Matt Berkrey in action.
Cootamundra Tri-Colours will have a new duo leading their men’s side into the 2024 South West Cup competition, with Matt Berkrey and Phil Gay taking the reins. Central representative player Cam Stanley, who coached the side this season, will stick around to play in 2024, but he decided to call time on his coaching tenure.
“With Cam, it was his job to take if he wanted it, but he was happy to step down,” Berkrey said.
“Cam is one of the better players in the comp, and his coaching is outstanding, so it’s disappointing to see him stand down, but it will be good to see him focusing on playing.
“He certainly got a competitive edge, and last year, he battled thumb, chest and rib injuries, and that really let him down, so hopefully, with a freshen up over the summer, he can get back to his best.” Despite the change, Berkrey and Gay appear a good fit on paper, with the pair having developed a fantastic relationship over the past decade.
They played together in what was Berkrey’s first and Gay’s last season a Tri-Colour, and their commitment to the side will be there for the entire year. Gay brings with him a wealth of experience, with the Tri-Colours stalwart a former captain and very successful player in his day. Berkrey, who still plays, started out with the Tricolours in 2015 and is a well liked part of the playing group, and now, with guidance from Gay, he will look to take the next step in his rugby career.
