Pioneers on succession plan for future success

THE Wollongbar-Alstonville Pioneers are unbeaten this season and building for the future as they chase a fourth straight Far North Coast rugby union title.

The Pioneers finished the first round of the competition undefeated and are aiming for another grand final win in September.

A core group of players has remained with the team, now bolstered by emerging talent stepping into senior roles.

“It is just about getting the older boys to maintain their fitness and tweaking a few of our structures,” Pioneers coach Bill Johnston said.

“We’ve had some younger guys come in this year and they’ve given us a bit more depth and energy.

“You still need to keep that core group of players and it’s our experienced guys that we look to in the big games.”

Johnston named centre Ben Damen, flanker Hamish Mould and second-rower Matt Scott as the standouts in the Pioneers’ 54–12 win over Casuarina in a grand final rematch two weeks ago.

The trio are among the team’s longest-serving players, having won nine premierships together since 2014.

“With an aging team, it can be hard to maintain success without the next generation coming through,” Johnston said.

“Matt Scott isn’t an 80-minute player anymore, but he is still one of our best players over the 40–50 minutes when he’s out there.

“I’m happy with how we’re going. Jackson Fraser has replaced me at hooker and he’s doing a really good job.

“Wilson Lovokuro has really added to the team and we have a lot of strike power right across the park.”

Johnston has earmarked upcoming games against Casino as an important step heading into the second half of the season.

The Pioneers will host the Bulls at Pioneer Park on Saturday, June 21, and also have a catch-up game to play at Casino.

“Casino have recruited well and they’ve had a win against Byron Shire,” Johnston said.

“It will be a challenge, and other teams like Ballina will be looking forward to playing us again.”