Canberra Regional Rugby League (CRRL) released the 2023 George Tooke Shield draw last week, and the Harden Hawks will do battle with arch-rivals and former Group 9 nemesis, the Cootamundra Bulldogs in the season opener.
Round one kicks off on April 15, with Harden hosting Cootamundra, and Hawks coach Nick Hall is looking forward to what should be a mouth-watering contest.
“There is a flavour to it, isn’t there,” Hall asked when quizzed on the opening round contest.
“It is definitely tasty, and they knocked us out of the semi’s last year, and we went one (win) each throughout the season, and they got us in the semi, so there is that too.”
The George Tooke Shield is built on history and strong rivalries, and while the Hawks will be up and about for every game in 2023, Hall doesn’t believe Harden will need much motivation heading into their season opener.
“We love playing everyone, but it’s really good when you play those neighbours, and there’s an extra spice, and some of it is because we know each other so well, and you want to beat up your brothers and mates harder than your enemy, and I think that’s what it all comes down to,” Hall said.
Harden’s coach, who carved out a decorated playing and coaching career with the Young Cherrypickers in the Group 9 competition before taking on the top job with the Hawks, said he was still getting used to the competition, and he believes whatever happens in round one won’t be a true reflection of the season to come, with both the Hawks and Bulldogs to field different sides compared to what they did in 2022.
“We still didn’t know how we wanted to play last year, and you could see that in round one, as we worked on combinations,” Hall said.
“It will be much the same in round one this year, and we are not going to have the same side come round four or five.
“There is a bit of movement with players, and a few new faces, and both sides have lost a couple and gained a couple, and this season is going to be a great opportunity for both sides.”
Hall won’t be leaving any stone unturned leading into one round, with the known fitness fanatic taking his squad into a special camp on Saturday.
Hall promised the day to be tough, and character-building, but he believes everyone will benefit from the camp.
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