Gunnedah Red Devils first grade coach Daniel Martin was upbeat after the senior men’s squad had its first hit-outs of the year last Saturday, two weeks before round one of the Central North Rugby Union (CNRU) season.
Although the Red Devils men lost both of their fixtures at the ‘Tamworth Test’, the results weren’t the key focus for the players or coaching staff.
Thirty-three Gunnedah players made the trek to the Tamworth Rugby Union Club (aka ‘The Nest’) as there was a mix of first graders, reserve graders and newcomers, with Martin saying he was familiar with about 75 per cent of the squad.
The turnout was bigger than Martin expected, while he said the occasion was all about gaining match practice and dusting off the cobwebs.
With Martin and his assistant coaches keen to give everyone a run while the matches comprised 20-minute halves, the Red Devils fielded a different squad of 15 for each half.
The Red Devils were beaten 24-5 by the Tamworth Magpies before going down 19-10 to the Newcastle Wanderers, with Martin missing the second outing due to another commitment.
Martin nonetheless said the Gunnedah players gave a good account of themselves, while there were more positives than negatives.
“There are some promising signs from all the guys who were there,” he said.
“The signs are we’ll be competitive.
“We’ve got something to work with.”
Martin said he still had a lot to think about, as the Red Devils prepare for their season-opening clash with reigning premier Quirindi on April 11.
Ashton Harris puts boot to ball. Photos: Gunnedah Rugby Club.
