Wagga City Wanderers skipper Rob Fry has declared 2019 to be “a massive year for the club” as the countdown towards their NPL debut continues.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The club’s most recent signing spree saw both Fry and utility Daniel Okot formally commit to next season and though the veteran goalie is currently enjoying a New Zealand honeymoon, he’s still keeping a weather eye on coach Ross Morgan and his off-season antics.
“I haven’t had the chance to see the new boys play yet but there’s some quality players in the squad now,” Fry said.
“Having an ex-Rhinos skipper (Joe Preece) and a former semi-pro (Danny Johnson) come on board is a big deal and I reckon it’ll really help our defence.
“People who saw us last year know we probably leaked a few too many goals and we need to be doing better there.”
But it’s not just the big names that have Fry fired up.
The depth of Wanderers’ list hasn’t been fully revealed but there’s a wealth of junior talent pushing for senior places and the re-signing of fleet-footed Okot shows players are here to stay.
Now, Fry believes, starting jerseys will become an increasingly prized possession.
“There’s going to be a lot of competition for spots this year, particularly in attack,” he said.
“We’ve got heaps of really good wingers and strikers on paper but I think that’s a really good thing.
“Hopefully you’ll start to see us improving up the front and fingers crossed we stay relatively injury-free as well.
“If all that happens, I think the results will come.”
I honestly can’t wait to get into it – I’m just chomping at the bit to get out there.
- Wanderers skipper Rob Fry
As all eyes now turn to their looming NPL debut, Fry remains optimistic about Wagga’s chances in the notoriously competitive Canberra circuit.
The side struggled in their final season of State League, winning just two games from their 22 outings and conceding an average of more than three goals per game, but the gloveman is relishing the challenge ahead.
“I honestly can’t wait to get into it – I’m just chomping at the bit to get out there,” Fry said.
“I think we’ve got a real chance to be successful with the team Ross is putting together.
“That being said, I’ve got no illusions about the strength of the NPL and it’s a really strong competition, probably just as hard or harder than State League.
“But with the names on paper we’ve got down early, I definitely think we could get a few good results and maybe surprise a few teams too.”
READ MORE
