Western Clydesdales building new Hostplus Cup season identity
The Western Clydesdales threw their young guns and new stars into action against Carina Tigers at the weekend. We reveal the key areas they can improve in here and the major talking points going into Round 1.
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Western Clydesdales fans were given a first-hand look at the club’s ‘close and distant’ futures on Sunday.
Players from the club featured in two curtain raiser matches at Toowoomba Sports Ground ahead of the sold out NRL trial between Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans.
Featuring some of the Darling Downs and South West region’s best young footballers the City vs Country clash kicked off proceedings.
The match serves as an opportunity for players on the fringe of Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga squad selection to stake their claim for a spot and show their skills.
The gritty clash went down to the wire with Country securing a gritty 14-6 win.
The Clydesdales Hostplus Cup then stepped onto the field – playing host to Carina.
Tigers were runaway victors in the match securing a 40-14 win.
With his side turning in a gritty performance against Ipswich the week before Clydesdales coach Jason Alchin opted to rest more than 15 players for the Tigers clash.
Here’s our look at the major talking points from the clash.
Second look
A host of the Clydesdales young guns and new signings featured against the Tigers on Saturday.
After starting a near full strength side against longtime rivals Ipswich Jets last week, Alchin opted to give other players a second chance to stake their claims ahead of Round 1.
“Trials are just that trials,” Alchin said.
“I thought the trial against Ipswich last week went really well.
“I made the decision to rest 17 players this week so we could have a second good look at a number of players in the squad.
“We bought in more than 20 new players in the off-season and this was an opportunity to see what they’re capable of.”
If the last two seasons have proven anything it is the fact Alchin will need to draw on the talents of his whole squad.
The better understanding Alchin and his coaching team have now – the better prepared they will be for the season ahead.
Attacking misstep
A lack of composure in the attacking 20m cost the Clydesdales last season.
The side often found themselves in the right position but rushed decisions and indicisvness cruelled their chances in attack.
At the weekend the Clydesdales looked composed and made decisions quickly but were unable to convert those opportunities in repeat sets or points.
“We got ourselves into some good positions,” Alchin said.
“We missed some good opportunities to score a few more points – just through making the wrong decision.
“At the same time there were some aspects I liked, things we did well.
“It’s all part of the process – trying things and fine tuning.”
New identity
Culture and hard work are the bedrock on which Alchin builds everyone of his teams.
From day one Alchin has committed to playing a brand of football that suits his players and not forcing his players in a particular style.
With more than 20 new players joining this year, the Clydesdales pre-season has been all about establishing and cementing their new identity.
“We have a new identity this year, a different way we want to play compared to previous seasons,” Alchin said.
“It will take a little bit of time to gel but we’re really working on that.
“On Sunday we wanted to see a few things – confirm what we saw and thought about some players, trial some combinations – and we did that against Tigers.
“We don’t want them (the players) to be robots, you need structure but at the same time you want them to have faith, back themselves, their abilities and teammates when the situation arises.
“We have some great young men in this side and I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve.”
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