The Robertson Spuddies is set to make a move to the Group 7 competition in 2018.
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The club will move from the Group 6 competition, and play nine home games and several away games on the South Coast.
Robertson Spuddies president Doug Tilley said the club wanted to play “harder football”, and the club has previously attempted to move to the Group 7 competition. “There’s a lot of challenges to overcome – we have to be a bit more professional, playing harder football,” Tilley said. “We’re ecstatic – it’s something we’ve wanted to do for the last few years.”
The club has also named its coaches for the 2018 season.
Next year the reserve grade side will be coached by Steve Ross.
Ross has experience as an assistant coach at the Kiama Knights, and has coached junior representative football in Group 7.
He was also an Australian Schoolboy representative player, and played lower grades at the Dragons and the Sharks before an injury ended his playing career.
In 2018 the third grade side will be coached by Damien Barton. Barton performed well in the 2017 season, and was a stand-out player in both grades.
He brings a wealth of coaching experience to the position. Tilley said the majority of players wanted to stay on and play with the club in the Group 7 competition. “I assume a few young blokes will play for Moss Vale,” he said. “[Group 7] has put all of their faith in us. We want to stay for as long as possible.”
We’re ecstatic – it’s something we’ve wanted to do for the last few years.
- Robertson Spuddies president Doug Tilley
Group 6 Rugby League executive officer Stephen Hazelton said the second grade cup and shield competitions will merge into one large competition next year.
“This will mean a difference in quality. There will be some stand-out teams,” Hazelton said. “We wish Robertson good luck and we hope they have a good season.”