By Trent Thomas
The Illawarra Cutters launched their 2015 NSW Cup season at the Illawarra Steelers Club on Thursday.
Head Coach Scott Logan believes all his players are excited to get back on the field and put into practice what they have been working on in the off season.
While reluctant to reveal any tricks up his sleeve, Logan admits his players will keep things relatively simple aiming to maximize possession.
With a large number of St George Illawarra Dragons first-graders named in his team Logan believes the similar systems in the Cutters and Dragons means there won’t be a steep learning curve for his new players.
“It’s been a long pre-season and three trials put us in good shape to start the new campaign and the boys are itching to get out there,” said Logan.
“We are excited to see if we an implement what we put in place in the pre-season.
“I can’t reveal too much, but what we do will be relatively simple and have a nice completion rate limit our errors, and have as much possession as we can.”
“We are using systems from the Dragons but I have been able to work on building a culture and implementing things I believe in strongly.”
Cutters Player of the Year Shannen Wakeman is looking forward to continuing his try scoring form from last season after spending the pre-season with the first grade squad.
With a goal of playing first grade Wakeman feels ready to go as he aims to help the Cutters play good football starting with this Saturday against the Mount Pritchard Mounties.
“Hopefully I get a couple a tries this season and do my part for the team,” said Wakeman.
“The team have really bonded during the break and we are all in a good place.
“I just want to play really good football for the Cutters but making my first-grade debut for the Dragons is the goal so if I keep playing good football then I’ll get that chance.”