Rugby league: Anthony Boyd to start fourth year in charge of Wauchope Blues

The only thing that has so far evaded them has been the one that matters most - lifting the premiership shield.

They thought 2019 was going to be their year until Macleay Valley had other ideas and collectively broke Wauchope hearts.

Boyd is back on deck for 2020 and knows this premiership tilt will be the most difficult one he has had to prepare for.

Overcoming last year's disappointment and turning it into motivation to win the title will be key, but the Blues should be confident in the knowledge they have made significant strides forward over his tenure.

There is no reason to think this year will be any different.

"For two years in a row now we've been in the top three so I think everyone knows we're going to be a decent side," Boyd said.

"We're not going to sneak under the radar anymore."

When Boyd started his first campaign in charge in 2017 the Blues were struggling.

A proud town was crying out for a return to the glory years they had in 2012 and 2014 when the club appeared in two grand finals and lost both.

Those grand final demons again returned to haunt the side in August last year.

"It hurt the boys a lot," Boyd said.

"They know they had a lost opportunity and unfortunately you don't get those opportunities all the time, so it was half the reason I came back.

"A lot of the boys said 'one more year to chase it' so they've definitely got that burning desire there."

Players such as Beau White, Nick McCabe and Tony Thompson have left which means they will have their work cut out to repeat the dose.

On his first day in charge, Boyd outlined a four-year plan at Lank Bain Sporting Complex which had a focus on gradual improvement.

The improvement over the last three years prove the club is right on track.

Boyd's method was to gradually bring through some younger heads rather than try to splash the cash and attempt to buy a competition.

He feels that will benefit the club in the long run.

"You see a lot of sides around here that will spend big and go well one year then fade away to last or second last and we weren't about that," he said.

"We wanted to build a sustainable club that's going to keep bringing through juniors and develop the new players that will hold the club in a good stead for years to come."

A large chunk of the Blues playing roster in 2020 will be under the age of 22.

"By doing that we're going to put the club in a good, strong position where we can regularly compete for titles," he said.

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