Irrespective of how many titles you’ve won, you know you’re doing a fair job when rival players even rate you as a great coach.
That’s the high regard for Maitland Pickers mentor Matt Lantry, who’ll stay with the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) club for another two seasons.
And, it’s hard to argue when his on-field opponents label him “one of the best in the business”.
Lantry’s track record speaks for itself over the past few seasons.
In that time, Maitland’s won a minor premiership (before COVID cancelled the 2021 play-offs), two successive Denton Engineering Cups (2022-2023) and three NSW President’s Cups (2020-2022-2023) to etch the side into local folklore.
The Pickers are also favourites to claim the NEWRL three-peat in 2024.
But, that hasn’t diminished his thirst for more success.
“I love the club,” Lantry said.
“We’ve got so many good people here.
“Plus, the job’s easy when you’re surrounded by such a talented, respectful, humble playing group.
“I really enjoy coaching these guys.
“However, I enjoy the people we have at Maitland, too.
“From the volunteers in the sheds to the committee, everyone gets along… they’re just passionate about the Pickers.
“That’s what I love.
“And, when you live about 10 minutes away from the ground, it also fits in with the family.
For me, I’m just enjoying what I do now and seeing these guys succeed.
Matt Lantry
“It’s something I’ll do for as long as I can, while ever I have the engagement of the playing group.”
Like his charges, from classy fullback Dan Langbridge to tough prop James Taylor, Lantry never gets tired of winning either.
“It can be infectious,” he said.
“But, it’s refreshing to hear the playing group talk about that as well.
“They are driven by many things.
“We’re not just talking about trying to win a competition this season; we want to be a very successful club over a 10-year period.
“I guess in the back of everyone’s mind is the thought of building a dynasty.
“It’s how many premierships can we win, how many club championships can we win?
“So, they’re a very driven squad and they’re highly motivated to achieve things together.
“You know, turn up every week and put their best foot forward, no matter who’s on the paddock.
“It’s what I admire about the group and makes my role a whole lot easier.”
However, that doesn’t mean Lantry does not harbour any ambitions to test himself further.
“I’d definitely give it some consideration,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“You know, I’ve looked at the Queensland Cup before and had a couple of opportunities that were on the doorstep.
“But, you have to make sure it’s the right move.
“So, there are a lot of things to weigh up.
“However, you never say no, even something in the NSW Cup.
“For me, I’m just enjoying what I do now and seeing these guys succeed.
“Hopefully, we might be in a position where it’s set up for the next person at some point.
“For when I move on or get punted,” he added with a smile.
Maitland, after knocking over the South Newcastle Lions on Sleapy’s Day and enjoying a bye last weekend to sit atop of the ladder, tackles the Lakes United Seagulls at Cahill Oval on Saturday 24 August.
Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL)
Denton Engineering Cup
Round 17 results:
- Cessnock Goannas d The Entrance Tigers 40-14
- South Newcastle Lions d Western Suburbs Rosellas 30-26
- Wyong Roos d Macquarie Scorpions 58-26
- Northern Hawks d Kurri Kurri Bulldogs 44-12
- Central Newcastle Butcher Boys d Lakes United Seagulls 12-6
- Bye: Maitland Pickers
Round 18 draw:
Saturday 24 August
- 2pm: South Newcastle Lions v Northern Hawks (Townson Oval)
- 3pm: Lakes United Seagulls v Maitland Pickers (Cahill Oval)
- 3pm: Kurri Kurri Bulldogs v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Kurri Kurri Sports Ground)
- 3pm: Wyong Roos v Central Newcastle Butcher Boys (Morry Breen Oval)
Sunday 25 August
- 3pm: The Entrance Tigers v Macquarie Scorpions (EDSACC Oval)
- Bye: Cessnock Goannas
For more sports stories:
- ALM: Grimaldi confident Jets will ‘put on a show’ at Maitland
- NSW cricket stars to bowl over Hunter youngsters
- NRLW: Knights young gun Romaniuk nominated for Veronia White Medal
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