One swallow a summer does not make, and the same goes for footy trials.
One trial doesn’t prove a thing, but it can be a bit of a pointer to the path ahead in a new season.
Campbelltown Harlequins kicked off their 2026 rugby campaign with a crushing 60-5 victory over the Wollongong Tech Waratahs last Saturday.
Two factors emerged from such a dominant performance: Quins have a lot of depth in men’s first grade, and, secondly, the coaching across the club is in very good hands.
And in a proud moment for the club’s culture, every member of this year’s coaching group is a former Harlequins player, ensuring the team’s heritage remains at the heart of its future success.
The new leadership structure is spearheaded by club coach Kam Faavaeeli, the reigning Illawarra coach of the year.
Joining him at the helm is Adam Choice, who takes over as first grade head coach.
Choice will be ably assisted by Junior Natapu, while Luke Norton steps up to lead second grade following a highly successful coaching stint within the junior ranks.
The Harlequins say they are also thrilled to announce that club stalwart JV Visesio will lead the women’s team in 2026.
Known for her deep ties to the organization, “JV’’ is expected to instill the signature Harlequin spirit’ into the women’s program as they look to build on their recent growth.
Back on the footy field last Saturday, despite the sweltering heat at Campbelltown Showground, the Quins showed no signs of summer rust.
After clinching the minor premiership in 2025, the side entered the match missing several veteran stars from that championship run.
However, the void was quickly filled by a hungry group of younger players.
These fresh faces dominated from the opening whistle, making a compelling case for permanent spots in the first-grade roster.
“It was a great start for the club,’’ said assistant coach Luke Norton.
The Harlequins will look to maintain this momentum as they continue their pre-season preparations.
They are scheduled for a high-stakes trial match against the Clifton Chiefs this weekend at the Showground.
The fixture will be a double-header of significant importance, marking the long-awaited debut of the Harlequin Ladies.
The women’s side will officially launch their 2026 campaign with their own trial against the Chiefs, signaling a new era for the club’s rugby program.