Paul Jenkins said it’s “a privilege” to captain Central West in this weekend’s annual Matt Smith Memorial Shield clash, against Northern Riverina.
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The Bathurst Giants star and former Orange Tigers flag-winner is at the helm of a 22-strong outfit hoping to win back the shield after a disappointing outing at Ungarie last year.
Jenkins, one of four Giants named along with 13 Bathurst Bushrangers and five Tigers, loves the look of the Central West squad, which he says is champing at the bit for Saturday’s contest at George Park.
“We’ve got a very good side. We also had a great side last year but I think we lacked a bit in key positions but I think we’ve got that this year,” he said, prior to Wednesday night’s training session in Bathurst.
“We’ve got a very good spine this year; Forward, centre-forward, through the middle and into the back. I think that’s what we lacked a bit before.
“There’s also a lot of new faces and a lot of pace. There’s a lot of young kids which will help out. It’s exciting to see them come through. It’s going to help develop their game a lot with a few of the older heads around.
”The Rothnie boys (Chris and Michael) are big ins. They’re always going hard at the footy. [Sam Sloan] plays with us at the Giants. He’s only a kid but he’s been outstanding this year.”
Late injuries for Central West played a part in the 15.10.100 – 10.8.68 loss last year.
Bathurst Bushrangers duo Tim Hunter and Tom Regan were among that injury list but both are fully fit for this Saturday’s rematch.
Hunter and Tigers’ full forward Tim Barry make for a deadly Central West goal kicking combination. The pair have already hit 48 majors between them this season.
One of the new inclusions to the Central West side, Andrew James, will be part of a rock-solid midfield.
Despite his somewhat late entry into Australian rules James has excelled in the sport.
After arriving from Lismore James has already made a strong enough impression during his short time in Bathurst to earn a representative place.
“I only moved to town about six weeks ago so this is all new to me. I only started with the Bushies four weeks ago so it’s great to get the call-up,” James said.
“I started playing when I was about 20. I’d grown up playing league but got to the age where I was probably a little too small to continue in league so I went on to play [Australia rules].
“Coming from a basketball background it’s very similar in skills, aside from kicking, and I haven’t looked back since the transition.
“The atmosphere at the Bushies is awesome and having two full sides is really good. The camaraderie at the club is awesome and great to get around.”
Opening bounce is at 2.30pm on George Park 2.
The under 17s and senior women’s matches take place earlier, from 11am and 12.45pm respectively, at the same ground.
- CENTRAL WEST: Matt Archer, Harry Bowden, Kaleb Crowhurst, Pete Grundy, Tim Hunter, Andrew James, Paul Long, Seb Matheson, Tom Murphy, Bill Ormonde, Tom Regan, Troy Robinson, Nathan Swards (Bathurst Bushrangers), Paul Jenkins ©, Josh Broes, Sam Sloan, James Kennedy (Bathurst Giants), Tim Barry, Jaxon Mumme, Chris Rothnie, Michael Rothnie, Luke Thorley