Sport
11 December, 2023
Roosters put in the hard yards
DETERMINED to be in top condition by the start of the FNQRL season, the Atherton Senior Roosters have been in the thick of training, enduring challenging runs under the guidance of their new head coach, Joel Riethmuller.
The weekend saw a change of scenery as the team shifted their training venue from the Roosters' home base to the Golden Triangle Avocados farm at Kairi.
The session unfolded on a mapped-out course around the farm, incorporating a unique twist – players carrying bags of spuds throughout the two-hour run.
Coach Riethmuller said he has been impressed with the 2024 squad's effort so far in the pre-season training, which started back in early November.
“Everyone is putting in a strong effort, and we will fit for the start of the new season," he said.
“It was a hard test at the farm on Saturday and the players really enjoyed the different training format and all pulled up okay.”
The Senior Roosters have added another quality name to their 2024 lineup with the signing of prop forward Aiden Day, who brings Northern Pride and Foley Shield experience to Atherton.
Day has played with the Suburbs and Kangaroos clubs in the local competition and will be a great mentor for the younger players at the Roosters.
Day said his decision was easy as he was keen to link up again with coach Joel Riethmuller and another recent Roosters signing Davin Crampton.
“I was with Joel and Davin at the Northern Pride, and we have a lot of respect for each other," he said.
“There weren't any second thoughts about the change once I knew they were at Atherton, and I'm really happy to be part of the Roosters in 2024"
The Atherton Senior Roosters host their first FNQ rugby league trial against Mareeba in March.
