Rugby Union: New-look Hunter squad focus on defense upon return to NSW Country Championships

Pinkerton, three years after Hunter's last campaign, returns to the tournament in Tamworth this weekend with a new-look team and plenty of representative debutants.

Following a short preparation, culminating in Tuesday's training session with Shute Shield side the Wildfires in Newcastle, the experienced mentor feels defense will be key for his troops.

"The thing we've been focusing on in our limited time together is defense," Pinkerton said.

"We worked on a couple of line-outs and some simple phase play to get us around the park, but it will be our attitude in defense that matters most."

Singleton have provided half-a-dozen players, mostly Fijian recruits who arrived at the club this year.

"They've come out here to play rugby and this is another opportunity for them," Pinkerton said.

Last year's carnival was cancelled because of coronavirus. Hunter withdrew in 2019. They most recently appeared in 2018 but claimed the crown in 2017.

Hunter kick-off against Illawarra at Scully Park on Saturday.

The women's squad, coach by Warren Badger, will be skippered by Britney Duff while Hamilton's Mel Howard has been listed having played halfback for NSW in last year's State of Origin rugby league fixture.

Hunter open against Central North at Scully Park on Saturday.

Meanwhile, NSW Country Rugby Union released a statement on Thursday saying the "championships will proceed" as per COVID-19 advice from the state government.

It comes as health officials continue to focus on Forbes, Dubbo and Moree after a travelling couple, who later tested positive to coronavirus, visited venues recently.

MEN: Sili Are, Ignacio Battilana, Jordan Byfield, Marcus Christensen, Liam Cooper, Martin Day, Will Frost, Hayden Gavin, Lachlan Hodges, Kye Marshall, Zac McGuiness, Caleb Niki, Hayden O'Brien, Dave Puchert, Nimilote Qio, Epeli Ratabaca, Lucas Rosewall, Joeli Salusalwuasi, Danny Tabuakuru, Onewa Tai, Marika Tawake, Dave Waller, Jonah Wistrand.

WOMEN: Kylie Allen, Georgie Ball, Lucy Batey, Emma Bradford, Elissa Burns, Anika Butler, Renee Cross, Britney Duff, Bridie Gordon, Mel Howard, Annika Jamieson, Taylah Juckes, Stephanie Klimovitch, Annabelle Lambert, Annabel Leighton, Jennifer Mauli, Hannah McKie, Dana McNulty, Trudi Peterson, Katelyn Shirtcliffe, Riley Smith, Brooke Walklate, Martha Webber, Ashlee Williams.

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