Hi, this is Tom Gardener, utility back and Tim Coughlan specialist front row giving the first players blog of the IDRC 2011. We aim to give a player perspective of the competition and we can only hope to emulate Eric’s fine literature style!
We’re still not 100% from the journey; Josh Mcnally’s legs have only just stopped swelling over his boots, Lloyds head is slowly returning to its normal shape, however Lance’s head is still swollen. Our recovery is being aided by the fantastic facilities here at RAAF Glenbrook, especially with a excellent breakfast this morning, some very dapper attire is being sported by the boys in the Officers Mess however, how long some of the attire will fit is questionable as Rory ‘2 Puds’ Wood lived up to his name.
After breakfast we set off for our first full days training session at Penrith Rigby Club Football Club. Excellent efforts and positive attitude helped us move on to set pieces and backs moves. The forwards took an intense and physical scrimmage session, where competition for places proved to be fierce. Josh ‘Prosthetic leg’ McNally decided he wasn’t cut out for the tight five and went to watch the backs. Our ¾’s started putting the pieces together for what will prove to be some effective strike moves in the IDRC. The team collectively worked on defence, which we will use this season as a weapon to put us on the front foot. As a reward for our efforts the coaching staff allowed us an hour in Penrith Westfield Plaza. Unfortunately 5 boys were late back to the bus, the stench of punishment now hangs heavy in the air.
After another fine meal in the Glenbrook Officers Mess we held a team meeting. The itinerary for the next few days was covered and levels of commitment expected of us. There are fixed feelings of apprehension and excitement in the air now as the reality of our first fixture against PNG looms ahead. Everyone is eager to play and desperate to be in the starting 15. Dave Hankinson also introduced a morale boosting game called ‘the waiting’.
