NEW Norths Tigers coach Mick Newton has assembled a posse of intimidating forwards to try and end the club’s premiership drought next year..
Former Ipswich Jets forwards Mark Appleton, Fred Tilla and Col Holcombe are committed to the club for the 2014 season.
Tilla was the Jets FOGS Cup player of the year for 2012.
Former Canberra Raiders contracted player Appleton joined the Jets in 2012 but struggled to break into the Queensland Cup squad in 2012 before moving to Souths Logan this year.
Holcombe played with the Jets in 2010 and played for Norths in 2011.
“For the last couple of seasons, Norths have been not too far away,” Newton said.
“We were missing a couple of key spots so we’ve recruited a couple of good sized forwards.
“We had plenty of quality in the backs last season.
“It was just a matter of keeping them on the park.
“We’re looking at youth as well.”
As well he might, having guided the Norths under-18s to the grand final this year.
Newton will look to blood some of them in 2014 and believes some are already capable of making the transition successfully.
“Spencer Fitzpatrick could have definitely played A-grade this year,” he said of the half. “And Ritchie Lowe is quality.
“He’s a fullback who could play a number of positions.”
Newton knows where he wants to see the team improve and will turn his attention there once pre-season resumes in the new year.
“We’ll focus a bit more after Christmas,” Newton said.
“I’m keen for us to stiffen up our defence.
“If we do that we’ve got plenty of talent out wide to score tries.”
His other focus is ensuring his team plays the game the right way.
“I like to see us respect the opposition,” he said. “Take our opportunities.
“Play conservative in our own half and attack in the opposition’s half.
“As a coach you try and pick stuff off a lot of things.
“It’s about looking and learning and trying things.
“You have to be open to switching things up that aren’t working and focus ion the stuff you really want to achieve.”
Newton is a former Swifts and Ipswich Jets player. He began coaching at Norths after moving to Blacksoil when his sons Brent and Tim joined the Tigers.
Reference – Queensland Times, 12 December 2013: http://www.qt.com.au/news/tigers-bolster-pack-as-they-target-title/2119103/
