Newly appointed coach of the Otago Whalers David Reedy is looking forward to carrying on the good results that the Whalers accomplished in 2016.
Last year was Otago's most successful South Island premier representative campaign in some years. The Whalers notched up victories over Tasman, and the West Coast, but lost to Southland by eight points after a try sealed their fate in the dying minutes, preventing them from progressing to the National Championship round.
The goal for this season is to win the competition, which may prove extra challenging given the addition of a South Canterbury team (Aoraki Eels) and the return of Canterbury Development to the fray.
Reedy, who likes an attacking style of play, wants his players to be able express themselves, using all sorts of shapes with plenty of options. Defence is obviously a key component as well and as a coach, Reedy's emphasis is on communication and effort. He is after players who can ''think on their feet, and have a lot of heart''.
The old saying about ''it's what's between the ears'' rings true, but Reedy likes to say ''it's what's between the shoulders that matters more''.
Reedy named a slightly larger initial squad this year with consideration to injury cover and player unavailability. The squad includes many players from 2016, although there are some newcomers who have impressed throughout the club season.
The squad also contains players who have not played representative league for several; years but whose club form have earned them another shot.
When asked about the prospects ahead of him, Reedy said he was looking forward to seeing what this squad was capable of.
''There are several X-factor players and a whole lot of experience contained within the squad. The Whalers usually lack a bit of size but hopefully, with these selections, we now have a little bit more size and players with a whole lot of ticker and desire to win,'' he said.
His task now is to get everyone working towards the clear direction that he and his support staff will employ. There are hopes that the season will begin with a couple of pre-season games, ideally with the Southland Rams and Aoraki Eels, although there is the possibility an internal trial will be played.
