Sunshine Coast coach Sam Mawhinney says his players have more spark this pre-season, after missing out on game time in 2020.
The Falcons, and their Queensland Cup rivals, only played one round before this year’s competition was cancelled due to Covid-19.
Now, they’re back on the training paddock and itching for action.
“It’s really exciting and there’s definitely some energy around the group, probably added energy,” Mawhinney said.
They’ve been preparing in earnest for the past two months.
“And I think when we come back after Christmas (break) we’ll be looking to go to another level again and I’m sure the guys will respond to that because they’re chomping at the bit.”
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The Falcons have been perennial contenders in recent seasons, and they’re expected to be among the main threats again in 2021.
Mawhinney welcomed the pressure to play well.
“That’s the way we like it. We want to be in that conversation when people are talking about the top teams,” he said.
“We’ve just got to keep working hard and strive to back it up in the field.”
They’re building a strong roster, including backs Bessie Aufuga-Toomaga (Redcliffe), Luke Paulselli (Newtown) and winger Paul Ulberg (Norths).
“He’s been one of the top performers in the Queensland Cup for a few years,” Mawhinney said of the latter.
Established stalwarts Dane Hogan and Todd Murphy have re-committed for the 14-team competition.
“It’s really good to have those senior leaders come back and lead the younger guys coming through.”
He expected the likes of hooker Tyson Smoothy, utility Sam Burns and lock Campbell Duffy to fire in 2021.
“Campbell is still only quite young but he’s been training really well and I’m really excited to see what he can deliver.
“Sam is just getting into that mid-20s age bracket where he can really start to dominate games and Tyson Smoothy is another young kid who has a pretty bright future.”
The competition is scheduled for 19 rounds, instead of the usual 24.
It’s believed to be a cost-cutting measure for the Queensland Rugby League and its top clubs.
“Everyone’s taken a hit with regards to the (reduced) funding that’s been brought down from NRL level (and) that’s just something where all sharing.”
“I think (organisers) have been reasonably conservative … to focus on getting through the 19 rounds and hopefully we’ll get back to an even keel the year after.”
The Falcons, who have an affiliation with Melbourne Storm, will open their campaign against the Northern Pride at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday, March 20, 3pm.
FALCONS’ DRAW
Round 1: Pride (h) Saturday, March 20, 3pm
Round 2: Magpies (a) Sunday, March 28, 3pm
Round 3: Jets (h) Saturday, April 10, 3pm
Round 4: Hunters (a) Saturday, April 17, 3pm
Round 5: Blackhawks (a) Saturday, April 24, 4pm
Round 6: Cutters (h) Sunday, May 9, 3pm
Round 7: WM Seagulls (h) Sunday, May 16, 4pm
Round 8: Devils (a) Sunday, May 23, 3pm
Round 9: Dolphins (h) Saturday, June 5, 4pm
Round 10: Tigers (a) Sunday, June 13, 1pm
Round 11: Blackhawks (h) Saturday, June 19, 4pm
Round 12: Jets (a) Saturday, July 3, 5pm
Round 13: Hunters (h) Saturday, July 10, 3pm
Round 14: TH Seagulls (h) Saturday, July 17, tbc
Round 15: Pride (a) Saturday, July 31, 5.30pm
Round 16: Bears (h) Saturday, August 7, 4pm
Round 17: Capras (h) Sunday, August 15, 3pm
Round 18: Cutters (a) Saturday, August 21, 6pm
Round 19: WM Seagulls (a) Saturday, August 28, 5pm
