The Newcastle Rebels’ dominance on the representative scene is expected to continue under the watchful eye of Adam Bettridge.
Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) officials recently announced the former Macquarie Scorpions mentor as head coach of its senior squad for the next two seasons.
Since leaving the Lake Mac club in 2018, after three years at the helm, Bettridge linked up with the Newcastle Knights.
There, he oversaw the NRL organisation’s junior rep program, including stints with the SG Ball and Jersey Flegg teams at different times between 2019 and 2022.
“I’m thrilled to be back on deck with local footy in Newcastle,” he said.
“I think having the Rebels involved in the Country Championships is great for Newcastle Rugby League and the region as a whole.
“The carrot of a possible country jumper is terrific for our players, too.
“So, I am excited to get started.”
The Rebels will compete in the 2023 NSW Rugby League men’s open age Country Championships for the first time since 2016.
In recent times, due to COVID-19 intervention, Newcastle has only contested the Tri Series against Illawarra and Canberra.
With Kurri Kurri’s Aaron Watts calling the shots, the Rebels handed out big defeats – 36-4 and 48-4 respectively – on their rivals in 2021.
And, this year, with Lakes United’s Daniel Abraham at the helm, the Newcastle outfit repeated the dose.
In 2023, the Rebels are scheduled to play the opening round of the knockout competition in the first weekend of March.
The final will then take place later that month.
And, as extra motivation for the local contingent, a country team will be named at the end of the championships to face City later in the season.
Newly-appointed Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich praised the appointment of Bettridge.
“Having a coach of Adam’s calibre gets the Rebels’ campaign for 2023 off to a flying start,” he said.
“The combination of his knowledge of the players in the Denton Engineering Cup and the experience he gained at the Knights makes him a great fit for the role.”
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