Captain/coach, Chad Porter is building a first grade rugby league team will be a top contender in 2023.
Chad Porter has jumped straight into his first ever coaching role, accepting the position of coach for the Parkes Spaceman’s first grade side in the 2023 Group 11 competition.
In addition to his coaching role, Chad is also the team Captain. When you look at his rugby league background, it is easy to see why the club has placed their confidence in him.
Chad started playing rugby league in the under 10’s and continued through to the under 18’s where his side took out the 2011 Premiership. Chad went on to play first grade for the Parkes Spacement and helped them win the Premiership in 2018.
Chad was selected to play for the Newcastle Knights 20’s side Chad before moving across to join the Sydney Rabbitohs 20’s side.
He spent a year at Guilford before heading to play for the Mounties and helping them win a Premiership. In 2017 Chad made the decision to head home to Parkes.
The Spacemen have lost a few of their key players heading into the 2023 season, with Sam Dwyer moving to Wollongong to play football, Jordy Pope relocating for work and Jack Crieth retiring.
Despite these losses, Chad is optimistic for the season ahead, “We’re looking good, Pauly Clyburn has done well with recruitment. We’ve secured a few new front rowers, including Tongan brothers Takitau and Moni, Rex from Papua New Guinea and we’ve got Jake Dooley coming back.”
“When the Cowra team folded, we swooped in and signed ex-NRL and English Super League player Jack Buchanan,” said Chad.
Last week Parkes Spacemen beat Orange Hawks in a trial game by two tries, which is a great sign for the team who will take on Orange Hawks again when round one kicks off after Easter.