Preparing for a raid on rugby union flag
Shire sport
More home games and a later start to the season are helping inspire the Port Douglas Reef Raiders rugby union club to strive for bigger and better things this season.
Coach Richard Johnston says the later start will help to settle the team as international players arrive for the high season, while star A-grader Luke Edwards has put the call out for supporters to get down to the home games at Port Douglas oval and back the team.
“Last year they had (the first game) at the start of March and we got rained on the first couple of games,” Johnston says.
“It’s a little bit later and it works well for us.”
The season kicks off on Saturday, April 18, while the first home game is on Saturday, April 25.
Edwards says he wants to see some big crowds this year.
“We always love putting on a show for the home crowd, so it’s nice when we’ve got a few local supporters here sitting on the hill supporting the Raiders,” he says.
“Bringing a bit more exposure to rugby in Far North Queensland and to Port Douglas itself.”
New French recruit Thibault Romieu is excited to pull on the green and blue jersey after arriving in town two weeks ago.
“I’ve decided to play for the Reef Raiders,” Romieu says.
“I played in Singapore before I came here.”
The Raiders have eight home games this year, including several themed events such as the Pink Round.
