"Newport Breakers gearing up for a big 2024!

Going into the 2023 off season, Newport Rugby is on the cusp of building for an exciting year ahead, with 2024 expected to bring about significant opportunities and challenges for the club to re-establish themselves as a major player in NSW Suburban rugby.

As the countdown begins, the players and coaching staff are preparing themselves for an action-packed season, investing their time and energy in rigorous training sessions (on-field and off-field) and strategic planning to begin in late 2023 and early 2024. With a strong vision and determination, Newport Rugby aims to soar to new heights, leaving a lasting impression on both their fans and opponents.

Guess Who's Back? Back Again?

2023 saw approximately 50 of the club's senior and emerging player talent stepped away from the club for a much needed "year off". For the younger half of the players, they ventured over to grace Europe with their presence, often returning to the

club by spirit with their early morning (or late night) facetime calls and messages of encouragement. The star studded traveling lineup includes 2022 Club Captain Tennyson James, household name and favorite kitchen appliance Fridge Hayes as well as talented clubmen like Finn Ambler who will be returning with a new found passion for the upcoming season. The 2022 first grade backline was rumoured to be practicing their Xs and Os on the dance floor of some of the most notorious nightclubs in the mediterranean, with inside center Connor Bradshaw claiming that he may have seen the "Heads and Tails'' move ran better with a bit of local rose in the bellies. The rumour mill has been spinning, with the potential return of club legends who may not have been seen for some years with Newport Bowling training set to recommence for them over the summer.

The Search For Coaches and Managers

With every exciting and promising season in Suburban rugby clubs, comes a much needed quest to find the right coaches and managers to steer the ship. 2024 is no different, with a variety of positions open to support the existing coaching team in pushing to reclaim the title of Club Champions. Being a beachside club, has promoted a beachside pre-season, late start and a fresh approach to preparation, something players and coaches have enjoyed since the clubs inception in 1963. "Pre-season this year is expected to be touch, diverse and punchy" says the 2022 first grade premiership coach Jim Allen. Newport has benefited greatly from their 7s program and TriTag rugby competitions over the last few seasons, expecting 2024 to be no different. Return of the "Hype" 1. Dates are already being discussed for two key pre-season fixtures to

occur in February next year, with the inaugural Patrick Soars cup, said to return with gusto, planned to involve four teams in a 10 over competition early next year. The club is set to fight internally to drink out of the famous trophy, with four teams across Colts, Grade, Retired Players (The Wash Ups) and a surprise invitation team to compete for the prestigious "Cup". The cup itself this year will feature heavily on tour of Manly's favorite licensed venues, in what is being described as a

"Pub Crawl Of Glory with event organisers also seeking contact with Bryton Caldwell about a surprise DJ set on one of Manly's famous rooftops.

More to come on the event in December. 2. TriTag is in early contract discussions with Newport Rugby Club to host a Subbies TriTag event down by the beach this summer. This will see clubs from all over venture to the Portress to enjoy a day in the sun, some cold cold beer and a dip in the ocean. Side events include a club surfing competition and some beach flags, where Subbies clubs will put forward their honorary members to compete in some cross-code action. Club is yet to contact local music legends Marvell, to order some much needed clubhouse entertainment, ready to rock the socks of the audience. If they read this, please "Come a Little Closer" and reach out to a club official.

More to come on the event in December. As the anticipation builds, Newport Rugby is primed for an extraordinary 2024 season. With an unwavering focus on fitness, revamped tactical approaches, free flowing beer, strengthened team dynamics, and an unbreakable spirit, the club is set to rise to any challenge that comes their way. The support from their devoted fan base will undoubtedly propel Newport Rugby towards greatness, leaving an indelible mark on the rugby landscape. Let the countdown begin! Written By Cole E Flower