St Pat’s coach Greg Behan has only been in the job since August but he’s liked what he’s seen in just five months.
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He’s liked it so much he’s labelled the squad as “one of the best fields” he’s been apart of.
“It’s just a different feel about it,” the front rower said.
“Everyone wants to turn up, be there and achieve something. Everyone wants to make something of it for the new field, the new signings and for the competition.
“It’s a really good feel.”
While St Pat’s started its pre-season training in November, on Tuesday the club wrapped up its final session of 2017.
And while Behan labelled the feel at the club as “really good”, he’s also enjoyed the talent he’s seen.
“The talent we have is really good. We’ve got a good mix of existing players and players coming through,” he said.
“The young boys will be trying to push and earn their spots.”
One player that has impressed Behan is 2017 Group 10 under 18s bolter Zach Ashcroft.
Ashcroft played 17 matches last season for St Pat’s, scoring one try.
Behan has enjoyed watching Ashcroft’s keenness at training.
“He’s really outdone himself at training,” he said.
“He’s turned up to pretty much all of them. He’s shown he’s keen and wants to be there.
“There’s a few others that have showed up from the junior ranks. There’s a good mix showing searly, which is a good sign.”
Regular premier league starters like Tyson Medlyn and McCoy White have also stared at training.
“Tyson Medlyn, he’s been unreal for us and McCoy White. He’s been pushing really well before the start of the season,” Behan said.
With Group 11 prop Zac Merritt signing from Forbes Magpies, and a fully-fit squad, St Pat’s will be looking to bounce back from last year’s disappointing eighth place finish.
Behan is feel confident that his side can competing at the top-end of the ladder this year.
“With what we’ve got coming in, realistically to say is we want to get a top three finish,” he said.
“I don’t see why we can’t get it. We’ll go from there.”
Last year, the new coach played 12 games for St Pat’s.
And while it’s still early to say, Behan has enjoyed the different role so far.
“It’s definitely a different feel. You’ve got to be very organised and have something for the boys, week-in week-out,” he said.
“It’s also good to be a part of it, not just standing on the side-line watching.
“With it being so hot in December and starting in November and the keenness with the boys wanting to get back into it, the effort in training has been unreal.”
St Pat’s have not won a Group 10 premier league title since 2014, when it defeated hosts Cowra Magpies 34-12 in the grand final.
St Pat’s will start the 2018 season at it’s new club complex on Hereford Street.
The team will hoping the combination of a new home and coach can usher in a promising era of rugby league.