"The stars were aligned for the Steamers in 2013 and ultimately they took the premiership convincingly.......but retirements and improving opponents will make 2014 season a harder proposition"
The best thing that the Albury Club has going for it is the return of inspirational captain, Nathan Bright. Brighty was set to retire after the teams 2013 success wiped out the previous year's disappointment but has been prevailed upon to return for another campaign.
He will be joined by many of the 2013 forward pack. Tom Rowan is looking to regain a permanent lock spot and he will be joined in the forwards by the experienced Ryan Schiscke and exciting Ash Lefevre However with the departure of their whole frontrow, including the mighty House Kora, the sharp edged back 5 may lack the necessary grunt to drive over the top of opposition packs as they did last year.
Behind the pack Sandy Middleton is gone but Richard Manion at 10 will still be a dominant force. Outside Manion the Steamers have some new recruits and their performance may well hold the key to whether or not the Albury side will be floating or sinking in 2014. Definitely the departure of last years centre pairing of Mick Alexander and Justin Wheatley will not easily be replaced.
The Steamers do however have a couple of handy recruits to fill these spots. Pat Williams who will wear either 12 or 13, is a rugby nomad with a good pedigree.
He will be joined by many of the 2013 forward pack. Tom Rowan is looking to regain a permanent lock spot and he will be joined in the forwards by the experienced Ryan Schiscke and exciting Ash Lefevre However with the departure of their whole frontrow, including the mighty House Kora, the sharp edged back 5 may lack the necessary grunt to drive over the top of opposition packs as they did last year.
Behind the pack Sandy Middleton is gone but Richard Manion at 10 will still be a dominant force. Outside Manion the Steamers have some new recruits and their performance may well hold the key to whether or not the Albury side will be floating or sinking in 2014. Definitely the departure of last years centre pairing of Mick Alexander and Justin Wheatley will not easily be replaced.
The Steamers do however have a couple of handy recruits to fill these spots. Pat Williams who will wear either 12 or 13, is a rugby nomad with a good pedigree.