Dylan Farrell expects Nowra-Bomaderry Jets to take flight in 2018

The 26-year-old, who was forced to retire from rugby league in 2016 due to a back injury, decided last year that he wanted to help the Jets club return to their former glory.

“There’s so much talent in the Shoalhaven area and I want to maximise that the best I can,” Farrell Said.

"To be honest, I think the Jets have been underachieving since they won the competition in 2014 and I want to change that.

“I’m under no illusions though, as I know how much time and effort goes into a rugby league season, especially as I’ll be overseeing all teams at the club, not just first grade.

“As such, my decision wasn’t made lightly and now I’m excited to rip in.”

Farrell, who played in the NRL with both South Sydney and St George Illawarra, is the man in charge of leading the Jets back to the finals for the first time since 2015.

“I want to bring some professionalism back to the club,” he said.

“Obviously being in a professional set-up since the age of 16 and playing under three different NRL coaches, I think I can offer the club improvements in little things such as training, attitude and standards.

“They’re probably the biggest aspects the club and players have lacked in recent years, because they definitely don’t lack any talent.

“The Shoalhaven area has never lacked the talent – I just think that little push in the right direction can go a long way.”

Farrell, who helped the Culburra Dolphins win their maiden premiership (Group Seven third grade) in 2016, plans to get the Jets playing disciplined rugby league in 2018.

“I want the club to play respectfully this year – we need to respect the ball, respect the opposition, respect our team mates, respect the jersey and most importantly, respect the club,” he said.

“I realise there needs to be an attitude change at the club, which I’m hoping a big pre-season will help alleviate. 

“I’m a big believer that this approach will go a long way to getting the best out of everyone at the club.”

Having missed out on the finals the past two season, Farrell knows his playing group at champing at the bit to make the top five once again.

“I believe this group will return to finals because they want to, it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“With their talent and the tools I will offer them, from a coaching point of view, there’s no reason why we won’t return to finals.”

The Jets club, who will also have both an under 18s men’s and second division women’s league tag side in 2018, start their pre-season training this Sunday, January 14 at Tilbury Cove from 8am.