DON’T expect Tumut coach Luke Srama to rock up at 1.30pm, put his team through a quick warm-up and run on to Greenfield Park on Sunday.
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Srama’s day starts long before that.
The hooker is Tumut’s full-time coach and development officer who “lives and breathes rugby league”.
Srama’s three-year appointment was part of a radical business plan put into place by the Blues which is believed to be a first for Country Rugby League.
“It all happened by chance,” Srama, 30, said.
“I was over in France and having trouble with my visa and Tumut just got in touch and wanted to have a chat.
“In the end, it became a dream opportunity.
“I train two nights a week with the seniors boys, plus two other nights in the gym or extras, and then game day and minor league training.
“I also go into the schools within the Tumut area, as far as Batlow.
“It’s busy but I’m loving it.”
While Srama took over when the former powerhouse was near rock bottom, the signs are promising on and off the field.
Interest has been rekindled within the 6000-strong township with the former Queensland Cup player excited by the progress.
Srama has played predominantly in the Mackay region as well as having stints in the US, England and France.
Srama’s older brother, Matt, plays for Gold Coast.
“The feedback from the schools and community has been really good,” he said.
“Juniors is number one and blooding them.
“There is a lot of work to do but I’m enjoying it.”
Tumut was mauled by flag contender Southcity in round one before bouncing back with a thrilling 30-28 win over Kangaroos last weekend.
”The first round was a learning curve for a lot of the boys with positives and negatives coming out of it,” he said.
“Southcity is a well-drilled team.
“Then last week we had a good hit-out against Kangaroos.
“Albury is one of the benchmarks after beating Gundagai last week and they are obviously a very professional club.
“We will just go in with the right attitude and see how we go.”
Albury: 1 Jeffery (c), 2 Hampton, 3 C. Seaton, 4 M. Seaton, 5 A. Jones, 6 Rupapere, 7 Little, 8 A. Cowhan, 9 Smith, 10 Silafau, 11 Tipene, 12 Huggett, 13 D. Cowhan. Inter: 14 Watson, 15 Sargeant, 16 Garness.
Tumut: 1 Swanson, 2 Braber, 3 Bristow, 4 Mulkeen, 5 McNamara, 6 Broad, 7 Jones, 8 Back, 9 Srama (c), 10 Hobbs, 11 Sherratt, 12 Nolden, 13 Masters. Inter: 14 Marley, 16 Power.
