The Bega Roosters say they are looking to cement a place in the Group 16 First Grade final series in 2026.
The club has resumed pre-season training after a break over the Christmas New Year holidays.
New Captain Coach Gus Smith said if the high-level of interest is anything to go by…they’ll have a big year.
“I’ve actually been surprised. It’s pretty hard to get a number of people to pre-season,” Mr Smith said.
“We’ve had some good numbers so far. That’s right across the board from 18’s, the girls, reggies and first grade,” he said.
“We’ve had a couple of travellers come down as well which is pretty good for this time of year.”
The front rower takes on the top job at Roosters HQ after help lead the club’s Under 18 boys to a Group 16 Premiership in 2025.
Smith said a few key signings and some promising juniors give him confidence in the season ahead.
He’s recruited former Manly, Raiders and Souths player Zac Saddler and his brother Noah who made an immediate impact.
“Their Cooma locals. Zac’s also been appointed to co-coach with me but the way they conducted themselves. There pretty much another set of hands that are going to help myself. They’re very well drilled,” he said.
“They really love their footy and have really fitted right in.”
The Roosters also return to the Bega Recreation Ground in 2026 following a major rebuild, which sent them back to the old Showground and Cobargo to play home games last season.
