Defending premiers, Collegians are aiming for three titles in a row after coming up trumps in the last two completed seasons in the MOJO Homes Illawarra Cup, in 2019 and 2022. Russ Haylock reports.
New head coach Peter Hooper has some big shoes to fill, taking over from Nathan Fien, who won three titles in four seasons at the helm and is now an assistant coach to Wayne Bennett at the NRL Dolphins. However, Hooper is familiar with the Club, having been involved with the Under 18s programs for several seasons, and says his team is ready for the challenges ahead.
A look at last season: Collegians were solid throughout 2022, finishing third and winning nine of their 12 matches. They had to do it the hard way in the finals, defeating De La Salle in the first round before avenging two regular season losses to Thirroul by beating them in the grand final qualifier. They then took on rivals Wests in the grand final and won a thriller by 12-10, defeating the Devils in a grand final for the second completed season in a row.
New Signings: While Collies have retained much of their playing group from last season, there have been some spots the Club has had to fill moving into this season. Last year’s top-try scorer Jason Gillard has taken on an opportunity in the Queensland Cup with the Sunshine Coast Falcons, while young gun Ben Rumble is plying his trade with the Dragons Jersey Flegg outfit. Fullback Alec Reid will also be missing this season; however, they have covered these absences with players from within the Club and some new faces for the season ahead.
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Trial Matches: Collegians have played out one trial match in the lead-up to this season, hosting the Belconnen Sharks in what coach Hooper says was an important hit-out for the team. Some of their key players also featured in Illawarra South Coast representative colours at the Men’s Country Championships level, with Blake Phillips, Josh Dowel, Sam McCann, and Jarrod Thompson all featuring for the senior team.
Early Fixtures:
- Round 1 vs Corrimal (Away)
- Round 2 vs Dapto (Away)
- Round 3 vs Thirroul (Home)
Peter Hooper, Head Coach: “Nathan has left the Club in a really good place. The playing group we’ve got, they set the standard for themselves, and they’re really high.
“For me, it’s about getting the juniors coming through and gelling with the senior blokes so we know we’re all on the same page. It’s all about communication, and then they can work together as one rather than as individuals.
“If you don’t turn up each week and prepare, you’re probably going to get beaten, so with such an even playing field, we’ll have to make sure we turn up each week.
“The boys are really just wanting to play some footy at the moment, so we’re just really excited for Round 1.”
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