Giants to lean on new recruits in NRRRL

AN INFLUX of English recruits is expected to help shape the Mullumbimby Giants into a contender in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League (NRRRL) competition this season.

Champion NRL coach Chris Anderson is back for another season in the top job.

He has helped build a team around local talent with some signings in key positions over the past two seasons.

The new recruits from Wakefield will be a welcome addition along with returning club junior Jacob Miller

Miller played NRL at the Wests Tigers and had a decorated career playing halfback at Wakefield and Castleford in the English Super League.

Anderson, 72, is a legend of the game having coached four NRL teams and the Australian Kangaroos.

He came to the Northern Rivers to retire and spend more time with his grandkids when his daughter moved to Ballina a few years ago.

A chance to coach again has helped dozens of aspiring players at Mullumbimby improve and learn vital new skills.

“It gives you a bit of purpose and it’s an area where I can help,” Anderson said.

“It’s a tough gig for the small-town clubs, but it’s all part of the challenge and the community really get behind us. We’re happy with how things have come together in the preseason, sponsorships have gone up and a lot of people are wanting to be involved.

“The English lads are already a big part of the club and the community.

“And for me I started in country footy and I’m happy that’s where I’m going to finish.”

Anderson coached Melbourne Storm to its first premiership in 1999 and won a World Cup with Australia the following year.

He also coached Canterbury to a grand final win in 1995 and played 230 games for the Bulldogs.

Anderson has marked his calendar for the local derby against Byron Bay where he will come up against Red Devils coach and former Bulldogs teammate Brian Battese for the first time.

The game is scheduled for the Giants home ground at Les Donnelly Field on May 26.

Former NRL player and Mullumbimby junior Cody Nelson is also back again to help bring through the next crop of youngsters.

“A big thing for us was having our under-16 boys win the grand final last year,” Anderson said.

“We’re going to put a lot of work into them and start bringing them through into the senior grades over the next few years.”

The season starts on April 6 with an away game against new club the Tweed Seagulls at Piggabeen Sports Complex.