New era dawns at Croc land without ex supercoach
NEW COACHES
The post Brad Cooper era at the mighty Port Douglas Crocs has officially dawned after training kicked off last week with the club’s new coaches at the helm.
This year marks the first time in 11 years that supercoach Cooper hasn’t gathered his troops together for a preseason at the Croc Pit, following a stellar career at the club that yielded six premierships.
Instead, it was newly appointed assistant mentor Nic Salter and Lee Staple that led the session in the absence of recently appointed head coach Jared Petrenko.
“We had an excellent turnout for our first session, despite the rain, it was great to see so many old and new faces go through their paces,” Crocs president Barry Lea told Newsport.
While below their best at different stages last year the Crocs stormed home at the back end, beating the Bulldogs and Saints to set up a grand final showdown with powerhouse Cairns City Lions.
Despite eventually falling short in the decider the Crocs again remain a genuine premiership threat in 2023.
Heading into the season the sky will be the limit for Petrenko’s outfit as the team goes about building its identity without its former supercoach at the helm.
The Crocs begin their official home and away premiership season on Good Friday, April 7 against a rejuvenated North Cairns outfit at the Croc Pit.
The Crocs are holding an open/ community day this Saturday at the Croc Pit from 10am.
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