It could all go wrong for Pine Rivers this season. Probably more than in any of their previous seasons; this is a time when the club’s foundations will be thoroughly tested.
Having experienced a player exodus from their three-time premiership winning sides, the Bears could have easily thrown in the towel and sunk into rugby league oblivion.
However, a changing of the guard, courtesy of some hard-working personnel – in particular head coach Darren Price – can move the club forward. Price who is no stranger to the Brisbane Second Division and has been the catalyst to turn the club around in what he calls a “rebuilding phase”.
“The Bears have a new lease of life,” Price said. “We have a new committee and board members and we are currently renovating the club.
“We have also attracted some quality players that I believe will stamp their authority on the comp this year.”
When Price talks about the new committee, he is talking about a core group spearheaded by new president Danny Blair. Blair has been working hard behind the scenes with other notable members in Lisa Allan, Tracy Blair and Dylan Keening, to steer the club in a new direction.
“The Second Division is highly competitive as you know,” Price said. “I think we have assembled a pretty good squad for 2016 and I am excited about the future.”
Watching the squad go through their paces in their first training run, you can see Price is not here to lose games. His firm but fair coaching methods are a breath of fresh air straight from the old school.
The Bears have been solid on the paddock in the off season and are primed for the upcoming pre-season Pine Cup against rivals Pine Holy Central, Samford Stags and Dayboro Cowboys.
“Mate we are pumped. The boys have been training well,” Price said. “I think the focus will be on our pre-season, in particular the Pine Cup.”
This season, the Bears will also boast a merchandise stand to allow locals fans to get out and support their amateur league club; in turn increasing revenue in the rebuilding stages.
To ensure the Bears stay competitive, Price is still looking for players to suit up for the Green and Whites.
“We are only too happy to have any new players to the club, as well as any previous players,” Price said. “For me personally, I believe we have all the makings of a club on the rise again.”
The Bears rise from the ashes will certainly turn a few heads. Lacking in interest in the past few seasons in terms of support, the club once again can stand tall and become a dominate force throughout 2016 and beyond.
The Bears successful run of premierships in previous years was nothing short of exhilarating.
Game days back then would boast a healthy vocal crowd and this is something that president Blair wants to bring back.
Al lot of hard work has gone into revitalising the club and it is time for the Bears once more to continue their incredible success.
Pine Rivers will field an Open 1 and Open 3 side and interested players and sponsors can call head coach Darren Price on 0411281884 or club president Danny Blair on 0410428935 for further details.
