It’s been a long pre-season for the Macquarie Raiders and not everything has exactly gone to plan but hopes are high heading into Saturday’s opening round match with Nyngan.
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The Raiders have been one of the most hard-working sides during pre-season, having begun working in late November, and a number of new faces have been well integrated into the side.
But in terms of on-field action the side has been struck by a number of injuries, leaving the side barely noticeable to the one which was defeated in the semi-finals by the Tigers last season.
“Obviously the boys are keen to start,” captain and co-coach Zac Rennick said.
“We had a few trials and played at the Mudgee Nines so we’re looking forward to kicking off.
“We’ve had a good preparation for the season ahead but we’re still working on combinations but you work on that on the field.”
Off the field, the club is still coming to terms to life without Perry Meredith.
The Macquarie stalwart passed away late last year and Saturday’s round one match will be the Perry Meredith Memorial Day with the club holding a function at the South Dubbo Tavern after the game.
“It’s a big day and obviously an emotionally charged day,” Rennick said.
“It’s the first game since Pez lost his life but we’ll all come together.”
The Raiders take on Nyngan on Saturday, having been beaten by them earlier in pre-season, and Rennick pointed to the Tigers’ “massive” forward pack as a real danger.
Former NRL player Stewart Mills has come onboard as captain-coach at Nyngan and will line up in the second row while Jacob Neill again starts at halfback.
In huge news for Nyngan, Western Rams hooker and one of the stars of 2016 Reece Goldsmith has returned to the club after initially pointing towards leaving at the end of last campaign.
For Macquare, Josh Merritt is still missing through suspension while the versatile Mason Williams will miss the entire season with a broken shoulder and halfback Etuate Gusuivalu and centre Kiyan Shaw are also facing long stints on the sideline with elbow and knee injuries.
New recruits Willie Wright and Kurt Fuller, the latter returning to his junior club from Westside, will line up in the halves while fellow former Rabbitoh Blaize Fuller is at fullback and Matt Lane steps up to fill the Jeremy Smith-shaped void at hooker.
“Willie came over from Walgett and he’s played in the trials and was really impressive and Kurt has played long enough, he’s a first grader and will do a job for us.”
The action starts with League Tag at 1.30pm.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
