In the last three or four years Orange Barbarians have built from New Era Cup cellar-dwellers to genuine title contenders and now, looking toward their 10th season, the club’s leading men are certain they finally get their hands on some silverware.
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Former CYMS premiership-winning lock Ben Gosper returns as player-coach for the Barbarians’ first major anniversary season but he won’t take the reins alone in 2019, with wily half Mitch Britt to join him as player-coach.
“[Appointing two player-coaches] is pretty much just to share the load, I work away a bit and I was getting Britty to take the reins when I was away anyway so it made sense to make it official,” Gosper said, with Britt explaining he wanted to be a part of what he predicts will be a big season.
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“I can see us winning a competition. I had the chance to go elsewhere but we had a great bunch of guys last year and I want to win it here,” Britt said.
“I think this is our year too. We’ve been building for the last three or four seasons and being our 10th year, there wouldn’t really be a better time to win one,” Gosper added.
Both Gosper and Britt admitted last season had a real sense of what could’ve been about it, after injuries crushed Barbarians’ finals bid, the side ultimately bowing out after a preliminary final loss to CSU Bathurst.
That third finish is stoking the fire for both stars, particularly considering they’re expecting most, or all of last year’s group to return in 2019.
“We had the side to do it last year,” Gosper said.
“Injuries hurt us, we had four or five guys out in that [preliminary] final that would’ve been back the week after had we made the grand final. I think if they were there, we would’ve made it.
“(Eventual premiers) Blackheath would’ve taken some beating, but you have to be there to have the chance. I think if we can keep the same core group together and keep them all on the paddock, touch wood, we’ll give it a real shake.”
Whether they’ll add any outside, or new talent to that group remains to be seen, Britt said, considering he and Gosper have only really just started discussing the season ahead.
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“The side’s been completely local and that is an aspect I like, it’s been pretty quiet (on the recruitment front) but we’ve only really just started talking,” he said.
“Obviously if we can throw some new guys in we will but we haven’t really been looking. But, in saying that, this is second division football so we’ll welcome anyone who wants to have a run.”
From last year’s group Gosper identified workhorse back-rower Jake Allen as one he’s predicting to have a big year in 2019, after a strong finish last year.
“He only came in midway through last season so he only got a half a year, but I think he’ll have a big season. What he does in the middle, he just tackles anything for 80 minutes, I think the other guys can really draw on that,” Gosper said.
Neither player-coach could really comment much on what they’re expecting from the competition’s other sides, because the rumour mill hasn’t been abuzz the way it has been in Group 10’s top divisions.
“It’s been pretty quiet, Portland have Dallas Booth from Oberon I know that and CSU (Bathurst) have Billy Dickinson taking over I think so they’ll be strong again,” Britt said.
“CSU are just one of those sides, they’re young and fit and have that youthful aspect and just go for 80 minutes,” Gosper added.
The club’s pre-season will start early February and the Barbarians will also be hosting a meet the coaches day on Saturday the 2nd, with a venue still to be determined.
The club is still looking for more sponsors in 2019 as well, anyone interested can get in contact with president Paul Rudd on 0429 848 685.
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