The Hunter Wildfires have turned to two young recruits with strong rugby pedigrees to address their mounting flyhalf crisis, with head coach Darren Coleman expressing confidence in the new arrivals.
New faces in the No.10 jersey
Moses Jones, the 23-year-old younger brother of former Wallabies star Quade Cooper, is set to make his debut for the Wildfires at flyhalf against West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. Jones has spent the past three seasons playing rugby in Japan and brings a wealth of experience despite his relatively young career.
Joining him is Callen Gray, 22, who represented Australia at the under-20 Rugby World Championships and spent the last two years in the Newcastle Knights system. Gray will begin his Wildfires campaign in second grade.
Coleman, who is navigating a difficult period with multiple injuries to key playmakers, believes the duo can help stabilise the team's backline.
Fast-tracked into action
Jones arrived at the club on Monday and has been quickly integrated into the first-grade setup. Coleman said the wet weather has limited on-field training, but the coaching staff are doing their best to prepare him.
"Moses came in on Monday and has been fast tracked," Coleman said. "He looks to have a good kick and pass game and has played that position throughout his career, albeit a young career. It has been tricky for him. We have not been able to get on a field this week due to the wet. We have tried to keep selections consistent around him. At least everyone else knows what they are doing."
Jones shares a close bond with his older brother Quade Cooper, who is 15 years his senior and now works as an attack coach for the Hanazono Kitetsu Liners in Japan after retiring in 2025. The siblings have lived together at times in Japan, but Coleman noted that Moses possesses a different playing style compared to the flamboyant former Wallaby.
Strong pedigree for Gray
Gray also boasts an impressive rugby union background. He was part of the Brumbies academy and played Jersey Flegg for the Knights last season. This year, he featured in NSW Cup and a couple of local games for Souths before making the switch back to rugby union.
"Callen played Aussie 20s, was in the Brumbies academy and played last season for the Knights in Jersey Flegg (under-21s)," Coleman said. "He started this season in NSW Cup and played a couple of games in the local comp for Souths. He has jumped back over to rugby. He and Moses both started with us on Monday."
Injury crisis forces changes
The Wildfires began the season with two quality playmakers, but Jack Evenden (neck) and Connor Winchester (wrist) have both suffered season-ending injuries. Taj Annan was used as a makeshift 10 before returning to Perth with the Western Force, while halfback Logan Love was set to shift out a place before suffering a knee injury. Fullback John Porch filled the role in last round's loss to Easts.
"We have not played with the same nine and 10 in consecutive games. This will be round seven," Coleman lamented.
In addition to the backline reshuffle, Coleman has made changes to the forward pack. Taufa Kinikini moves to blindside breakaway, and Blake Howle gets an opportunity at hooker in place of Andrew Tuala, who has returned to Hunter Rugby club Wanderers.
"We are a bit skinny in the back row at the moment," Coleman said. "Taufa carries the ball well. In terms of giving us go-forward, he is far and away our best."
Inconsistency plagues Wildfires
The Wildfires' 36-10 loss to Easts dropped them to fifth spot on the Shute Shield ladder with a 3-3 win-loss record. Coleman acknowledged the team's inconsistency but remains optimistic.
"It is not like we have hit a form slump," he said. "We had our best performance the week before against Sydney University. Then our toughest last week. We are not trending in any one way. We are inconsistent. Our in-game performances are up and down and our game-to-game performances are up and down. We have to find some consistency."
West Harbour presents opportunity
West Harbour currently sit at the bottom of the Shute Shield table with just one win, but Coleman is wary of the challenge they pose. The Pirates have been competitive in most games, often leading before fading late.
"They have been in every game but dropped away a little at the end," Coleman said. "That's probably their Achilles heel. They led [leaders] Warringah after 72 minutes last week. They are a little different profile than previously. They probably don't have as much Pacifica flair as they have in years gone past. They are a little bit more hard-working and grafting. They are just trying to figure out how to stay in it for 80 minutes."
West Harbour also feature former Newcastle halfback Drew Sellers, whom Coleman has long admired.
"Drew is a very good player," Coleman said. "I have tried every year to get him back. He is due to finish his Masters this year. I will have another crack."
