Newly-appointed Macquarie coach Matt Roach is confident the Scorpions will bounce back from this month’s disappointment to put themselves in the premiership frame, again, in 2023.
While rivals Maitland Pickers walked away with the Denton Engineering Cup, and claimed the NSW President’s Cup a fortnight later, the 2022 Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) grand finalists were already planning next year’s assault.
Following the departure of well-respected mentor Steve Kidd, Roach takes over the reins of the first grade outfit for the next two seasons.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“I’ve been a part of the club for a number of years and tasted success in 2017 under Adam Bettridge.
“Macquarie had a few lean seasons after that, so I’d like to think I’ve learnt a lot over those times.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and support that I’ve had from the Scorpions and sponsors.
“Thanks also goes to Steve (Kidd) for everything he’s done for me.
“He really did a tremendous job.
“But, now, I get the chance to step in and coach a great bunch of blokes.
“I love my football – and I love the club.”
Macquarie finished the 2022 competition in third spot, before suffering a 40-4 loss to the Pickers in the decider.
However, Roach knows that will mean nothing when 2023 rolls around.
“The guys were understandably upset,” he said.
“So, they’ll be fired up to make amends.
“Thankfully, we’ve been fortunate enough to retain the nucleus of the squad, including Kerrod Holland, Luke Higgins, Bayden Searle, Matt Moon, Campbell Sheppard and Joe Woodbury as well as local juniors Royce Geoffrey, Malik Deyalou and Jordan Noble.
“I believe 2022 was a successful year.
“But, we need to build on that and continue to work on the processes we have in place.
“To be honest, we’ve been building for a couple of seasons now, which will hold us in good stead.”
Roach, a former Macquarie player himself, certainly appreciates the Scorpions’ culture.
He also understands the club’s commitment to its juniors and liaising with the local community of the western and southern areas of Lake Macquarie.
“The residents are the driving force behind the Scorpions,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“They’re very passionate about their rugby league.
“And, when you look through the juniors, regardless of the results, they’re always working hard for each other.
“Our sponsors are extremely loyal year-in, year-out, too.
“That transfers really well into the way we play our football.
“Macquarie boasts a strong group, not just in firsts, but right through the grades.
“We’re a tight-knit bunch.
“If we can continue that [ethos], I think success will follow.
“We won’t be resting on our laurels.
“We’ve seen that in previous years… when you have a good season, it doesn’t necessarily transpire into immediate success the next 12 months.
“We need to work hard if we want to enjoy the results we’ve witnessed already.
“I’m fairly positive in the group we’ve put together moving forward.”
