Club legend back at the helm

JOEL RITCHIE

KIAMA Rugby Club legend Mark Corkin will coach first grade in the Illawarra Rugby Union premiership this season.

Corkin, who played more than 300 games for the black-and-whites, is about to embark in his second stint at the helm after coaching the top grade in 2005.

He will do so this year without representative front row James and Trevor Patrick and Ian Ross and Country outside back Chris Jack. The quartet defected to Avondale during the off-season.

Despite those losses Corkin believes Kiama can retain their position as IRU heavyweights.

“I think our backline is the envy of every other team in the competition,” Corkin said.

“Our halves combination (Michael Quinn and Mitch Payne) is the best in the competition – I wouldn’t swap those two for anyone.

“In Chris Weir we have the leading try scorer in the competition the past two seasons.”

Kiama will also welcome back Clint Paget, who will slot back into Kiama’s dynamite backline.

Corkin said he would promote a number of Kiama’s premiership-winning 2006 second grade side.

He also said prop Nathan Millthorpe would be ready to make the step up this year.

“The boys have come out from under their shadow and are keen to prove they can win too,” Corkin said.

Corkin was hesitant about making any promises with the start of the season almost a month away.

“I don’t set long-term goals, I want to set the season up,” Corkin said.

“If we can with three or four of our first six games that will make things easier.

“We will be aiming for a semi-finals spot – we have the cattle to do it.”

Kiama’s heartbreaking loss to Shamrocks in the 2007 decider hasn’t come up so far in pre-season training, Corkin said.

“They haven’t mentioned last year but the guys who played should be motivated,” he said.

“The team will be a bit different and I want them to focus on what’s ahead.”

Kiama has incorporated former NRL trainer Leigh Miranda as their fitness coordinator for 2008.

Kiama will play an away trial against University on Saturday, before round one against the same opponents at the Showground on April 19.

Mark Burns and Richard Payne will coach second grade while Chris Regan and Rob McAllister will coach thirds.