Sport
24 January, 2022
Gladiators gear up 2022 season
DESPITE rainy days, the Mareeba Gladiators have managed to get on the field several times over the past few weeks as they begin their preseason training for 2022.
The Gladiators managed to stretch their legs out last year just before Christmas and have now resumed training in recent weeks.
With a wealth of experience as a seasoned player, coach and Mareeba Gladiator’s junior, Chris Sheppard has come on board to lead the Gladiators in the 2022 season, juggling duties as Mareeba’s coach and coach of the Northern Pride U16 squad.
Sheppard said the Gladiators had a good season last year with their performances not being reflected by their placement on the ladder.
“The boys played pretty well last year but just come up short in a few games, probably where they finished didn’t indicate how well they played,” he said.
“We had a lot of games where we lost by two or four points, this year we certainly hope to keep that effort level just looking to execute a bit better where it matters.
“We’re developing here bit by bit at training, the boys are going good, efforts good, attitudes good so we’ll just keep pushing.”
Sheppard stated this season the Gladiators will be looking to recruit more local, up and coming players to join their A grade ranks, as well as blooding promising juniors and younger players.
The Gladiators are looking to take this season one step at a time and play each game as it comes. The first games of the season will be two trial matches, one against Mount Isa and the other against Atherton before the regular season kicks off.
