WAYNE Clarges will be the first to admit his introduction to Group Seven rugby league was a tough one in 2018.
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In his first year in charge of the Stingrays of Shellhrbour, his side didn't win a match and claimed the wooden spoon.
But Clarges admits there's plenty go positives to take from it, as the club heads into just its third year in the top grade.
"I really enjoyed my first year in charge but it was a challenging one, with our club struggling for first grade depth," Clarges said.
"But the main thing to take away from last year is all those young blokes we blooded in first grade, now have a season of top quality footy under their belts and will be better for it - that experience is invaluable in my opinion."
After managing to keep most of those young players at the club, Clarges explained that it's helped continue to build the culture at Flinders Field.
"All the players now know the attitude they need to play week in, week out at this level," he said.
"And by adding plenty of experience to our side for the 2019 season, I think it's only going to see our culture continue to improve."
Those players that Clarges alludes to are two-time England international Liam Quinn, Will Homer, Mitch Rosser, Jake Hawkins, Huss Hadarra, Alex Whalley, Jayden Sargent, Junior Knight and Nick Mastro.
"Liam [Quinn] has been sensational ever since he got here," Clarges said.
"He brings a wealth of experience, plenty of leadership and an enthusiasm to training that wears off on all the other players.
"He really shows all the younger guys the way to proper way to approach playing first grade - it's great to have him around the club."
Heading into the season, Clarges explained fitness has been a big focus, due to the decrease in allowed interchanges, as well as as building continuity between the spine of his side.
As such, his side have one main goal heading into the 2019 Group Seven season.
"Our aim is to be competitive each and every week," he said.
"Last year we showed patches of being competitive but it was largely inconsistent with our inexperience.
"But with everyone being a year older and with all the recruits we've brought into the group, there's no reason why we can't compete with any team in the competition, if we play for the full 80 minutes each week."
The Stingrays open their season on the road, travelling to Centenary Field to take on Gary Breakspear's Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles from 5.30pm on Saturday, April 6.