The Young Cherrypickers have officially signalled a dramatic shift in philosophy for the upcoming 2026 Group 9 season, moving away from recent success under a single mentor to adopt a unique, multi-faceted coaching structure.
This strategic pivot, dubbed a “reset and re-build” by the club, sees local legend Jayke Hogan join structured coaching mind Daniel Barclay as co-coaches, with the formidable addition of former Cronulla Sharks star Nathan Stapleton as Assistant Coach. The new leadership triumvirate replaces the previous coaching staff, ushering in an era focused on long-term sustainability and the development of local talent.
The announcement comes on the heels of the first major player acquisition under the new regime: utility star Charlie Woolford. This signing underscores the new focus on quality and versatility across the spine.
Young President Andrew Smith confirmed the club’s direction. “We wanted to take the club in a bit of a different direction this year, a bit of a reset and rebuild around a core group of local talent that is filtering through into grade football,” Smith said.
“We felt Jayke Hogan and Dan Barclay were absolutely the right men to steer us in that direction.”
A Partnership Built on Passion and Precision
The decision to appoint Hogan and Barclay as co-coaches is a calculated blend of passion and professional structure. Jayke Hogan, who has been one of the club’s leading players for years and served as the on-field captain last season, brings the indispensable local knowledge and dressing-room credibility. His promotion to Head Coach is seen as a reward for his commitment, ensuring the team’s heart remains firmly rooted in the community.
“Jayke’s been one of our leading players for several years now. He was the captain on the field last year, and he was ready to take the next step up,” Smith explained. His leadership will be built on the respect earned through grit and consistent performance in the red, white and blue jersey.
Daniel Barclay, by contrast, provides the essential blueprint for systematic growth. Barclay arrives with a robust coaching resume, including significant developmental roles. He has been closely affiliated with the Western Rams and the esteemed Penrith system, bringing modern techniques and development protocols vital for elevating players within the Group 9 competition.
“Daniel’s also been in the coaching system for a few years now, and he’s been biting at the bullet to get the opportunity to take on a head role and implement some of the stuff he’s done over the years into the team,” the President noted.
The co-coaching model is designed to maximise both leaders: Hogan handling the on-field emotional resonance, and Barclay driving the clinical structure and development.
The NRL Edge: Stapleton’s Strategic Input
Adding significant weight to the coaching box is Assistant Coach Nathan Stapleton. The former Cronulla Sharks flyer provides a rare, top-tier professional perspective to the bush competition. Despite an accident curtailing his playing days, his football intelligence is still regarded as “terrific.”
Stapleton’s role will be specialised: he is highly proficient in video cutting and analysis, allowing the Cherrypickers to dissect opponents and refine their own structures with an NRL-grade level of scrutiny.
“Stapes was excellent this year when we brought him in,” Smith remarked. “He’s been in the top line system, he knows just about every aspect of footy, and just having his experience amongst the group just adds tremendously to the coaching structure.”
Stapleton’s presence is expected to be invaluable in teaching young players the discipline and detail required for elite performance.
Woolford Signals Strategic Intent
The first major signing under the new administration, Charlie Woolford, serves as a powerful statement of the club’s strategic intent. Woolford, a 23-year-old talent and veteran of the Canberra Raiders Cup First Grade competition, brings a prized versatility sought by the new co-coaches. Capable of wearing the hooker (nine), lock (thirteen), or halfback (seven) jersey, Woolford possesses the football IQ and adaptability to anchor the crucial spine positions. His pedigree—as the son of Raiders legend Simon Woolford—adds a touch of class and professionalism. The incoming leadership is confident that Woolford’s arrival, combined with the continued development of local stars like Matt Noakes—who has confirmed his role as a versatile and lethal Winger/Centre in the out-side backline—will ensure the rebuild is both high-quality and deeply rooted in the club’s foundation.
The Young Cherrypickers believe they have assembled a team of leaders who can successfully navigate the challenges of Group 9, blending local passion with high-performance methodology. The new era has begun, and Alfred Oval is eagerly awaiting the harvest of its strategic rebuild.
– Tully Potts
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