New look Magpies coaching line up ahead of new look competition

The coaches were announced last week, with the two Jacks - Buchanan and Nobes - set to steer the club's return to first grade.

Incumbent coaches Josh Newling and Stacey Ashe will once again take the helm of the second grade and league tag squads respectively, while Ken McNamara returns to lead the Under 18s side.

Longtime clubman, Brett Jeffries, will coach the Under 21s team in a six-week, pre-season competition.

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Cowra Magpies President, Marc McLeish said the group featured a 'great mix of experience and local knowledge'.

"They [Josh and Stacey] did a great job for us last year in a difficult year and really happy that they can re-join us," he said.

"Kenny MacNamara has worked with these boys in this age group before, he's got a ton of experience as a coach... we're looking forward to watching how he keeps these kids moving in the direction they were in last season.

"Brett Jeffries is taking on the Under 21s team... we've been able to secure a good sponsor in Ironman 4x4 and Cowra Motors that have come on board with us to finance this team.

"It actually gives us a lot of opportunity to keep those kids that are coming out of Under 18s that are a little dubious about going into grade footy... they can prove to themselves that they are capable of taking that next step."

McLeish said he's looking forward to seeing both Nobes and Buchanan donning the black and white next season.

"Jack Buchanan with his NRL and Super League experience... he brings so much to the club and he's just a terrific club bloke as well," McLeish said.

"He's embraced what we do and he's been one of the blokes that's really driven the concept of getting back up into first grade so couldn't be happier.

"Jack Nobes, his abilities on the field need no introduction but his contacts and his wealth of experience with the local players was a very important part of what we are trying to do.

"While it made me sick in my stomach to see him in green and yellow [of Orange CYMS], it was fantastic to see him do well over there and leave his mark."

With a new look coaching line up comes a brand new competition after the draft 2022 Western Premiership draw was released last week.

McLeish said the draw is a good starting point but noted a big trip to Nyngan and no home clashes with Bathurst Panthers as potential issues.

"We have had a look at it, the concept was to try and minimise travel but ours has actually grown," he said.

"[But] if we're serious about wanting the game to be healthy in the area, then somebody's got to go to Nyngan to make sure those guys stay in these competitions.

"We won't play Panthers at home which is a concern to us as far as the Chad Nealon Shield is concerned.

"I think there will be a few changes in there, a few clubs are starting to bring a few issues to the table... but our first instinct on it is, it's not too bad."

Despite a number of Group 11 clubs raising concerns about the draw, McLeish said the competition needed to embrace change.

"I see where the other clubs are coming from and this whole concept may not work but at least they're trying something," he said.

"If we go knocking things on the head every time they try something, then we are never going to get anywhere.

"It's worth trying, there's positives and negatives with all change and sometimes you've just got to give it a go. That will be our attitude going forward."

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