RUGBY UNION
New Platypi first grade captain Jack Hogan is a club man and believes it's good to surround yourself with like-minded people.
That's why he fits in so well at the Forbes Rugby Union Club he says, who have welcomed him with open arms.
The 25-year-old is originally from Bathurst and moved to Forbes at the start of the year to work as a livestock agent.
He's been playing rugby since he was 10 and has had on-and-off stints in Sydney since he was 13, and last year played in Crookwell while he was working in Goulburn.
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This is his first senior captaincy and despite their 23-48 loss to the Orange Emus in round one of the Blowes Cup competition, he's feeling optimistic.
"The club has a lot of ticker," Hogan said.
"If we can bring our heads together and have a good crack, we've got a good chance at causing an upset."
But he's not complacent, he knows there's a lot of work ahead of them.
Especially with a new-look side after the Platypi lost some players in the off season but gained some younger talent.
"Every game is going to be a tough one," he said, adding that this can be overcome through good and consistent teamwork.
"I thought our first half [in round one] was pretty bloody unreal.
"It was 15-17 at half time."
And Hogan was feeling confident.
"But then we piggy-backed them up the field in the second half which was frustrating," he said.
Hogan believes the Dubbo Kangaroos are the competition's biggest threat.
Dubbo's round one clash with the Bathurst Bulldogs was rated the 'match of the round' by Central West Rugby Union.
It said "it's not often you get the previous year's wooden spooners knocking off the three-time consecutive champions in round one after all, and doing it on the road to boot".
"I think Dubbo is the strongest team," Hogan said.
"Bathurst have been on top for the last three years, they're a very good team but Dubbo has been doing a lot of work and you can see it.
"But I think if we work well together we might be able to surprise them."
For Hogan, a stand-out player for the Platypi is the one they call Big Jerry - Seremaia Nakala.
"He's a big man who makes a big impact and he's hard to move," Hogan said.
"He played the full 80 minutes on Saturday [12 April]."
Also keep your eye on Sam Parish - Hogan's co-captain and club president - he has a "good footy head".
"He knows what he's doing and he's good with the boys and the younger players," Hogan said.
"He knows how to talk to them."
Saturday 3 May
Platypi are at home and hosting their family day at the lake-side ovals.
On field they're taking on Orange City, off field there's face painting and jumping castle fun from 12.30 to 3.30pm.
Vote and head to the footy!
