South Wales Scorpions coach Mike Grady says that he will be a proud man this Sunday when his side run out at Maesteg RFC for the opening Kingstone Press Championship 1 game of the season against Oldham Roughyeds (kick-off 3pm).
Following founder and original chairman Phil Davies’ departure from the club late last year, the Scorpions were in limbo for a short period of time before Wales Rugby League were able to take the club over.
Because of this, the Scorpions didn’t start training until late in January so Grady says that win, lose or draw on Sunday, getting to the starting line has been a big achievement.
“It's been a short pre-season,” he said. “I've not been shouting from the rooftops but my players have had to fit a four month pre-season into around five weeks and I know it’s been the same with all the off-field and office staff too.
“I’m pleased with the progress so far and was delighted to have a ten-try outing in our only pre-season friendly last week.
“I was first spoken to about the job on January 6th due to the nature of the takeover but then still couldn't be officially announced for a few weeks later. Our first session commenced on the 29th January at a venue where we couldn't even get the ball out due to the surroundings.
“I'm more than happy with the way the lads have responded and trained throughout February. We have come a long way since that first session. The pleasing aspect is that they are all proud Welsh players and all have been signed by myself and Paul as no-one was signed when I arrived.
“All the players want to be here and I want them to be here. I've had 100% support from the players and also the club staff who have worked around the clock ensuring to mine and the team’s every need.
“I'll be a proud man the day we take the field against Oldham because I know what it's took to get us to the starting line. I'll back my lads 100% and assure you that there won't be a lack of effort from anyone come Sunday.”
Scorpions have just one injury worry in Osian Phillips, while Alan Pope, Shaun Owens and Jack Pring are also unavailable.
Three Oldham backs are having treatment as the Roughyeds prepare for the game. Centre David Cookson has a groin problem, while two men who could be vying for the full-back spot, Steven Nield and Tom Whitehead, have hamstring and Achilles tendon problems respectively.
Naylor said: "We expect all three to be available for selection. We are taking precautions with them, but I think they'll be okay.
“By the time I pick the side on Saturday I expect everybody to be in the frame, with the exception of Phil Joy.”
South Wales Scorpions season tickets start at just £5 for juniors and go up to £70 for adults, and can be bought by going towww.scorpionsrl.com. Match tickets for their first game of the season when they entertain Oldham Roughyeds on Sunday 2nd March, can also be bought.
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