Western Clydesdales players show great initiative during pre-season

Western Clydesdales coach Jason Alchin has been through plenty of pre-seasons and isn’t easily impressed. Alchin however has high praise for his side as they focus on their Hostplus Cup return.

RUGBY LEAGUE: It’s still early but the Western Clydesdales are already impressing head coach Jason Alchin.

Alchin and his coaching staff have been working their Hostplus Cup squad hard and the players are already fitting the bill.

“Steve (Nance) told me they’re going really well (at training) which means a lot coming from Steve as he has worked with some of the best,” Alchin said.

“We’ve been training our hearts out and at the moment we are just focusing on ourselves, doing the hard work.

“The squad is about 95 per cent filled, we are just waiting on the last couple of blokes.

“The competition within the team is healthy, they’re all competing for a spot in the 18.”

Alchin also praised the team for the positive community and culture they have been developing in their short time together.

Western Clydesdales coach Jason Alchin.

Building an elite squad from the ground up can be challenging, but the players have taken the initiative according to Alchin.

“The boys are a mixed bunch, we’ve got Indigenous, Polynesian, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Maori and Cook Island boys and along with the local players they’ve created a great culture and environment,” he said.

“They’ve also been helping one-another outside of footy too, which helps the group bond and what you do away from the game has a big impact on how you play.

“The boys from outta town are all really embracing the town and have told me how welcoming and friendly everyone is.”

Despite the fact the 2023 Hostplus Cup is yet to be finalised the Clydesdales already have their sights set on a pre-season friendly.

The team is planning a February match with their opponent to be finalised in the coming weeks.