Sport
20 February, 2024
Trials kick off for regional league comp
THE Atherton Senior Roosters have been generating momentum heading into the 2024 season, with strong training numbers and several new recruits joining the club as they prepare for the upcoming season.
After a tough 2023 year, things are looking good for the Roosters as they again attempt to end a 30-year first-grade premiership drought.
This Saturday, the Roosters open their campaign with a pre-season trial against Southern Suburbs at the Babinda Showgrounds in two grades from 4.30pm.
Roosters coach Joel Riethmuller said the club would be travelling to Babinda with their reserve and first-grade sides, and everyone was looking forward to the first hit out.
“Everything's all positive, we've got few players unavailable this Saturday, but our attendance for these two grades has been strong and we will trial a mixture of youth and experience," he said.
“We have had a tough pre-season training schedule, which started back in November, and I have been impressed with our group effort.”
A key talking point over the break has been the Roosters strong player recruitment drive to fill gaps in their roster and includes the signing of young utility back Riley Flute who joins the club from Ipswich.
Flute has drawn plenty of interest as his grandfather Ian Larkin played first grade fullback for the Roosters back in 1981 and also won an under 18 premiership in 1978.
Following the trial at Babinda, the Senior Roosters will host Mareeba in their second trial on Friday, 1 March, at Atherton's Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium.
Mareeba Gladiators take on Edmonton Storm at home in their first pre-season trial match on Saturday evening
