<< Peninsula News February 2002 - New committee at Umina >>

New committee at Umina

Umina Rugby League Club has a new committee.

New president is Warren Mansell. Secretary is Danny Woodbridge, treasurer Col Gooley and vice-president John Riley.

Mr Mansell said the committee was "totally committed to fielding top class sides for the 2002 competition".

The committee has appointed former Norths' representative coach Les Lowe to the position of the First Grade coach as well as being the club's head coach.

"Lowe brings with him a wealth of experience as well as the latest in skills training techniques," said Warren Mansell.

"Lowe is a renowned motivationalist and has an ability to bring out the best in his players.

"He is a former Umina juniors coach who trained numerous premiership-winning sides."

Other coaching appointments see Terry O'Sullivan at the helm of the Reserve grade.

Terry is also a premiership winning coach with Umina who has only recently returned to the Central Coast from New Zealand where he has been coaching.

John King will coach the under-19s. John has been with the club for the past three years.

Under-17s will be coached by Darryl Turner.

Turner has been a First Grade coach with the club and last year coached the under-17s to a premiership win.

Head coach Lee Lowe said he applauded the professional approach the new executive had taken to coaching, along with its on-going commitment to local junior players giving them the opportunity to play in the top league with their local club.

"The return of many former Bunnies juniors to the club can only be healthy for the club," he said.

"All grades have been in the gym since November and are in great shape."

Training proper has now commenced at Umina Oval.

Lowe indicated negotiations were continuing with several older players.

However, the books were almost closed, due to the return of many former juniors, including Jarrod Brennan, Marlon Counsell, Tyrone Hayward, Daniel Summers and Geoff Wilkin.

Other off-season signings included Adam Close, Scot Haydon, Mark Mains, Clint Mallett, Shane O'Sullivan, Andrew Roberts, Jarrod Sultana and Craig Terry.

Lowe said he was pleased that Matt Slattery was training hard after a serious injury kept him sidelined for most of last season.

A trial game will be held at the Maurie Breen Oval on February 16, with a State-wide 10s knock out.

Other trial games will be played against Ourimbah at Ourimbah on March 9, and against Newtown at Woy Woy Oval on March 23.

Season launch for the Bunnies will be held at Club Umina on March 23.

Media release, February 6