FORMER NSW State of Origin forward Matt Adamson put the Forster-Tuncurry rugby league players through a testing training session this week in preparation for Sunday’s opening Group Three fixture against Wingham at the Wingham Sporting Complex.
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Adamson, who played in the NRL with Parramatta, Penrith and Canberra, is the younger brother of Forster’s coach, Phil Adamson. He is also a former assistant coach at Penrith while he was involved in the Melbourne Storm’s coaching system.
“Matt was here for a week visiting the family,’’ Phil Adamson said.
“I asked him to run a training session for me and he as happy to help out – and he gave it to ‘em.
“He gave them a bit of a taste of what it’s like to train at the top end of the game,’’ Phil Adamson said.
“And my players responded to it really well, I was happy with that. I just hope they can keep that going to Sunday now.’’
The Hawks are looking to recover from a horror 2017 when the club finished last in first and reserve grades. This is Adamson’s first stint with the club after he previously had charge of Taree City, where he finished his playing days.
“The vibe in the club is good,’’ he assured.
“Everyone’s been training really well and now we’re looking forward to a game.’’
He’ll start two under 18 players, Max Elliott and Sam Whitbread on the bench.
“They had a taste of first grade last season and they’ll be better for that experience.’’
Group under 23 winger Riley Glover will partner Blake English in the halves. English is one the comeback trail this season while Glover was one of Forster’s best last year. Bryam Stewart will start at hooker and can also cover the halves.
“We’ve lost Ben Murray for the year and that’s a shame – his versatility would have been handy, I probably would have played him in the centres,’’ Adamson added.
Murray fractured his foot in the pre-season and has since gained work outside the area.
