ALAN Kilshaw has re-committed to the Sarina Crocodiles for the 2015 season after guiding the young side to the finals against the odds in the past two seasons.
The Crocs (who have one of the smallest budgets in the competition) had an average age of 23 last season, but still finished in their highest league position and gained their highest points total since 2009.
The A Grade team also boasted 14 Sarina juniors and there were several individual accolades for the players throughout the year.
Kilshaw will also remain in his role with the Mackay Cutters as a part time assistant coach.
“First and foremost, I would like to say what a huge honour and privilege it is to be starting a third term with a club of such stature and rich history as The Sarina Crocodiles,” Kilshaw said.
“There's definitely an excitement and optimism around the club after last season’s campaign. We feel with the additions we have made to the playing group and staff, we will continue to improve and be challenging for the top spots again.
“The club has come a long way on and off the field in the past two seasons and this is not only down to the players, but due to the hard work of the committee and its volunteers off the field.
“Everyone has bought into my vision for the club and we will strive to be a force despite our limited budget.
“The club’s investment in a new gym and new training equipment will reap rewards for all the grades and juniors for years to come.
“Personally, I still have a goal to be a head coach in the Intrust Super Cup or NSW Cup which Sarina have been and will continue to be very supportive off.
“My role in tandem with coaching at the Mackay Cutters will keep developing me as a coach until an opportunity at the next level presents itself.
“I am only 31 which is relatively young in coaching terms, but working in such a challenging competition as the Mackay and District League has challenged me on a day to day basis and aided my progression.”
The Crocs are also buoyed by the arrival of Kilshaw’s former Warrington Wolves Colleague Danny Fullerton who joins as Under 18 head coach and he will also assist Kilshaw with the A Grade.
Fullerton has been the Warrington Wolves Under 19 head coach for the past two years and he has held several senior coaching positions in the junior set up at the Wolves for the past eight seasons.
“Danny has a great track record with developing young players and is a huge addition for the club,” Kilshaw said.
“He will not only be good for the Under 18s, but he will add some fresh ideas to the A Grade.
“To add another very experienced coach to the quality staff in place; his appointment is a major coup for Sarina and a credit to the Mackay competition as a whole.”
