Kyogle Turkeys keen to rebuild

Don Walker in action for Kyogle in the NRRRL. The local rugby league stalwart has been signed as captain-coach of the Turkeys this season.

KYOGLE Turkeys are looking back to the future in order to restore their former glory ahead of the 2010 Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League season.

New club president Andrew Pederson has put the call out for all former Turkeys to return to the club as it looks to rebuild.

Already boosted by signing NRRRL stalwart Don Walker as captain-coach, Pederson is confident the club can turn around its fortunes, which haven’t included finals footy since 2006.

“We are keen to get some of the old Turkeys back and rebuild some club spirit around the place,” Pederson said.

“There are a few blokes hiding out here who would be valuable to the team, so we want them back.”

Pederson believes that a lack of competition from within the squad has led to a mediocre return in recent years, a problem he says can be fixed with recruitment.

“With a squad of just the bare minimum number of players the boys began to get too comfortable,” he said.

“They knew they didn’t have to worry about losing their spot so they weren’t as keen to train.

“Once we get a bit of depth back in the club we will perform better and we will also be able to stop flogging the Under-18s.”

The 2010 NRRRL draw was released during the week – Kyogle kick-off with an away match against Ballina.

Highlights include a first-round derby between Northern United and Marist Brothers as well as a third-round clash between Grafton Ghosts and Grafton Rhinos, which will test the power of a police order prohibiting brothers Danny and Brett Wicks from coming into contact with each other.

Both brothers have drug charges hanging over their heads – the police order forced Ghosts to release Brett, in order to sign former Newcastle Knight Danny.

Last year’s grand finalists, Northern United and Lower Clarence, will have to wait until Round 11 for a rematch of their heart-stopper last September, when Grant Brown nailed a last-minute field-goal to sink Northern United.

Brown has switched camps and will line up for the Dirawongs this season.

The 2009 grand finalists will meet only once in the competition rounds.