Sarah Oliver
The Western Rams netball club is gearing up for the 2022 season, with trials starting the first week of February for all grades in the Riddell District League.
This season will be led by newly appointed head coach Dee Patu.
Patu was brought in last year from week three to coach B grade at the club after leaving the Gold Coast where he called his home for 10 years.
Leading into the second season with the club, Patu brings his experience to Victoria from the Sunshine state.
Patu was the assistant coach with the Northern Gold Coast Netball Association when they won the Stroud Cup in 2018.
He also helped score wins for the Beenleigh under-13’s in the South East QLD Super League title and Southport under-16’s at the Southern A-League Title as head coach.
But before stepping into coaching and leadership roles, the New Zealand native began his playing career at age 10.
“I have been representing QLD from 2011 – 2019 in under-19’s men’s, under-23’s men’s, open mixed and open men’s,” he said.
Patu has also represented Australia in under-23’s men’s from 2013 to 2014, Samoa mixed in 2016 and New Zealand men’s in 2020.
“My most memorable playing experience would be representing New Zealand men’s vs the Silver Ferns in the Cadbury series.”
He has also scored six wins throughout his netball career in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and twice in 2019 for the Australian Title and New Zealand championships.
The experienced netballer is keen to start the recruiting process.
“For us this year is really building with a lot of players not returning. Most of last year’s A grade players aren’t returning, most in B grade are returning and a core group in C grade.
“Our under-19’s is looking very strong and we will be in strong contention for the title, touch wood I haven’t jinxed us,” he said.
For the trials, Patu said the club is looking for various skill levels.
They’re looking for “experienced players to really give us some leadership to each team,” he said.
“[And] a group of players that we could really mould into becoming the future of our club.
“And I guess raw talent that we can coach and invest our time in so they can lead and be the core group next season.”
Trials will be held on Thursday February 3 at 6pm and Saturday February 5 at Ian Cowie Reserve in Rockbank.
Anyone can try out for A to C grades as well as under-19’s.
