Fresh from winning the inaugural Group XI Nines tournament last Sunday, Parkes Spacemen rugby league team will be confident of another strong performance when they play their first trial match tonight against Forbes at Pioneer Oval.
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The Dennis Moran led Spacemen bounced back from a first round loss to CYMS on Sunday to defeat Macquarie in the final in a stirring performance.
While Sunday’s win was a great start to the 2015 season for the Spacemen, Moran said tonight’s match will provide a better indication of how they are progressing.
“We went into Sunday’s event just hoping to get a bit more fitness under our belts,” Moran said.
“Our performance was good and winning was a bonus.
“Tonight’s match will give us a better understanding of what areas we need to work on before we meet Cobar in Round 1.
“It will help us find a bit of cohesion in our structure and will be another good hit out for our fitness.
“Forbes have recruited well in the off season and I think they will be very competitive this year.
“How we do against them will tell us a lot about where we need to be,” he said.
Moran himself will be missing from the line-up for the trial after suffering a rib cartilage injury on Sunday.
One of the positives to arise from Sunday’s tournament was the impact of new recruit Brendan Tago.
The former Sydney Roosters forward was a pivotal player for the Spacemen and scored two tries in the grand final.
“Brendan has been a great addition to the squad,” Moran said.
“It has been interesting to see how the new guys would fit into the group.
“Brendan has been really good at integrating and has shared his vast knowledge and experience with anyone who has wanted to learn.
“If we can keep him fit and on the field, Brendan will be a real force this season,” he said.
While Tago was impressive last Sunday, there were none more so than Epi Sadrodro.
Sadrodro scored three tries in the final and was his usual tireless hardworking self all day.
The experienced lock will play a major role for the Spacemen again this season.
Other new players for the Spacemen this season include the experienced Kevin Frank, Englishman Brad Davis, and promising younger players Keaton Harris, Jack Medlyn, Dylan Phillips and Aubrey Neilsen.
“There is good competition for places, especially in the forwards,” Moran added.
“I can not remember a team that has boasted so many good forwards as the one this year.
“It bodes well for our season.
“How well we bond as a club, not just a team, will go a long way to determining our fortunes.
“It makes for better performances on the field if everything is going well at the club.
“The committee is doing a good job and all the sponsors are right behind us.
“We want to grow the numbers of supporters at games and hope to get everyone back to the Leagues Club afterwards,” he said.
