AFTER a tough 2024 season, the Rosewood Roosters kick off their latest Rugby League Ipswich (RLI) season this weekend with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.
The Roosters are playing Norths in Sunday’s (April 27) opening Volunteers Cup (C-Grade) game.
This time last year, the Roosters were scrambling to finalise numbers for teams in C-Grade and Reserve Grade.
A hefty injury toll left club officials with no alternative but to withdraw the Reserve Grade outfit later in the season.
However, what a difference a year makes.
Having worked with last year’s senior sides, 2025 assistant coach Josh Hassett is sharing in the excitement with the opening game nearly here.
“It was a very big learning curve for everybody,” he said, reflecting on the 2024 challenges.
“We just go from there and keep growing.
“Everyone is a lot more calm this year.
“Everyone is laid back with it.
“Everyone is pitching in and doing what they can to help out.”
Josh said working with head coach Sam Collins had been enjoyable and beneficial for the club based at Anzac Park.
“I’m loving it,” Josh said.
“I’m getting a lot of knowledge from him and a lot of help.”
Sam joined with last year’s C-Grade mentor Josh late last year, eager to oversee a major club rebuild.
He was excited to receive his Roosters coaching opportunity as he has strong country connections and played for the club last season alongside his son Zac.
Josh has also played for the Roosters in the past after stints with Goodna and West End. Josh assisted his dad Paul coaching last season.
This year, Josh is also coaching the club’s under-15 side, including some players who shared in the Roosters Under-13 Development League grand final victory (38-20) over Norths Gold two years ago.
“They are coming together very nicely,” he said.
“It’s just an easier age group to work with.”
Josh said the players were keen to learn with senior football coming up.
It is the first time Hassett has coached under-15s at the Rosewood club.
Senior and under-15 training has been disrupted the past six weeks due to the weather.
“All the boys understand, the kids understand and we’ve just got to do what we can,” he said.
However, Josh was encouraged by the performance of the senior team which only lost 10-4 to Browns Plains in a recent trial.
“The boys did really well,” he said.
Josh and Sam have been working with a squad of more than 20 players preparing for the season ahead.
“The whole team was there [for the trial],” Josh said.
“Everyone got a fair run and everyone had a really good dig and worked really well together.”
With new senior and junior seasons about to kick off, Josh acknowledged the current committee, including his wife Jasmine as president, and club secretary Chloe Collins.
“They are both doing really well at their jobs and helping out with everything.”
