FORMER Australian Sevens representative Jordan Macey has helped rejuvenate Mid-North Coast rugby union.
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And, he is optimistic the Axemen can end a decade-long drought when they tackle Far North Coast tomorrow for the Observer Trophy in Coffs Harbour.
Macey, the Port Macquarie Pirates captain-coach, plied his trade – in rugby union and rugby league – in Sydney before helping the Central Coast Rays win the inaugural Australian Rugby Union championship under coach John McKee in 2007.
Now 27, he is a full-time professional, having played in Scotland for the past two years.
He is considering a further one-season contract after the Abigroup Cup with the Pirates.
“The Axemen will field a really strong side against FNC,” Macey said.
“Coffs Harbour has dominated the code in our zone in previous years, but the arrival of (back-rower) Chad Joseph for the Pirates and David Tunstead for the Hastings Valley Vikings has turned the tide in Port Macquarie – big time.
“In my opinion, Joseph is the finest player in the competition and Tunstead, along with Nick Dobson (Pirates), is easily one of the best props.
“David represented NSW Country and it was unfortunate that he was injured and could not play in the representative trial game at Crescent Head.
“Chad came off the bench and scored a try in the short time he was on the field.
“But, both are quite outstanding players.”
Ironically, for all Macey’s praise, Joseph only played the last 20 minutes of the Crescent Head trial and was not included in the original squad.
He and Pirates team-mate Tim Platt may be additional players for Coffs Harbour following an injury to Adam Gregory, Old Bar’s valuable utility, either a torrid flanker or vigorous centre.
Mid-North Coast executive director Desmond Hoy said the Observer Trophy had proved an elusive prize for the Axemen since its introduction between the two zones in 1977, pointing out that records indicate the MNC have won it only once in its 33-year history – a decade ago, in 2000.
“I think with Macey in our back line and a strong forward pack, we have as good a chance to win the trophy as we have had for some years,” he said.
“Jordan is an exceptional player.
“He reminds me of (former Test centre) Billy McKid the way he lounges about.
“But, when he gets the ball, he is an electrifying runner.
“You can quickly see how he represented Australia in Singapore in the Sevens tournament.”
Former Mid-North Coast president Tony Davies agreed.
“Jordan has amazing talent,” he said.
“He originally came out of Port and played with the Wests Tigers in league in Sydney before coming over to rugby union.
“He’s been a tremendous acquisition.”
The under 19s, fighting for the Advocate Cup, hit the field at 1pm, with the seniors kicking off from 2.30pm.
MNC Axemen (squad)
Nick Dobson (Port Macquarie Pirates), Murray Polson (Old Bar), Brad Booth (Kempsey Cannonballs), Kelvin Rushworth (Coffs Breakers), David Tunstead (Hastings Valley Vikings), Joel Riddle (Coffs Crushers), Craig Landrigan (Coffs Crushers), Lucas Webb (Port Macquarie Pirates), Matt Paulson (Old Bar), Ricky Clifton (Forster Tuncurry), Chad Lambert (Old Bar), Scott Edwards (Kempsey Cannonballs), Vili Vatuvili (Coffs Crushers), Andrew Paynter (Gloucester Cockies), Paul Chaplin (Hastings Valley Vikings), Tom Harris (Forster Tuncurry), Matt Mane (Port Macquarie Pirates), Kris Kent (Coffs Breakers), David Barnes (Hastings Valley Vikings), Darryl Thompson (Port Macquarie Pirates), Chris Tout (Old Bar), Jordan Macey (Port Macquarie Pirates), Chad Joseph (Port Macquarie Pirates), Tim Platt (Port Macquarie Pirates)
Under 19s
1 Jamie Moore (Port Macquarie Pirates), 2 Todd Giddy (Kempsey Cannonballs), 3 Tim Hartman (Coffs Crushers), 4 Steve Tong (Coffs Breakers), 5 John Korff (Coffs Breakers), 6 Jake Gilson (Wallamba Bulls), 7 Logan Marshall (Hastings Valley Vikings), 8 Scott Munro (Port Macquarie Pirates), 9 Luke Chaplin (Hastings Valley Vikings), 10 Dane Tangimetua (South West Rocks Goalers), 11 Mitch Hetherington (Hastings Valley Vikings), 12 David Angus (Coffs Crushers), 13 Chris Turnham (Port Macquarie Pirates), 14 Jake Clay (Kempsey Cannonballs), 15 Corey Gale (Kempsey Cannonballs), 16 David Rees (Taree Ratz), 17 Kane Clough (Wallamba Bulls), 18 Daniel Wilson (Coffs Breakers), 19 Justin Lowe (Port Macquarie Pirates), 20 Joe Wishart (Kempsey Cannonballs)
