Sunbury Tigers Rugby League club has entered a rebuilding phase as the club looks to climb back up the ladder.
After four premierships in six years, the Tigers struggled last season and were hurt when the club’s alignment with the Melbourne Storm under20 side surprisingly finished a year earlier than expected.
New coach Sione Ah Kuoi said it would be a completely new line-up for the Tigers this year.
“It’s definitely a rebuilding year and everyone at the club is aware we have no Melbourne Storm under-20 players,” he said.
“It’s a new team and culture. There’s a big push to include families and have them around the club.
“The aim is to be fit and be competitive.”
Ah Kuoi said only two or three players from last year’s first side would play again this year.
“The majority of this year’s team will come up from reserve grade,” he said.
“There’s a player coming out from England and another from Newcastle.”
Scott Matthews will again captain the club, with William Kama joining him as co-captain this season.
Elton Nau, Esene Pula and Darren Sanft are the other members of the leadership group.
“Scott was our captain last year , while Will was in and out of first grade because of work commitments,” Ah Kuoi said.
“I approached the leadership group and asked if they wanted to be a part of it, and they were all happy to. We want players to take leadership of what’s happening at the club.”
Ah Kuoi takes on the coaching role after previously coaching some of the club’s junior teams.
“I joined the club seven years ago when I moved over from New Zealand,” he said.
“I coached my son’s side from under-9 and we won premierships in under-12 and under-14.
“My son decided he didn’t want to play in under16 last year. I missed coaching and Sunbury wanted a first-grade coach and asked me.
“It’s not too big a jump from juniors to seniors; seniors is easier as adults give you more attention.”
Ah Kuoi isn’t the only member of his family taking on a role this season, as they push for families to get involved.
“Both my daughters are helping me out,” he said.
“One is the team manager and another is helping out with the guernseys.
“My wife is setting up a ladies group, which will get together on game day.”
The Tigers started their season with a 58-10 loss to Werribee on Saturday.
