This year J3 Black welcomed 7 new players to the team along with 6 returning players.

We quickly identified that our strength was with our forwards and although the results overall were not as hoped, we certainly contested in the forwards early and often dominated both ours and the oppositions ball frequently in the rucks.

No one will forget the site of the one-man wrecking ball, Dylan running the ball up like a man possessed and being backed up with the balance of our forwards blowing over and securing the ball.

Although the season was short and the early results didn’t go our way, I have no doubt that had we played a full season, the back end would have grown us to become a competitive team. Having so many new players and new coaches can be unsettling, but we were certainly starting to find our way as a team.

In the first 3 games, we suffered heavy defeats but in the last 4 games, as we found our mojo, we were only a few frustrating tries away from victories, often holding leads through the game.

It was an absolute pleasure to coach this team, being well supported by Isileli and Mike helping with the backs, Managed by Jenni and with a great and supportive group of parents and supporters.

A big thank you to all the kids as I often paced the sideline and offered words of “guidance/encouragement” in excess of 150 decibels.