It's time to rejoice Glen Innes rugby league fans because the Magpies are back and the club has big plans.
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A year after folding due to a severe lack of player numbers, the senior branch Magpies will re-enter four teams into Group 19 in 2017 starting with a blockbuster showdown against Tingha at Mead Park on Sunday.
All four Magpie teams are expected to field strong line-ups. League tag will be coached by Mark Gallagher, under 18s by Gavin Petersen, reserve grade by Tim Penn and first grade by Nick Ehsman.
Ehsman will unleash an electric backline for Sunday's showdown against Tingha, no player more exciting than new recruit Jarrod McIntosh.
"Last year he was playing in Townsville and scored 40-odd tries. The first time he came to training he lit up the field," Ehsman said.
Long-time Magpie Andrew Grob and youngster Chris Pedlow are expected to line-up on the wings, while rugby converts Adam Morris and Jake Hartmann will slot into the centres.
"Morris and Jake have both looked awesome at training. Our game plan this season will be to use our wingers as much as we can because we've got a couple of handy ones," Ehsman said.
Lightning quick former Magpie junior Jayden Ehsman will team up Nick Lehman in the halves.
"I think Lehmo will take over a lot of the first receiver stuff, which allows Jaydo to take on the line a bit more," Ehsman said.
The Magpies will also field a big forward pack, lead by props Sam Schiffmann and Buster Chard. Tim Grob, Brendan Baker and Jake Kelly will handle back-row duties. Ian Hope will also provide Ehsman with a versatile option from the bench.
"I'm pretty happy with that pack. We've got some big units up front and some pretty big, mobile back-rowers," the Glen Innes coach said.
He'll be great out of dummy-half. He's probably been the fittest bloke we've had at training in the pre-season and I know he'll direct us around well.
- Nick Ehsman
Nick Say, a dual first grade premiership winner with the Magpies in 2010 and 2012, will play hooker and captain the side.
"He'll be great out of dummy-half. He's probably been the fittest bloke we've had at training in the pre-season and I know he'll direct us around well," Ehsman said.
League tag will kick the day of at 11am on Sunday, followed by under 18s at 12pm, reserve grade at 1.15pm and first grade at 2.30pm.
The club is also inviting all players, coaches and supporters to the Services Club after the final game, with the first grade jersey auction to begin at 7pm
