Dean Amos, if he were to do nothing more in rugby league, has had a successful career by any measure. Amos’ rare talents were obvious from an early age. Playing 1st grade at Wyong as a teenager, he spent time with both the Rabbitohs and Knights, as well as being a Country representative. Amos left the Roos amid some consternation at the conclusion of the 2008 season, but now completes the circle by returning as 1st Grade Player/Coach in the Central Coast competition. SM: “What have you been doing football wise since you last played with Wyong?” DA: “That was 2008. I went to France; Avignon.” SM: “How did that go?” DA: “It was good. But I found the language tough. At the end of the French season I came back and played half a year with Cessnock. That wasn’t good. I had been playing 18 months of solid football without a break…” SM: “And after that?” DA: “I was with Northern Lakes in 2010. As Player/Coach. We finished third. I then went back to France; Avignon again as Player/Coach. We finished sixth out of ten. Lost in the last round. A win would have put us in the semi’s. Yeah, missed the semi’s. I spent the rest of 2011 travelling. Player/Coach at Denman in 2012. Minor Premiers. But went out the back door in the semi’s. Bang, bang. Two losses and out.” SM: “But you won this year?” DA: “Yes. Finished second (after the home and away season). Premiers. Beat Greta 20 – 4 in the Grand Final.” SM: “I’ve noticed you watching some of the local 1st grade. Sitting with Rip. What is your impression? How do the competitions compare?” DA: “The local comp is a lot faster. Toughness wise I’m not sure. But definitely faster. And there is only six teams (in the Group 21 1st grade competition). There is a greater variety of teams and players here.” SM: “Being a Player/Coach is a tough gig. Who are you going to trust to tap you on the shoulder and say Deano, you need to give yourself a break, you are playing like a busted?” DA: “Rip, for sure. And I am bringing a bloke down. Brent Wood. He has been my assistant for the last two years. I trust him to let me know too. But I will know. You always know. I would not be playing if I didn’t think I could.” SM: “So where do you see yourself playing?” DA: “Fullback…half. I played five eighth this year. It will depend on what we’ve got (in terms of 1st grade quality players). I like older heads in key position. I might play five eighth again. Maybe hooker.” SM: “Football wise, you are not likely to be the same person you were when you last played for Wyong. How have you changed?” DA: “I’m more patient. And I have a greater knowledge of the game. I’ve travelled around a bit (played different styles of rugby league and observed the game from other perspectives).” SM: “Do you have a philosophy on how the game should be played? For instance, do you like to throw the ball about?” DA: “I’m keen on completing sets and keeping the opposition under pressure. I’m looking for 85%-90% completion rates. Very structured. Everyone has a job and I expect them to do it.” Amos left Wyong at the conclusion of the 2008 season following a fracture in his relationship with Head Coach Paul Stringer and a fall from favour at management level. SM: “When did you make the decision to return to Wyong?” DA: “When I heard Rip got the job.” SM: “When you heard String (Paul Stringer) was leaving, or when you heard Rip had the job?” DA: Laughing. “When I heard Rip got the job. It’s 20 years next year since Rip gave me a start in 1st grade. 1994.” SM: “How old were you then, 16?” DA: “No. Just turned 17.” SM: “You were very much the Golden Haired Boy at Wyong. Most clubs have one; a gifted player who is treated as special. As you close in on the end of your career, do you have any advice for other Golden Haired Boys?” DA: “Tough question. I guess it would be that what you have can be taken away pretty quick. Make the most of it. Explore your options. Like playing overseas.” SM: “You are working in the mines now. Are you underground?” DA: “No. I work in the coal washery. I am a contractor.” SM: “What’s the future look like there?” DA: “I’m the only contractor left. They have sacked all the others. I’m the last one left. Hopefully keeping me on is a good sign. I hope to get a full time job. On the payroll.” SM: “And you have just moved back to the area.” DA: “Yeah. Bought a house at Woongarrah. Baby due in December.” Dean and his fiancé, Belinda, are expecting their first child. SM: “How will the boys find you as a coach?” DA: “Patient and relaxed. But everyone will need to be on time. We will do things together. As a team. Warm up together. Leave the sheds together. Come back together. That sort of thing. I’m big on mateship.” SM: “Rip has spoken to you about your role with respect to the NSW Cup.” DA: “Yes. NSW Cup was a big step. I will be assisting Rip. It’s a fairly important role. I am looking forward to working in a professional environment. Things were very professional on game day at Denman. But at other times…..We had some training issues. Guys working shift. Most nights through the season only 20 at training (for the whole club). Didn’t have a full squad until the finals. No strength and conditioning coach. I had to do everything myself. It will be much more professional here.” SM: “Because of the NSW Cup, you are not always going to get the team you want. When you have coached 1st grade in the past, subject to injuries, you would have always had the team you wanted. That is not going to be the case now; players moving up and down. Have you thought about that and how you will cope?” DA: “Yes. I have. It’s going to be a bit different. But Rip has given me a job to do and I will do it.” SM: “And then there is the player points system as well. Trying to fit everyone you want and Rip wants under 90 points is going to be tough.” DA: “Yes. I am a local junior. So I shouldn’t carry any points.” SM: “That’s right.” DA: “What about NRL players?” SM: “That depends on how recently they played NRL. Maybe 30 - 35 points.” DA: “but that decreases over time.” SM: “Yes. Diminishes over time. Depends on how long they have been out of the NRL and how long they have been with your club. Sometimes there will be little difference between a player who carries 20 points and a local junior on zero points. There will be occasions when guys who should be in 1st grade will get squeezed out because of points.” DA: “It will be a challenge. Ninety points. It isn’t much. But we will manage. It’s a very young team with a lot of juniors.” SM: “Have you had a look at the Under 18’s. There are some players from that team that are ready for grade. Even 1st grade.” DA: “Yes. They are a good team. There is no point holding them back.” SM: “When will you start training?” DA: “January.” SM: “Rip is starting 11 November. And he will have some of the local boys and Under 18’s with him. Are you personally going to start then?” DA: “I really don’t stop training. I am still doing weights. I might have a run with Rip’s squad.” Laughing. “But that depends on how much running there’ll be.”
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 02:39:14 +0000
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