THE Gunnedah Red Devils have been busy preparing for the 2019 Central North season with trial matches against Quirindi and Coolah.
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The club played host to both sides in three 40-minute matches to help prepare for the upcoming season.
Red Devils first-grade manager Stan Gaynor told the Namoi Valley Independent the trial matches were a "timely hit out" for the players.
"We have had some pretty strong numbers turning up to training during the pre-season," Gaynor said.
"They have been building their fitness up, but there is nothing like match fitness so I think the guys really enjoyed the hit out."
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While not keeping score, Gaynor said the Red Devils got the best of both Quirindi and Coolah.
"I think it was quite a tight finish with Quirindi but a bit more of a comfortable win over Coolah," he said.
"In the end though the score wasn't overly important for us, it was just a good way for us to get ready for the season, which is fast approaching."
Despite not fielding an under-18 side this season, Gaynor said the club was looking "pretty strong".
"We have had a lot of new players turn up for this season and our women's side is looking really promising as well," he said.
"Over the pre-season the club has welcomed three British players to the group and as well as that a lot of the new guys are in their early-20's.
"With so many new combinations linking up on the field this season, the trial-matches were so important and really were our focus."
Gaynor said the club's influx of new players would help "build depth" into the club's playing stocks.
"With injuries and shift work often limiting how many games people can play, it is vital we have plenty of depth in our playing list," he said.
"So far, this season is looking like we will have plenty of people to pick from and that's not just the case with the men's teams but the women's teams as well.
"All in all I think it is shaping up to be a very exciting season for us."
The Red Devils will begin the Central North season with a bye in round one before hosting Narrabri in round two on April 13.