NEWCASTLE Wildfires flyer Hayden Coles was a finalist for the Shute Shield try of the year in 2019 when at Parramatta.
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Although adamant he scored two that were "were 10 times better", Coles' solo 60-metre intercept against Warringah was judged to be in the top four for the season.
"I didn't win," the fullback said. "I was shocked it was even nominated. I had an 80-metre try against Southern Districts which I thought was much better."
Coles, as well as tries, brings 52 games of Shute Shield experience to the Wildfires for their return to the Sydney competition.
"I have played the past four or so years at Parramatta," the 26-year-old said. "It was getting frustrating to be honest. Every year it was the same process. We would start with high hopes, then things wouldn't go our way and people would fall off.
"Here is a fresh start. Everyone is upbeat and positive and eager. There is a different feel. They are not going in thinking they are going to be world beaters, but everyone is willing to learn and listen.
"When you are at Parramatta, you represent a small part of Sydney . This is representing a whole city and region. I found that quite inspiring. Plus they are all good blokes."
Coles is in his final stage of a primary school teaching degree and moved to Carey Bay with his family earlier this year.
"My sister lives up here and recently had a baby," he said. "The whole family decided to move up to be closer. "
Coles was initially going to try his hand at rugby league and had signed with the Macquarie Scorpions.
"When we got up here, I googled local sporting teams and the Scorpions popped up," he said. "I wanted to find some mates and felt like having a run at league. When the Newcastle competition was suspended, I got a text from [Wildfires lock] Marcus Christensen, who I played with at Parramatta. I explained the situation to Macquarie coach Steve Kidd. He was understanding and asked me to come back next season."
Coles can play anywhere in the back three but is gunning for fullback.
"Bubba (coach Scott Coleman) wants the fullback to rove in attack," he said. "Support the ball and play either side a bit like a rugby league fullback. Having that freedom to explore and find a broken line is where I can use my footwork and speed off the mark."
Coleman has been impressed with Coles' talk and decision making.
"You can tell he has played at a high level in the Shute Shield for a few years," the coach said. "He is good on his feet, a good communicator and reads the game well."
The Wildfires meet Penrith in a trial at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday before opening the season away to Randwick on July 18.
