Tweed Seagulls’ mission to put last season’s disappointing 13th position finish behind them is seen in not just the tough attitude to pre-season training but in the make-up of Aaron Zimmerle’s 2017 preliminary squad.
Almost 60 per cent of the expanded squad that last week returned to training at Palm Beach Currumbin High School’s excellent facilities are new to the club.
That’s 30 out of the 53 currently training, with several of them experienced at Queensland and NSW Cup level or having come through the NRL’s National Youth League system.
Zimmerle has focused on his squad being bigger and stronger, but he is also looking for players who can compete in the toughest situations at Intrust Super Cup level and young players from varied backgrounds who want to take an opportunity with the Gold Coast Titans’ feeder team.
“Season 2017 will be born from the ashes of 2016, a year in which our proud club struggled to compete with the premier sides in the competition,” said Seagulls coach Aaron Zimmerle, the Queensland Residents coach of the past two seasons.
“While many of last year’s losses came after competing strongly for nearly 60 minutes of each match, the frustration at not being able to get the job done was the angst of both players and coaches alike.
“There will be no excuses though in 2017 as they only way to find success again is through hard work.
“Our pre-season at Palm Beach Currumbin High School has been cornerstone of the rebuild as we have had state of the art training facilities which have allowed many of our rookies like David Sheridan (pictured above), Kirk Murphy and Kobi Annand all add four-plus kgs to their young frames in just the first seven weeks.
“The recruitment has been another key area with six experienced [Queensland or NSW] Cup players being recruited along with four players from the NRL Rookie [TV program], three from the Australian Universities side and a couple even from America.
“Rugged prop Damian Sironen headlines the list after leading Illawarra Cutters and Newcastle Knights to state and national [Cutters] premierships in the last two years.
“Of the current 53 players slogging it out through the pre-season, 30 are new to the club in 2017, which brings new energy and optimism for the season ahead.
The Seagulls start their 2017 campaign with a home clash with Ipswich Jets at Piggabeen on Sunday March 5 at 2pm, the first of three home games in the first four rounds.
For the full Intrust Super Cup 2017 draw, CLICK HERE
The changes to the personnel spreads to off the field as well, with CEO Scott Clark heading the recruitment there.
“We have also promoted minor premier A Grade coach Clint Barends to the Intrust Cup assistant coach position, with the very talented Darryl Fisher taking over the local A Grade side, and we have also added Queensland Residents manager Darren Lingard to the staff.
“This, in conjunction with NRL-experienced Scott Clark taking over as club CEO, has provided us with a really strong team off the field.
“The goal for 2017 will be simply about earning back the respect of our opponents by being that side no one looks forward to playing.”
The squad heads to Ballina for an all-weekend camp later in January and there are some exciting pre-season trial match developments that will be announced next week.
Gains and losses for 2017 include:
MAJOR GAINS
Damian Sironen (Illawarra Cutters)
Lamar Liolevave (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Nick Harrold (Wynnum Manly)
Makenzie Reed (Easts Brisbane)
Lindon McGrady (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Talor Walters (Melbourne Storm NYC)
Jack Cook (Melbourne Storm NYC)
Peter Lee (Rugby Sevens)
Adam Barnes (Tugun)
LOSSES
Will Bugden (Northern Pride)
Cory Blair (retired)
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