THE Phantoms are charging towards the 2018 Southern Inland Rugby Union season, announcing their leadership structure for the year.
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Both the senior men’s side and the Dianas are hoping to successfully defend their premiership winning titles from last year, but there has been some change at the club.
Before announcing the leadership team, Matt Allen spoke about the captain of last year’s drought-breaking premiership winning team Bill Bevan.
Bevan has been training with the squad, but is preparing to move to Sydney.
“Bill has informed the club his last game will be against Wagga City in round three,” Allen said.
“Bill is the first Phantom to come right through from our junior ranks to play first grade and then captain (the side) to a premiership.
“This achievement and his commitment to the club’s success should be recognised by all.”
Tim Rolls and Noa Rabici were announced as first grade co-captains.
Both Rolls and Rabici were integral members of last year’s team. Rabici was also a joint winner of last year’s Bill Castle Medal and was to play in the NRC with the North Sydney Rays after last season.
However, an injury during the final series ended those plans.
“It’s great to have Noa back and he is looking extremely fit and sharp at training since his return, while I believe ‘Rollsy’ will be able to develop a positive relationship with referees,’’ club president Tim Allen said.
“Bevan was on hand to see the 2018 captains announced and congratulate them.
Numbers at Phantoms training are improving and the club has also had some familiar faces returning such as Chris Capstick and Chas Marshall, boosting depth in second grade.
Second grade will again captained by Simon Wallace, while the club is expecting a few new boys from Fiji to bolster the ranks.
Kaitlin McKay was announced as captain of the Dianas for 2018, as the team rebuilds after a dominant five years as competition front runners.
“At only 19 years of age Kaitlyn becomes the Dianas most senior and experienced player, having represented both Southern Inland and the ACT Brumbies,” said Dianas coach Luke Collins.
After last years’ premiership success a number of players have started families, others have moved from Leeton and some have retired, while Aimee Spowart, who was intending to play, has suffered a season-ending work injury.
“All these players should be recognised for their achievements over the past five years, but the club is looking forward to developing the next generation of Diana’s who will carry on the (team’s) legacy,” Tim Allen said.
“Our junior pathways are beginning to bear fruit, with Felicity Allen joining the squad this year after playing in the junior Viva competition and hopefully her sister Sarah will joins us in 2019.”
