Rugby: Eagles well positioned for new Rugby League season

After the re-signing of ex-Workington Town forward Paddy Coupar, Eagles boosted their squad further by landing Dave Vernon, the former Gateshead Thunder hooker.

This season's squad has a familiar look about it and club spokesman Stuart Henderson reckons the squad is well equipped to regain the Scotland Rugby League Conference after finishing second behind Carluke Tigers last term having won the title three years in a row from 2007 to 2009.

The opening fixture in the campaign pits them at home to Tigers at Union Park in Carrick Knowe this Saturday (2.00pm) and Henderson said: "We are very confident about this coming season. We have signed players who have played for us before, so they are very familiar. They have come back better after playing professionally down south."

"Preparations for the new season have been really good, there is big competition for places with lots of numbers at training. Boys know they have to come to training to work hard to win their jersey."

The influx of new players has resulted in the introduction of under-17 and under-15 teams which will compete in the National Youth League, but additional players are always welcome. One talented youngster who appears to have a bright future in the game is Gregor Porteous, 19. Initially brought into the squad to increase numbers, the Aberdeen University student has established himself in the Eagles side since joining last season and recently spent time on trial at Super League giants Hull FC. He also won a call up to the Scotland Under-18 side, gaining three caps and captaining his country.

He said: "It was a proud moment to lead my country out for the Scotland Under-18s. I will hopefully break into the Scotland A team this season."

The youngsters will also benefit from the addition of Scotland internationalist Paddy Coupar as he is set to play a key role in aiding their development. Coupar is employed by the RFL so he will be working with the youth section to help to improve the youngsters.

Henderson said: "It is hoped that some of the players from the new youth section could go on to playing in the senior team and even make it professionally. We think we can develop their skills and make them better players."