weebola and already drawn the attention of some NRL clubs.
We’ve alternated our training to emulate the game situation. I’m making players reach a state of tiredness and then training them on ball drills and skills. They learn how to think during levels of fatigue, preparing them for the game. You’re in a different mindset when you start a game to when you’re in the middle of one.
- Chris Binge
New recruit Jordan Binge will be taking up centre position, and has more than proven he is up to the challenge, according to Binge.
Shannon Swan from Narrabri, James Creighton, Peter Duncan, Alan McKenzie and Brett Wright will be making a comeback.
“Brett’s pre-season training has been phenomenal. He’s a strong, young kid with great agility who has covered the back and centre rows. His leadership is something the team looks forward to: he is someone who does what he says, he leads by example. When he’s on the front foot, the other players will follow him,” Binge said.
With the A-Grade team pretty much sorted, Binge was quick to point out the list was always open to revision.
“Everyone’s fighting for a spot. We haven’t had a turnout like this for a couple of years. That means things are more competitive and players will be assessed on their performances week in and week out.”
With good pre-season training behind them and a list of strong players on the team, Binge said it was now only a matter of making it to the first game.
“It’s going to be a three hour drive to Glen Innes. Whether or not the training has paid off, the proof will be in the pudding. We’re going to take it one step at a time.”
The maiden game will launch at Mead Park, Glen Innes.