Season Preview 2023: Yass Magpies

The Yass Magpies under new head coach Adam Kyle, will be out to make a statement in round one, with a flux of exciting new signings after a tough 2022 season.

Meanwhile, the Magpies' Katrina Fanning Shield side will be the team to beat in 2023 after going undefeated to win the premiership last season.

The Yass first grade squad were quite competitive in the final round of games in the 2022 season, but they won't be satisfied as the out of towners are prepared to turn the tide on what was a challenging year.

Shaun Davis spoke with CRRL media about the club's expansion into all five senior grades and how they prepare for round one in the Canberra Raiders Cup.

"It's looking really good. We've got five sides out there this year so pretty good numbers for a small town," Davis said.

"We always get a good crowd [in Yass]. We keep the locals happy; they keep turning up, so we keep playing... it's good."

Yass Katrina Fanning Shield captain Sami Afele touched on the experience in the side and how they shape up ahead of round one.

"We've got a decent squad at the moment, and we've got about nine or ten girls playing in the Country Championships this weekend. So, I'm looking forward to just getting together and playing again," Afele said.

The Magpies will also field a League Tag team for the first time this year, where Nadine Ward commented on the excitement around representing the club.

"We have a pretty new team with girls coming from all different areas. We've had a strong preseason but I think it'll be tough coming into the Blumers competition," Ward said.

"But we're looking forward to it and excited. Hopefully it all works in our favour."

Yass will host the Woden Valley Rams in round one of the Canberra Raiders Cup at Walker Park this Saturday.