“I always liked the underdogs, and passing on what I’ve learned, my knowledge of the game,” Bamford said.
“The team’s definitely got a lot of growth in it, and the boys are willing to learn, they’re keen, so I’m looking forward to the year.”
Bamford, now 42, said he felt he would add a lot to a Papanui team that will be up against it facing the more established teams in the competition.
“I suppose I bring that knowledge, that experience, probably that old school mentality, mental toughness. I bring a lot of stuff that some people probably don’t have. Young ones don’t have that mental toughness, you can’t teach it,” he said.
Tigers head coach Ray Hubbard said Bamford, a former New Zealand Residents and Canterbury Bulls player, would bring both experience and impact to a Papanui side eager to make its mark.
“Chris is a formidable player. He stands about 6’3, 6’4, and is very powerful, very fast. And what he’s got between the ears in terms of his football experience and knowledge is really valuable for us.”
Bamford is under an injury cloud for Saturday’s opener against Eastern Eagles after tweaking his hamstring in a pre-season trial. He will put himself through a fitness test at training tonight to see if he can play.
“I don't want to be held back by injury, but I don’t want to disappoint the boys. If I can’t play, I’ll probably run water and lay the law down, spread the messages.”
Hubbard said he had enjoyed the challenge of rebuilding the club’s premier side after joining from Halswell Hornets in December.
“The general consensus across the club and the player group would be that, we’re not satisfied – we’re not here to just make up the numbers. For me personally, I’ve always got a burning desire to be the best.
“Round one at Papanui Domain is going to be as big as a club game has ever been here. The anticipation and support around our return to premier grade is really exciting.”
Papanui’s squad also includes former Halswell players Ken Tofilau and Antonio Lemalu, who followed Hubbard.
Meanwhile, new Riccarton Knights head coach Sean Spooner is looking to build on last year’s progress after the side reached its first final in 21 years.
Spooner, who served as assistant under Brent Ringdahl last season, will also coach the Canterbury Bulls.
He said injuries could impact his side early in the campaign. Solomone Leka and Jimmy Wihongi head into their opening match against Hornby Panthers short of game time after recent niggles, while 41-year-old Kyle Leka’s minutes will be managed.
“In terms of what we did last year, we can definitely build off that. Hopefully we can get some wins together, then get some of our cattle back to build into the last couple rounds of the season.”
At Halswell, Kevin Te Hau has taken over from Hubbard after two years as assistant coach.
The Hornets have lost Tofilau and Lemalu to Papanui, while Te Hau’s son Cooper has moved to Alexandra for work.
New additions include union converts Tom Moriarty from Shirley, and Sydenham pair Tyler Tapa-Wither and Roman Keno.
Te Hau said his side needed to lift after falling short in recent seasons – knocked out in last year’s semi-finals after losing the grand final the year before.
“It’s just getting the guys to go and find another gear.”
Halswell host Greymouth Greyhounds on Saturday.
Defending champions Linwood Keas have a first-round bye.
CRL PREMIERSHIP ROUND 1 (2.45PM SAT)
- Papanui Tigers v Eastern Eagles, Papanui Domain
- Riccarton Knights v Hornby Panthers, Crosbie Park
- Halswell Hornets v Greymouth Greyhounds, Halswell Domain Bye: Linwood Keas
