The Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League first grade champions will enjoy a fairly smooth transition into next year, given the playing and managerial staff has remained consistent thus far.

Head coach Aaron Watts said the side was obviously romanced by the thought of going back-to-back, but acknowledges it’s a long road to get there.

“Last year may be never replicated,” he admitted.

“But, I know the whole squad is keen to continue to push and see where we can get to next time around.”

He also highlighted the importance of not expecting things to happen for them – and said they would have to take it on a week-by-week basis if they were to get anywhere near backing up 2018’s effort.

“We need to rock up to play, and a lot of the other clubs have recruited very well, so we’ve got to be on our toes, and being the premiers obviously everyone will be coming at us,” Watts said.

One aspect of their success this season that he is most keen to replicate is the support from the community, which he noted as being one of the most influential reasons behind their incredible year.

The Thoroughbreds will go into 2019 as the hunted, but it’s plain to see they are already preparing for how to defend their title and show the competition they are still the benchmark.