Powell’s puzzle coming together.
THE Grafton Redmen are set to unleash a new-look backline against Coffs Harbour Snappers in the opening round of the Mid North Coast Rugby competition on Saturday in front of a bumper home crowd.
Not lacking any imagination in attack, the backline, with a distinct Fijian flavour, looked dangerous with ball in hand in Grafton’s two trial matches against Casino.
And with a formidable forward pack, first grade coach Gary Powell is optimistic his side has the potential to give the competition a real shake.
For Powell, getting the right combinations in the backline looked a daunting task at the start of the season, however, according to the former premiership winning coach, it proved to be a lot smoother than he first envisaged.
“It has definitely had its challenges, it’s like starting all over again,” Powell said at training during the week.
“But in saying that, the guys who have come into the side this year are suited to a certain position and have played there in the past.
“Last year I was trying to create positions or create players into certain positions, so it really hasn’t been all that difficult this year.
“It’s a new look backline due to losing a lot of players through retirement or moving on.”
Against Casino in two trial games earlier in the season, the Redmen created plenty of scoring opportunities only to see the last pass find the turf.
For Powell, finding the right balance in attack will be paramount if the Redmen are to come away with two competition points on Saturday.
“You have to let the players have creative flair and don’t stifle their natural attack,” Powell said.
“But the side understands we are also trying to secure the ball and not try to score off every play.
“If we can show a little bit more patience, we should be fine.”
Powell added he expects big things from Second-rower Rhys Nelson and outside back Reilly Lawrence – King who have hit the ground running during pre-season trial matches.
