PROMISING half-back Curtis Jenkinson will be given first crack at taking over from Matt Rose when Albury Thunder battle Leeton in their Intergroup pre-season clash at Greenfield Park tomorrow night.
Jenkinson, who is still eligible for under-18s, has impressed on the training track with coach Josh Cale saying yesterday he had earned a shot at the position against the Group 20 heavyweight.
“It’s a good opportunity for Curtis,” Cale said.
“He’s trained well and is a promising young player.
“With Matt Rose moving on, we will be looking at our options.
“Curtis is one of them.”
Rose dropped a bombshell last week when he told Thunder officials he would be moving to Sydney for employment opportunities, while fellow premiership player Henry Heta has also confirmed he will not be returning to Greenfield Park.
Veteran centreman Brett Biles has retired.
Albury edged out Dubbo-Macquarie in its opening trial match and Cale expects Leeton to provide more strong opposition.
“They are a good side in Group 20,” Cale said.
“It’s another good chance for us to get things into place and keeping working on our fitness.”
The match at Greenfield Park starts at 6pm, followed by Hay’s clash with Wagga Brothers at 7pm.