A new year signals somewhat of a new beginning for the Douglas Reef Raiders, with a new senior coach and new committee appointed for the Raiders’ 2012 Cairns and District Rugby Union campaign.

Adrian Bannerman will be a busy man for the next eight months with his appointment as senior coach and vice president, while former coach, Adam Calcraft, has taken on the responsibility of the presidency.

After being a regular player for the Raiders and organising Port Douglas’ social mixed touch rugby competition in the off-season, Bannerman said he welcomed the new challenge.

“I’m nervous but very excited at the same time,” Bannerman said of his appointments.

“There’s a really good feeling around the club this year and we’re all looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Pre-season training has already started, with Tuesday and Thursday night sessions from 6pm putting players through their paces in the humidity – a tactic that paid off in 2011, resulting in superior fitness late in the season.

Players are, therefore, already primed for this Saturday’s pre-season rugby sevens competition at Port Douglas Sports Complex, which as attracted a $1500 total prize pool.

A total of 12 teams from Cairns, Townsville, Innisfail and Mackay, as well as the Cairns Thunder under-18 squad, will be taking part in the round-robin competition, with the final to be played under lights at 6.30pm.

Raiders fans can see their team take on Innisfail in the opening game at 9am, and no doubt are hopeful of seeing a Raiders clash with reigning champions, Wanderers, in the grand final.

The competition winners will also be awarded $500 in prizemoney, provided by Port Douglas’ Hibiscus Gardens Resort, which will be donated to a charity of the club’s choice.

New Port Douglas takeaway sensation, The Hot Pot, will be providing food for purchase, and there will be a full bar available on the day.

Entry is free.

Meanwhile, Rattle ‘n’ Hum has again been named the Raiders’ major sponsor for the 2012 season, the well-respected pub and eatery forging its commitment to local sport.

Anyone interested in playing with the Raiders can contact Adrian Bannerman on 0488 180 202.

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