After a four month break, the Newport Nasties have returned to the training paddock in front of an enthusiastic crowd of supporters at the Doggy Dome tonight. Twenty Four elite athletes were on hand to ease into proceedings with many looking leaner and keener than they have for years. "I could take on the (Mosman) Whales tomorrow if I had to....." came an energetic outburst from Sin-Bin to his teammates. "Everyone is looking like thay have been training hard over summer....." enthused Coach Trollope.

 On a mild early Autumn night, training consisted of a few stretches followed by an hour long game of touch football. Many, including the King Brothers, Deeks, Hoff and Skip were there to back-up from the previous nights thrilling game. "I never tire of running.....: Skip raspily told Mita who is sporting a much tougher look this season. Sean Panambalana once again darted around the field but it was the presence of Boy-Lo that had everyone talking. His deft passing, elusive step and acceleration had all present enthused that he would return to the Nasties fold. ".....yeh, maybe....." was Boy-Lo's only comment to the waiting media. The game ending after a scintillating runaway try by Skip McGrath who left everyone at a standstill. "You don't see many better tries than that....." a modest Skip told the crowd.

Afterwards the players were welcomed off the field by Legless and Sven who served up sausage sandwiches and a cold drink to the hungry and thirsty horde. It was then onto this seasons 'Boy-Lo' award, now known as the 'Golden Cliffy' (named after Nasties World Cup player Cliffy Lyons) to be presented. The winning Back going to Jeremy 'Boy-Lo' Beynon who called in a substitute in the evergreen Pete Johnno to help him drink the spoils of his work. The best Forward of the night went to new recruit, Big John. A forum chaired by Gunner was then held amongst the players to decide on events for the upcoming season with almost unanimous support for what was presented. A few more drinks and more to eat before the night finished with much enthusasum for the 2011 season.

Onwards & Upwards