A LEADING Port Douglas rugby administrator believes the Reef Raiders are well placed to replicate the recent success the club has enjoyed during the past two seasons of the FNQ Rugby competition.

In the past 24 months the Raiders have both won and lost a grand final and with all their ducks in a row the club is again well positioned to return to the big dance in 2022.

“We held our annual AGM just days ago, and Travis (Gooch) has stepped down from the head coaching role to due to increased family commitments,” club president Don Murday told Newsport.

“Fortunately, due to excellent succession planning his deputy over the past two years, Stan Afeaki has assumed the head role. Stan brings a lot of experience and we’re lucky to have someone of his calibre in the role.

“Stan has played 7s and 15s for Tonga, and grade in Auckland and Sydney.

“It’s that type of stability and having Stan transition straight into the role that will hold us in good stead for another crack at the big one later in the year.”

As it stands the Raiders have an eclectic squad with players on the books from all points of the globe.

“We have an excellent cultural mix of players right throughout the club, which includes those from South America, the pacific, and talented local Indigenous players too,” the long serving president revealed.

“At this point early in the season we’re happy with our backline talent but could do with a few forwards.

“We’re hoping as confidence increases around people travelling again that we’ll get a few more players popping up in town that want a game of rugby as well.”