Rivals Set To Face Off In Tough Matches
Newcastle Herald
Saturday March 6, 1999
OFFICIALS have ensured clubs get tough workouts in today's Newcastle Rugby Union trials at Marcellin Park by matching up the competition's arch rivals.
A swag of local derbies will see Wanderers clash with Merewether-Carlton, Maitland play Singleton and The Waratahs face up to Eastern Districts.
Traditional rivals Hamilton and University will do battle and Muswellbrook play a combined second division side.
The trials are a resurrection of the pre-season trial day that was scrapped a few years ago.
Games will give clubs the chance to see recruits in action for the first time.
Wanderers coach Alan Barker will take a look at several fresh faces, including 24-year-old loose forward Scott Bretherton.
The deputy marine engineer officer has joined the club after being posted to the region aboard HMAS Manoora.
He is looking for a first-grade spot after playing in the top grade of competitions at the defence academies in Darwin and Melbourne.
Bretherton has impressed Barker at training but admitted the playing field was an entirely different ball game.
`It's pretty competitive at the moment,' Bretherton said.
Action starts at noon.
© 1999 Newcastle Herald