De La Salle’s Harrigan Cup campaign has a fresh face leading it, but Corey Hughes is anything but a newcomer.
Having spent the last 12 months closely accompanying former coach Trent Anderson, who stepped aside after Round 4 due to work commitments, Hughes has entered the head coaching post with subdued confidence and a clear sense of purpose.
“The transition has been fine. Trent let me have a fair bit of input over the last 12 months,” Hughes said.
“It’s been a smooth handover.”
While this is his first senior head coaching role, Hughes has a firm foundation from coaching in the junior ranks from U13s to U16s age groups over five years.
There’s also his playing pedigree: over 200 NRL games with the Canterbury and Cronulla, including a Grand Final victory with the Bulldogs in 2004.
Not to mention the family connection with father Garry, brothers Glen and Steven, and uncles Graeme and Mark, all having pulled on the famous Dogs jumper.
“From my playing days, the main lesson is you win together, you lose together. Stick together,” Hughes said.
“That’s the mentality I want to bring to the group.”
United Front
That unity paid off last week in his first win at the helm, a late-game comeback against the Thirroul Butchers.
“That game showed us the importance of the full 80-minute effort. You can’t switch off at this level,” Hughes said.
Currently sitting third on the ladder with three wins and two narrow losses to fellow competition heavyweights Wests and Collies, Hughes has set his sights high for the remainder of the season.
“Top two is the goal. That gives you a few bites at the cherry come finals time.”
Effort Areas
Despite their strong start, Hughes knows where the team must improve.
“Our effort areas across the field, those small one-percenters, are what’s hurting us. Fixing those will make the difference against top teams.”
While Harrigan Cup regulars like Wyndham Peachey, Tyla Tamou, Cody Fuz, and Jaz Flavell continue to anchor the squad, Hughes highlighted the impact of returning hooker Kobie Wilson (pictured).
“Having Kobie back gives us great depth around the ruck and complements Jazz Flavell really well.”
Momentum Is Key
De La Salle has a proud Harrigan Cup history, including two minor premierships, but they’re yet to feature in a Grand Final. Hughes believes the key this year is momentum and player availability.
“We need to be peaking at the right time, and having a full roster would certainly help.”
That roster may include former Cronulla Sharks hardman Andrew Fifita, who is playing in the club’s lower grades, but Hughes is unsure if he will feature in the top grade.
“Not sure if Andrew will see any footy with us. At 20 points, it’s tough to fit him under the 85-point cap. But hey, never say never.”
As De La Salle pushes deeper into the season, one thing is clear: under Corey Hughes, the team isn’t just aiming to compete, they’re here to finish the job.
Words | Angelina Raula