ROSEWOOD Roosters head coach Sam Collins summed up his C-Grade side’s positive progress this season in five words.
“We learnt as a team,” Collins said.
Former player Collins stepped up to guide the side this season, working closely with assistant Josh Hassett.
“It was a big learning curve for me,” Sam said.
“I’d done the 18s before but I haven’t taken on a senior role before.”
He said the coaching staff and players benefitted together, having higher hopes for next season.
Sam said he was keen to return in next year’s Rugby League Ipswich competition after sharing in the Roosters’ four victories.
Rosewood finished the season losing 30-16 to Karalee after three wins in a row before losing their last home game 28-4 to Brothers.
With a number of regular players sick that day, Collins pulled on a Roosters jersey and laced on the boots ready to help out on the field if needed.
“I was just there as back-up,” he said, watching from the sideline.
Sam praised his young side for their commitment, especially in recent weeks.
“We just found that front foot,” he said.
“The combinations I was looking for all season started coming towards the end there.
“The boys have just been consistent.”
He said most of the players in his 40-strong squad had already committed to returning next year, buoyed by the experience gained this season.
“It’s really good for the club,” he said, praising the efforts of players like halfback Jesse Pocock and fullback Jacob Short, who the coach said fitted quickly into “the culture of the club and our structure as well”.
Sam said the return of centre Cody Adams, from a softspeed trip representing Australia in The Netherlands, had a positive impact.
“Young Cody was a big plus,” Sam said. “He’s definitely one of our senior players.”
Cody played in the halves for his team’s first win over Karalee (24-12) before heading overseas.
After returning home to help Rosewood beat Laidley (10-4), he switched to the centres in the Roosters’ 34-6 win over West End and 28-4 loss to Brothers.
The Roosters also defeated Norths 24-22 while Cody was overseas.
Having been part of last year’s injury-hit Roosters C and Reserve Grade sides, Cody was delighted with this year’s commitment to one team working with Sam and his assistant Josh.
“We had a massive influx of people come through and we’ve all been fighting for our positions,” he said.
“This year, there is someone else that can fill that spot so it’s kind of pulled everyone into gear a little bit.”
The former Mutdapilly State School student said this year’s players had to train and learn the drills to secure a spot on game day.
Cody also said Sam had “major respect” of the players in his coaching role after playing for the Roosters the previous year.
Although the Roosters missed the finals, Cody said finishing sixth was a more than respectable finish after “dropping off” at the end of last year.
“This year, it’s kind of gone the other way around,” he said.
“Throughout the year, we’ve just got stronger.”
