Gladiators do battle on Gold Coast

New Gladiators coach Les Shine prepares to take his Goodna team through its paces at training. Photo: Sarah Keayes MA0910AM

IF you have seen Goodna rugby coach Les Shine in person, you will be aware he’s not the sort of bloke you want to get into an argument with.

So it is no surprise he is getting his way in his bid to make the Gladiators a more professional outfit this year.

“We started a lot earlier than the boys are used to,” Shine said of pre-season training.

“We started training back in October and are getting pretty good numbers.”

The Brisbane sub-districts competitions are due to start the week after Easter and Goodna have their first trial this weekend against Helensvale at the Gold Coast.

The club will field at least one team in the Barber Cup, in which they were runners-up last year, and Shine hopes to field a team in the Pegg or Scotney Cup.

“We hope to get a second team in otherwise we’ll lose some players,” said Shine, who was assistant coach last year.

“At some training (sessions) we’re getting 30-35 players.

“We’ve had an influx of new players along with 80 percent of last year’s team. The guys are responding to the new ideas we’ve brought in.”

Those ideas are being implemented in a variety of ways.

“We just want to be a bit more professional both on and off the field,” Shine said.

“We’ve got uniforms to wear to the game and after the game. Last year we looked like blokes off the street.”

Shine has also recognised the need for his team to score more points on the field.

“We’re looking to attack a bit more,” he said.

“Last year we had the best defence in the competition but our attack was probably the worst.”

Shine will be assisted by last year’s head coach David Hall.

“I said I’d put in for the head coach’s job and he didn’t want to oppose me so he said he’d help out and everybody’s happy,” Shine said.

Meanwhile, Ipswich Rangers senior and colts squads will trial against Brisbane Wests at Woodend Park, Woodend on Saturday.

Colts kick off at 3.30pm, Reserve grade at 5pm and A grade at 6.30pm.