Sport
1 March, 2022
Roosters trial match ready
ATHERTON Senior Roosters head coach Graham Clark has named his squad for this Saturday’s rugby league pre-season trial match against the Herbert River Crushers at Ingham.
A host of local youngsters and familiar faces have been included in the Hit 97.9 Tablelands Roosters first grade side for the opening 2022 outing which also marks the start of season 104 for the Atherton club.
Many of the clubs seasoned campaigners have been rested for the trip south on Saturday which gives the young brigade a chance to impress in the red, white and blue.
Former Malanda Eels junior Caleb Dawson will make his first grade debut in the number 12 jersey on Saturday after a standout season with the Roosters 2021 under-18 side which went one game short of the grand final.
“Pre-season training has been strong and enjoyable and I’m looking forward to starting the year with a win in Ingham on Saturday,’’ Dawson said.
“Everyone is keen for a great season ahead and there is a very good feeling around the club.”
On Saturday, Dawson will play with other former Malanda junior team mates, Kiyarn Porter and Oskar Coutts, who both debuted for the Roosters in 2021, while Connor Griffin makes a welcome return after a two-year absence.
Playing for the Roosters on Saturday are Nick Pratten, Jordan Skeen, Kiyarn Porter, Nigel Woodleigh, Favour Kazum, Daryl Grant, Jermaine Pedro, Anthony Curcio, Connor Griffin, James Coyle, Tyson Burchell, Caleb Dawson, Matt Baillie, Oskar Coutts, Adam Molloy, Brendon Power, Lachlan Payne, Kyle Wyatt, Trent Molloy.
The trial will be played at Ingham’s Artie Gofton Oval and kicks off at 5.30pm.
Following the Ingham trip, the Roosters are set to host further 2022 pre-season trials on March 12 and 19 at the Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium.
