MAROOCHY-Northshore coach Roger Delaney reckons the Roos may boast the best ruck combination in the competition next year when it attempts to improve on its disappointing QAFL Division Two campaign of 2011.
After losing a host of players though work commitments and injuries this year, the Roos are set to be the beneficiaries of a committed off-season recruiting drive.
"We're looking to get back some players who were originally from the Sunshine Coast," Delaney said.
One of those talents is Redlands' Jed Turner, who is set to join the Roos.
According to Delaney, Turner will provide the side with plenty of strike power around the ruck alongside Tyson Williams, a standout performer for the club last season.
"I think Tyson and Jed could be the best ruck combination in the competition," Delaney said.
"Tyson is as good as anyone in the league - there's no doubt about that - and Jed is in the same mould," Delaney said of the 190cm, 90kg prospect.
He believed the 21-year-old's presence would help relieve the pressure on Williams, who was overworked last season.
"The job that Tyson has done .... he had to work really hard last year, so we needed another big-bodied player who is also a really skilful player to play with him in the ruck," the coach said.
The Roos are also expected to welcome back Maroochydore product Shaun Fletcher.
"We missed Shaun through work last year. He's back this year and at 6'4 (193cm) is a strong player. We're really excited about him playing again," Delaney said.
"We will look to him to bolster our backline next year and settle it down. He's been a bit of jack of all trades for Maroochydore in the past, I believe."
Leighton Cooper is also expected to lace up for the Roos.
He was based on the Sunshine Coast last year but worked in a mine in Western Australia.
He is likely to spend more time on the Coast next year, allowing him to turn out for the Roos.
"Leighton is a halfback or half-forward wing who is really strong in the tight play and has a huge left boot," Delaney said.
The Roos will also welcome back captain James Page. He missed all but one game last season through injury.
The Roos endured a torrid test in 2011 because of a lack of depth, but Delaney said they should overcome that next year.
"They played as hard as they could and their attitude was fine. We just had a lack of personnel," he said.
"We blooded seven or eight under-18 players this year and they will be better for it."
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Pre Season training for the Roos is already well under way with sessions held at Fisherman's Rd each Tuesday and Tursday from 5.45pm. New players are welcome. Use the contacts page on this site for phone numbers and emails.
Last Modified on 07/01/2013 12:32
