Fraser takes Cougars helm

Tristan Fraser will lead the Cougars by example this year.

File

ONE week to the start of the Hyundai QSL season and Webbers Retravision Cougars coach Brad Smith has announced his latest major decision.

After news of Roy Bob and Craig Porter’s retirement and Dylan Kussrow’s unavailability, there was speculation as to who would wear the captain’s arm band for 2010.

That has now been settled, with Brad Smith giving the job to his star striker, Tristan Fraser.

Fraser has been outstanding during the first two years of QSL competition and there is little doubt he is one of the most respected players in the Cougars squad.

The choice of vice-captain was an easy one to make, with centre back Dai Thomas a vocal and influential player in defence.

For Smith the major preparations for next week’s match in Brisbane against the Strikers have been made and the coach is confident the team will perform well in the 2010 competition.

Most of the players get this weekend off, with the side training on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

“It will be their last weekend off for 21 weeks,” Smith warned.

Of course, Smith hopes he has enough quality in the squad to prolong the season further and be in the finals during September, but that’s a long way off.

This week the players went through some vigorous fitness work.

“On Thursday night Wayne Clifford (triathlon) took the session,” the coach said.

Smith said Clifford made the players work hard in a running session but from this Tuesday there would be more work with the football.

Apart from the illness to defender Ben McMaster, the only cloud over the team’s preparations hangs over striker Jamie Morris.

“He trained well on Wednesday night but was sore (Achilles tendon) on Thursday and didn’t train,” Smith said.

The pleasing thing for the Cougars management is the competition for places all over the park.

“Jessie Thompson is pushing Tristan (Fraser) and Jamie (Morris), and scoring two goals last weekend shows he can do it,” he said.

It is also a struggle in the middle of the park, where Martyn Davis, Michael Cay and Eduardo are all pushing their claims.

“They are not far off selection,” Smith confirmed.

Another selection “problem” for Smith arrives on Thursday.

Another British player, Oliver Saunders, flies into Rockhampton and, if reports are accurate, he too is a handy footballer.

“He won’t be involved in next week’s game,” Smith said.

“We still have to see what he looks like.”

On Tuesday the overseas members of the squad were welcomed to the city by mayor Brad Carter.

In between meetings, councillor Carter arranged for an afternoon tea with the players and Cougars chief executive officer Bevan Dingley.