As the clouds darkened and threatened to unleash on Tuesday afternoon, the guys started to roll in for the first training session of the new season. A buzz was in the air, some new faces, returning players and a new Head Coach. It’s always exciting to get a new season underway, and off the back of such a successful 2023 season for our Knock-On Effect NSW Cup team this one was filled with a sense of even more promise of what is installed for the mighty red & black in 2024.
With a squad of 39 players currently on the pre-season roster the talent in the group is high. 15 returning players from the 2023 season, 17 new signings and 7 train and triallists all gathered together to catch up and introduce themselves. As the players strapped up and warmed up, we chatted to Pat Weisner, KOE NSW Cup Head Coach ahead of the first training session. Click the image below to hear directly from Pat.
Weisner seemed relaxed, prepared and excited to be finally back on the field again. Although the players got to have a good few weeks off, there wasn’t much “off-season” for the team’s head coaching staff. Endless hours of preparation, analysis and planning goes on behind the scenes before the first footy is even passed. “We’re all excited” says Weisner, “It’s really good to have the core group of our team back and these guys will lead the way this season”. He goes on to say that competition for game day positions is important in the team and pushes the players to compete at their best.
As of the 1st November, our player pathway partnership with the Melbourne Storm began and communication between the two clubs has already been solid. Jesse Marschke and Regan Hughes have been selected to do pre-season with the Storm’s NRL squad and begin early next week. In January, new signings Jake Toby and Tui Katoa will also head south to join the Storm at their NRL pre-season camp in Geelong. This is a fantastic opportunity for these players and will bring back more skills to the Bears team on their return.
Round 1 of the 2024 Knock-On Effect Cup kicks off on the weekend of March with trial games scheduled for February. We will release more information once the draw is confirmed. As Weisner says, support the boys on the field by being a Bear off it. Find out more on membership in the below.
