This coming Sunday Northern United are taking on Tweed Coast in round nine of the NRRRL First Grade Premiership. It’s a pivotal game for Northern United, a win for Tweed Coast this weekend would bring them within two points of Northern United’s third place.
The game will prove to be a good challenge for Northern United. Club President Djaan Jarret says the competition is very even this year and that anyone can win on their day. However, according to Jarret the team’s adaptability has allowed them to succeed despite being plagued by a number of injuries.
With the loss of players like Desmond Ferguson, Jarrod See and James Smith, the efforts of the young half, William James, and experience of Alwyn Roberts have helped guide Northern United to their six wins.
The addition of David Jacky has also been of tremendous help, “he knows what it takes to get to a grand final,” Jarret says.
As the injured players make their way back into the team, “the coach has a good headache in his hands,” says Jarret. However, despite the team sitting in the top three for the first time in a decade, “there’s a lot of improvement in this squad,” he says.
Jarret attributes the success of the club not only to new team members but a culture shift that occurred three years ago. This shift saw the club increase its level of professionalism and discipline towards the way they approached games, and its impact is becoming noticeable.
Looking forward, Jarret is optimistic about his team and is aiming to remain in the top five by the end of the season. However, the most important thing for the club president is that off-the-field the club is healthy and strong.