Comets News
Comets go out winners!
26th August, 2008
Well it's the time of year when teams want to be preparing for semi finals action and the hope of featuring in this year's Grand Final. This was a goal that at season's start looked all but impossible for the Comets with the sudden resignation of Steve Anderson as the opening rounds came upon us and the previous year's record fresh in the minds of the players and fans. With 2 wins in season 2007 the expectations for this year were left in tatters with the disrupted start and similar playing staff leaving many to doubt the clubs chances in 08. The season started with a bang, the appointment of Wayne Barnett as interim coach along with a changing of staff and suddenly there was some interesting uncertainty among fans and faithful. The first hurdle was the pre season featuring a Comets side keen to impress up against a young Canberra Raiders side fighting for spots in the season opener. With the crowd vocal and the football fast the Comets lead proceedings throughout and posted a confidence building win to open the season and settle the dust from the ensuing weeks. From there a close 2 point loss to the East's Tigers saw light begin to spring out of a once dark future. The first half of the season had a mixed feel about it. A number of losses on the trot put the team in its place and the reality of competing in Australia's second best competition was again evident. The team went back to the drawing board and with the changes Barnett was enforcing beginning to mature, the on field performances were growing with it. Crowds began to come back and so too did the players confidence as a number of club records fell at the hands of some white hot Comets players. Three wins in a row was one record that has eluded the Club in it's short history. This was celebrated rightfully following a courageous 40 points to 18 victory over North's away from home as well as Nat Bowmans superman like effort posting 26 points for his personal tally surpassing Graham Whites long standing record of 24 points in a single match. By mid season the Club was travelling with 2 points keeping us out of the finals race for a top five finish. Games against heavy weights Tweed Heads and Northern Pride were looming fast as crunch games in the run home and the boys didn't disappoint. Hard fought victories placed the Comets well within striking distance and with 4 weeks to go a maiden finals berth was suddenly a real possibility. Wynnum Seagulls were the mountain left for the Comets to climb and given the rainy conditions and injury toll leading up you couldn't have faltered their effort. The match was all locked up with 10 to go and a heavy weight of possession had the Comets threatening the Seagulls on numerous occasions. But as it has been at vital times during the year, silly mistakes presented an opportunity for Wynnum to consolidate and through their NRL players John Te Reo and Chris Muckert they were able to go on and post a win and put the Comets finals hopes on a knifes edge. The closing 2 games of the year were lost early in the game with Ipswich and Redcliffe all taking there chances to go to 18 point leads before the Comets knew what was happening. The Comets of 2008 have shown they are very much a serious threat showing fighting qualities much lacking in previous years and a real sense of confidence in home grown talent placing the future in good hands. With the development squad also supported by Stanwell the young talent can see the pathway beginning to unfold at the foot of the range in Murray street, and why else leave for that NRL dream when it's right outside your door. 2009 is building as something special so get behind your team CQ as we tackle the Wizard Cup head on and we want you to know it's "Our Team Our Region".