Arrivals: Hamish Pearce (Coffs Swans), Matthew Green (Henty), Paul Harris (Ardlethan Ariah Park Mirrool), Adam Wright (Royal Park Football Club), Omphile Temoso (Botswana)
Departures: Glen Northway, Anthony Reid, Richard Malone
Coach: Brendan Meehan
Captain: Not yet Named
In 2008 the New England Nomads again played finals and were competitive in most of their games. The Nomads always struggle over the Uni holidays and this year will be no different, however they only have one lot of holidays to contend with this year. The Nomads have also had a big exodus of players this year as a number of their players have completed their studies and are moving onto the next phase of their lives. The Nomads have lost their Captain, Glen Northway, which will be a huge loss for them. Northway was the premier fullback in the Country Energy TAFL. Northway was the lynch pin in defence for the Country Energy TAFL Rep team at the Wagga Wagga Championships last year. In that campaign Northway suffered from shin splints on the final day and was moved to full forward and almost helped the Country Energy TAFL to a memorable win. Anthony Reid is another that has left and the Nomads will miss him giving their rovers first use of the ball at ruck contests. The Nomads will also miss their ball magnet in the centre Richard Malone. Malone has been the Nomads clearance king at the centre bounces over the past couple of years.
On the arrivals front for the Nomads most of them come from Aussie Rules playing backgrounds. The big exception and I mean big, is 6'7" Omphile Temoso from Botswana. Temoso has a background in volleyball and soccer but it is his height that the Nomads are excited about. Temoso made an impressive debut in the Tablelands Cup and showed that he is listening to Coach Brendan Meehan and learning quickly.
I think the Nomads will struggle early on this year as the new group learn to play together. The Nomads are a big chance to miss the finals for only the second time since 2004.
Last Modified on 27/05/2009 08:45