Rugby League season kicks off

The Central Coast Rugby League season kicked off on Sunday, April 11, with defending Premiers, Woy Woy RLFC hoping to fend off strong challenges from a revitalised competition to win back to back premierships in the shadow of a large black bear.

Woy Woy, like many other football clubs, experienced many player changes during the off season.

Losses were Simon Chappell, Keiran Casey, and Warren Staunton to Umina, Danny Mamo to St Marys, Rob McTeare to The Entrance, Adam Wade who is touring and Shane McDermott to Joondalup in WA.

Gains in the off season were Jade Mason from Gosford, Nathan Grey from Erina, Roger Best from the London Broncos, Duncan smith from Keighley (UK), Nathan Johnson form Coogee Dolphins and Luke Moffit from the Queanbeyan Blues.

Additionally, Dave Maryska has returned after trialing with Manly and five Central Coast Juniors have returned from North Sydney. They are Adam Moore, Shane Ward, Danny Somerville, Corey Jaeger and John Griffin.

Coach Alan Emery is looking to the more experienced players such as Paul Heffernan, Craig Eveleigh, Hayden Berry and Jason Carpenter to assist the younger players to gain the confidence and experience to be able to take the final step up to first grade.

Apart from winning the first grade premiership last year, the club was also proud to have had Hayden Berry selected for Country Seconds.

Jason Carpenter won the Sterland Medal as best and fairest player on the Central Coast and Dave Maryska achieve the status of highest point scorer on the Central Coast. Last year will be a hard season to top.

This year sees the return of the Umina Bunnies to the competition making it one of the strongest competitions for some time.

Round 1 saw a tight grand final replay with Woy Woy controversially edging out Erina 8-6. Umina lost to Ourimbah/Wyoming 16-30.

Round 2 will see Woy Woy play The Entrance and Umina play Gosford/Northern Lakes.

Woy Woy is currently running third after round one, equal on points but separated by goal difference.

All past and present players are invited to The Old Pub on Tuesday, 20 April for a send off for Noel Annand.