ALBURY Thunder star David Cowhan is confident new coach Tuki Jackson will make an instant impact at Greenfield Park next season.
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Cowhan played alongside Jackson for Country Bulls against Western Australia in Perth in July and liked what he saw.
I think he’ll be a gun player for us. His size is definitely something we need.
- Albury Thunder star David Cowhan
“He had a blinder over there,” Cowhan said.
“I think he’ll be a gun player for us.
“I roomed with him in Perth as well and the time I have spent with him he seems a top bloke.”
The powerful second-rower joins Albury Thunder after spending the past two seasons with Yanco-Wamoon.
The New Zealander has also played in Sydney and France.
“His size is definitely something we need,” he said.
“He’s good mates with Sefa (Joe Silafau) and they have played some footy together over the years.
“I think he’s looking forward to getting into coaching.”
Jackson was originally targeted by Albury Thunder as a player, but the forward impressed the club so much it offered him the coaching position.
He co-coached Yanco-Wamoon with Glenn Dumbrell last season.
In further good news, former coach Ben Jeffery will stay at Greenfield Park after originally signalling his intentions to move to Wollongong.
It is believed Thunder is speaking to at least one more highly-credentialed player.
“I think we are in pretty good shape,” Cowhan said.
“Hopefully we can pick up a couple and have a good season.”
Albury finished fourth on the ladder this year before bowing out of the premiership race with a 24-6 semi-final loss to Junee at Junee.
Reigning premier Southcity looks set to retain its list and will be hard to beat again.
Albury will hold its presentation night next weekend.
Cowhan and Jon Huggett are expected to be prominent for first grade honours after turning in consistent seasons.