Temora captain-coach is back on the field

FRESHLY re-signed Temora captain-coach Scott Matthews admits he will be searching for rugby league redemption with the Dragons in the upcoming Group Nine season.Matthews yesterday revealed "unfinished business" was his dominant motivation in agreeing to lead the Dragons for the second straight year."I busted my leg in the first round (last year) and I really want to redeem myself," Matthews said yesterday."I think we can go fairly well. I'm pretty excited."A coaching rookie in 2009, Matthews endured a shattering start to his career when he sustained a season-ending knee injury in the opening game against Tumbarumba at Nixon Park on April 19.With the star prop on the sidelines, Temora struggled for success, limping to two wins in 16 games and 10th place on the table.Matthews said the chance to take an active role in the on-field fortunes of the Dragons was a huge incentive to back up for a second season as coach."It's so different when you're on the sidelines," he said."I was really frustrated and I'm looking forward to playing this year. "We've got virtually the same players (as last year), but many of them will be more experienced after their first year in the top grade."We all want to redeem ourselves and be even more competitive."On the back of a lengthy list of player losses, long-time Group Nine powerhouse Temora was under-strength last year. In taking on the Temora coaching position again, Matthews has answered a distress call from the club.Although Matthews was always a contender for the job, the Dragons had also been unsuccessfully scouting for a coach for months.For Matthews, the role will involve a partnership with renowned coach and tactician Peter Rands."(Rands) will be helping us a fair bit with defence and a few other things," Matthews said."Everything seems to falling into place."Matthews said the Dragons were in the market for several key position players, notably a front-rower."We were short one (front-rower) last year and still are," he said.Teenage prop Joe Martin, however, will get a chance to fill the front row vacancy."He's (Martin) earned his shot," Matthews said."He had an exceptional year in the under 18s last year."The younger blokes will all have a chance."