If there’s anyone who can elevate the Western Suburbs Rosellas back to their glory days, it’s Rick Stone.

The ex-Newcastle Knights mentor returns to the coaching ranks in the Denton Engineering Cup, following the departure of Todd Lowrie, keen to make his mark at the club.

Although the Rosellas claimed the 2019 premiership, at the expense of the Cessnock Goannas, the past few COVID-affected seasons have been a bit lean.

And, Stone’s determined to rectify that situation.

He’ll oversee the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) organisation for the next two years – a challenge he’s looking forward to.

“Everything’s going alright,” he said.

“Obviously we’ve been light-on with personnel in the last couple of seasons.

“So, we’re trying to do something about it.

“But, the boys are training well.

“We’ve had the luxury of going through our paces out of Balance – that’s been taking place for a little while now.

“And, the guys are just starting to come together.

“So, numbers are pretty strong.

“We actually trained on Saturday morning (11 February), with 35-40 on deck.

“I think, as is the case in most local leagues, we need to flesh a few more out before our trials start in the next couple of weeks and see if we can settle on a bit of a squad.

“However, they’re all eager to get on the field.”

Stone is also confident in the playing talent within the Western Suburbs’ camp, especially after excellent performances in the lower grades in 2022.

“There are some good kids coming through,” he said.

“But, you have to remember most of your best youngsters are playing with the Knights.

“So, they don’t get too much of a chance to play for the Rosellas.

“However, there is still an impressive group in our ranks.

“We won the under-19 title and reached the reserves’ grand final.

“So, there’s plenty to like about what’s going forward in the club.

“And, hopefully, we can get a few of those boys back out of the Knights’ system to help us.

“At this point, it’s hard to say what our goals are.

“But, obviously, you want to make the semis somewhere.

“If you do that, you give yourself every chance of winning a premiership.

“The beginning of the season will be pretty important for us.

“They [Rosellas] haven’t had good starts the past couple of years.

“And, maybe, the blokes lost a bit of confidence early on.

“So, our start is going to be really crucial.

“That’s something we’ll focus on before 2023 kicks off.”

A former player himself, Stone guided the Knights in the NRL on two occasions (2009-11 and 2015) for a total of 72 matches.

He also steered the Fijian and Lebanese national teams.

In 2019, he took the reins of the Sydney Roosters in the NRLW.

“It’s good to be back coaching,” the 55-year-old told the Newcastle Weekly.

“We’re lucky enough to do a bit out of Balance, too – it’s a great facility, we’ve got the gym on the field, so we’re utilising that.

“We’ve also secured the services of Lee Clark as our strength and conditioning coach, he’s an experienced dude.

“I’m really happy with the personnel and team that I’ve assembled.

“We, now, just need to mould our side together.

“In fairness, that’s going to take a bit of time.

“However, we’re looking to the future.

“And, I believe, things are on the up at Western Suburbs, for sure.”

The Rosellas will begin their campaign against newcomers Northern Hawks on Sunday 25 March.

Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League

Denton Engineering Cup round one

Saturday 24 March

• 3pm: Wyong Roos v The Entrance Tigers (Morry Breen Oval)

Sunday 25 March

• 3pm: Cessnock Goannas v South Newcastle Lions (Baddeley Park)
• 3pm: Kurri Kurri Bulldogs v Maitland Pickers (Kurri Kurri Sportsground)
• 3pm: Central Newcastle Butcher Boys v Macquarie Scorpions (St John Oval)
• 3pm: Northern Hawks v Western Suburbs Rosellas (Tomaree Sportsground)
• Bye: Lakes United Seagulls

For more sports stories:

• GALLERY: Newcastle Rebels ready to raid Country Championships
• REAL NRL: Goannas motivated to go one better in 2023
• REAL NRL: New GM Adam Devcich keen to kick off 2023 season

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