THE Quirinidi Lions playing group has benefited from hands-on training from some of the games best.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
National Rugby Championship coaches Darren Coleman and Andrew Blades held a training clinic at the Lions Den on Thursday after the club won the right to host the event at a carnival last year.
The sessions for the club's men's, juniors and women's teams come ahead of their opening clash of the Central North season against Pirates.
The Country Eagles coaches put the players through their paces during a variety of drills, which focused on fitness, teamwork and ball-handling.
Read Also:
Former Wallaby and local identity, Dave Carter also attended the sessions adding a further depth of experience and knowledge to the coaching pool.
Lions coach Col McKenzie told the Namoi Valley Independent the visit had left a "positive vibe" around the club.
"It was absolutely brilliant to have such high-level coaching available to our players," McKenzie said.
"Having experts like Darren and Andrew on hand to pass on what they know to some of our more inexperienced players was fantastic.
"I think the regional areas don't get these opportunities much, so for them to come here and give our club such a boost is amazing."
The coaching clinic also saw the wider Quirindi community attend to support the club.
"It was really good to see a great turnout from the community," McKenzie said.
"With the drought really knocking us around, it is really important to have positive events like this.
"It brings the community together and leaves everyone feeling really positive.
"I must extend my congratulations to the club for making it happen."
McKenzie said the Lions will be looking to bring their newly-acquired skills into their season-opener against Pirates.
"We're not looking to put any pressure on ourselves for this weekend," he said.
"Pirates are the reigning premiers and for us, round one will be about implementing what we learnt during these sessions and the pre-season."