05 April 2007 View all news | Send to a friend | Print
Blacklock’s move fails to deter Tigers
TINGHA Tigers rugby league officials are confident the club will remain strong despite news interim coach Nathan Blacklock has signed to play with Group 4 club West Lions.
Club spokesman Chris Curtin was surprised at the news late last week, but maintains the move will have little impact on the Tigers as they return to Group 19 this year.
"I can understand from a playing point of view his decision to play in Group 4 which is a stronger competition than Group 19," Curtin said.
"But we need to know his definite plans for the season so we can move with another option for a coach as Justin McIlwain wants to coach reserve grade."
There have been conflicting reports on Blacklock's plans and some officials are frustrated at the lack of urgency he is showing.
"There are a few different stories going around," Curtin said.
"We need a definite answer, it's as simple as that as we have to concentrate on getting the players going for our first game against Guyra in two weeks," Curtin said.
He hasn't officially signed with our club as coach, but there were plans to put him through a level one course.
Blacklock played with West Lions in Saturday's Northern Division pre-season final against North Tamworth after receiving a clearance from his former English Super League Club on Friday.
West Lions won the match 16-12 with Blacklock setting up one try.
Blacklock and McIlwain have been instrumental in drawing players to the club this year, but McIlwain prefers to lead the reserve grade.
Curtin said the club is thankful to Blacklock for assisting in recent months.
"We do appreciate his help and wish him the best," Curtin said.
Despite his move, Blacklock helped the side in Saturday's trial wins against Manilla and Werris Creek.
He attended the trials before travelling to Tamworth for the pre-season final.
Tingha showed encouraging signs in the trial games defeating Manilla 14-4 in a 40-minute game and then Werris Creek 18-6.
Justin McIlwain, Craig Curtin, Paul Leitinger, Ray Craigie and James Curtis all played strongly for the Tigers along with new signing Ben Theis.
Blacklock’s move fails to deter Tigers
TINGHA Tigers rugby league officials are confident the club will remain strong despite news interim coach Nathan Blacklock has signed to play with Group 4 club West Lions.
Club spokesman Chris Curtin was surprised at the news late last week, but maintains the move will have little impact on the Tigers as they return to Group 19 this year.
"I can understand from a playing point of view his decision to play in Group 4 which is a stronger competition than Group 19," Curtin said.
"But we need to know his definite plans for the season so we can move with another option for a coach as Justin McIlwain wants to coach reserve grade."
There have been conflicting reports on Blacklock's plans and some officials are frustrated at the lack of urgency he is showing.
"There are a few different stories going around," Curtin said.
"We need a definite answer, it's as simple as that as we have to concentrate on getting the players going for our first game against Guyra in two weeks," Curtin said.
He hasn't officially signed with our club as coach, but there were plans to put him through a level one course.
Blacklock played with West Lions in Saturday's Northern Division pre-season final against North Tamworth after receiving a clearance from his former English Super League Club on Friday.
West Lions won the match 16-12 with Blacklock setting up one try.
Blacklock and McIlwain have been instrumental in drawing players to the club this year, but McIlwain prefers to lead the reserve grade.
Curtin said the club is thankful to Blacklock for assisting in recent months.
"We do appreciate his help and wish him the best," Curtin said.
Despite his move, Blacklock helped the side in Saturday's trial wins against Manilla and Werris Creek.
He attended the trials before travelling to Tamworth for the pre-season final.
Tingha showed encouraging signs in the trial games defeating Manilla 14-4 in a 40-minute game and then Werris Creek 18-6.
Justin McIlwain, Craig Curtin, Paul Leitinger, Ray Craigie and James Curtis all played strongly for the Tigers along with new signing Ben Theis.
