There will be a new duo in charge of the Yenda Blueheelers as they return to the football field this season, with Lance Poka and Tamatatai Miratana taking the reins of the first-grade side.
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The pair was set to coach the side together in 2020, but after the COVID pandemic cancelled Group 20 last year, they decided to hand the reins back.
However, a change of mind has seen Miratana and Poka retake control and look to lead a Yenda side looking to rebuild.
"We both pulled out when COVID hit and just enjoyed our time doing nothing," Poka said.
"Then there was a bit of a change, and we got asked if we'd like to take the job again."
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The Blueheelers have enjoyed a number of seasons where the juniors have led the way, with both the 16s and 18s picking up premierships in recent years, and Poka is looking forward to working with the talent that is coming through.
"We have had a good junior set up for a good three or four years now," he said.
"That is a credit to the coaches who have been looking after them."
Poka said the side they are working with is similar to the side that took the field in 2019 when the side finished in eighth position.
"The core group is still there from last year, but we are just looking to compete," he said.
This weekend will see Group 20 sides return to the field after a long break, with the knockout taking place at Exies Oval.
Poka said his side will be using the event as a good warm-up for the season proper, which gets underway on May 1.
"We won't be going in with a strong team this weekend just with the numbers that have been turning up, so that will be a mix of first grade and reserves as well,"
Yenda will kick off the action at Sporties on Saturday morning when they take on local rivals the Black and Whites at 10am.
The finals will start at 3.30pm with the under 16s with the under 18s to follow at 4.30pm.
The League Tag girls will battle it out at 5.15pm before the Grand final gets underway at around 6pm.
All of the finals will be played on Exies No 1.
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