Prior, Lavaka team up to prepare Platypi for 2021 campaign

After a shortened season last year, the Platypi began their training sessions early in 2021 on Tuesday, January 12.

Platypi first grade co-coach Heamani Lavaka said all grades have been training together for the first few weeks before splitting into squad training around three weeks before the first round.

Lavaka said they have a slightly changed roster this year with the return of rugby league competitions in the region, they want to see who's playing and what they are like this year.

Along with checking this year's crop of players across First grade, Reserve Grade, the Women's Squad and the Colts, Lavaka said they started training earlier to help improve skills and teamwork as well as allowing players to settle in.

Forbes Platypi media officer Emma Evans said they are also using this extended training time to get back into the swing of things after a shortened play season last year.

This year's First Grade coaching line up includes Phil Prior and Heamani Lavaka taking on the coaching duties for First grade.

The Platypi are still deciding on who will take on coaching duties for the Reserve grade, Colts and Women's squads.

Platypi First Grade Coach Phil Prior said the teams are shaping up really well and numbers very strong which will hopefully give them some depth.

"It's been encouraging. They're all having a bit of fun and we're concentrating on a fair bit of fitness at the moment."

"We want to hit the ground running and hopefully can have a short term goal of winning them first two or three games to get off to a good start," Prior said.

"Obviously we've got to be prepared physically and mentally for [the season]."

Forbes Rugby Club President Rhys Woods said this will be Phil Prior's 41st year with the Club he still has a spark and energy for rugby and where it can take players on and off the field.

While Heamani Lavaka may not have been with the club as long, he has played rugby at the highest level Mr Woods said he has an impeccable eye for detail and passion for the game.

"Phil and Heamani, as a coaching team, have had success working together for Forbes Rugby Union Club in the past when guiding the First XV to the Grand Finals in 2016 and 2017 seasons, securing a premiership," Mr Woods said.

The Platypi will have their first clash trial matches this year against Parkes with two 7's matches. Forbes will be taking a men's 7's team and a women's 7's team to Parkes on March 6.

This will be followed by a clash against Wagga Agricultural College on March 20. This will feature two men's grades matches and a women's grade match.

Prior said they are yet to set a date for a match against Griffith, but he expects one to be locked in soon.

The Platypi will host the Brad Ridley Shield match on the Thursday before Good Friday.

On April 10, the Platypi will be hosting their Club day which Prior said will help them get primed for the first round.

The first round begins on Saturday, April 17 with the Platypi hosting the Cowra Eagles.