Youthful exuberance is one aspect Ben Jeffery is looking to capture as his time in charge of Kangaroos begins on Friday.
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The Wagga club will tackle Woden Valley in the West Wyalong Knockout, signally a fresh start for both the club and their new captain-coach.
After five seasons on the border, including the last two as coach of Albury, Jeffery is ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
“It wasn’t the best year for the club (last year) but this year we have a really young group and they are super keen,” Jeffery said.
“We’ve been getting fit, training has been pretty hard in the sun.”
The former NRL player, who turns 30 next week, has enjoyed plenty of success in his time in Group Nine.
However, expectations aren’t as high with the aim to slowly build Kangaroos back into a premiership force.
“We only have to win more than two games to improve on last year,” he said.
“That is what we are looking to do.
“We are obviously in a rebuild but we still hope to be competitive in every game.”
‘Roos will go into the test against Woden with their best possible line up.
“Pretty much what we will have here is what we’ve got,” he said.
“I think we’ve picked up a few good players and hopefully we can put in enough hard work to get some results.
“Everyone is keen for a game and excited to see how we go.
“I know the boys are keen so hopefully we can get that winning feeling.”
While admitting their Canberra rivals will be a challenge, Jeffery is far from unperturbed.
“It’s 13 on 13 and we will see how we go,” he said.
“It is only two 15-minute halves and if we can get the jump early you never know.”
KANGAROOS: Tristan Dickson, Ryan Cronin, Jack Lyons, Lachlan Cuell, Daniel Hill, Dylan McLachlan, Ben Jeffery (cc), Nick Baker, Zac Graham, Carl Planicka, Hayden Jolliffe, Clifford Morris, Troy Barby, Leroy Charles, Chris Stewart, John Arentz, James Whitely, Wade Barby, Brent Blackstock, Kade MacDonald. Emergencies: Steve O’Neill, Trey O‘Neill