AARON Watts has blue and white blood coursing through his veins.
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So, he's the perfect man to lead the Scone Thoroughbreds into battle against the Aberdeen Tigers in the Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League grand final at Scone Park on Saturday, September 7.
After a decorated playing career with the organisation, Watts is now calling the shots from the sidelines as a highly-respected coach.
And, this weekend, he's aiming for his second consecutive premiership in that role.
"I've always been involved - from the under-6s to the seniors," the Ausure broker said.
"I love the fact the Thoroughbreds are a family club.
"I won a couple of titles when we were kids, and then again in 1998 and 2006 as a first-grader.
"Lifting the trophy last year, as the Scone coach, was completely different.
"When you're a player, you can have an impact on the game.
"But, as a coach, you need the armoury to perform on the day.
"A lot of what happens is out of your hands, no matter how well-prepared they are.
"In 2018, the Thoroughbreds were lucky enough to capture four crowns [in every grade].
"However, it's not just all about the firsts either - it's a club effort.
"About 30 guys have been involved in our campaign this season.
"We wouldn't be here without them.
"We've also got our league tag girls playing on Saturday, while our reserves just missed out."
We've enjoyed great junior league support while it's terrific for everyone to host the grand final at Scone.
- Aaron Watts
After accounting for the Tigers 10-6 in last year's decider, Watts doesn't believe his squad is under any more pressure to back it up.
In fact, they're relishing the challenge - and remain undefeated in 2019.
"We haven't spoken about a title defence," he said.
"That's because we have a totally different side this time around.
"It's up to this playing group to write their own story.
"In saying that, every season is unique.
"But, 2019 has been good for many reasons.
"We've enjoyed great junior league support while it's terrific for everyone to host the grand final at Scone.
"I'm expecting to see a big crowd.
"I am sure the other clubs - such as Murrurundi, Merriwa, Singleton and Aberdeen - will turn out in force.
"So, we'd like to have a lot of hometown backing, too.
"Scone Park will be no place for the faint-hearted this weekend, especially on a predicted dry track.
"However, we'll just stick to our routine and processes.
"And, hopefully, everyone will see some good footy."
The Thoroughbreds boast two aces up the sleeve as well, in the shape of Adam Clydsdale and Todd Lowrie.
Hooker Clydsdale, the grandson of Australian international Don "Bandy" Adams, played 57 matches for the Newcastle Knights, Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks.
Second-rower Lowrie, on the other hand, registered 203 appearances with the Knights, Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane Broncos, winning the 2012 title with the Melbourne Storm.
"They might be former NRL players, however they're Scone boys through and through," Watts said.
"I was lucky to coach them as kids.
"So, it's great they've returned to the club - and for the town.
"It shows Adam and Todd want to put something back into the area."
As for Watts' plans, at the club, beyond 2019?
"I'll just get through this week - and decide on my future afterwards," he stated.
SCONE THOROUGHBREDS (squad): Adam Clydsdale, Ben Fechner, Ben Hagan, Brady Curry, Chris Brennan, Codie McCarthy, Daniel Ritter, Drew Brown, Gary McKeon, Hayden Topliss, Isaac Austin, Jacob Bailey, Jake Collison, Jake Watts, Jalen Darcy, James Eveleigh, Jared Austin, Jarrod Wicks, Joel Harrison, John Johnson, Josh Adams, Joshua Noble, Justin Apthorpe, Kyle Wilcher, Michael Radford, Nick Watson, Ronin Hadden, Ryan Hawkshaw, Tom Hagan, Thomas Pickersgill, Tim Smith, Todd Lowrie
Group 21 preliminary final results
(Saturday, August 31 - McKinnon Oval, Aberdeen)
First grade: Aberdeen Tigers 18 (Tyler Le Prince-Campbell 2, Jayson Hovi tries; Harry Douglass 3 goals) defeated Singleton Greyhounds 6 (James Bradley try; Will Nieuwenhuise goal)
Reserve grade: Aberdeen Tigers 22 (Seth Mitchell, Kaine McDonald, Liam Wilton, Jake Duffin tries; Hayden Bell 3 goals) defeated Scone Thoroughbreds 14 (Jared Austin, Chris Brennan, Scott Lyne tries; Lyne goal)
Under-18s: Aberdeen Tigers 16 (Bailey Miller, Kayke Claydon, Flynn Wilton Howarth tries; Miller 2 goals) defeated Muswellbrook Rams 12 (Steven Dengate, Jye King tries; Dengate 2 goals)
League tag: Murrurundi Mavettes 10 (Hannah Rando 2 tries; Grace Gallen goal) defeated Merriwa Magpies 4 (Jessyca Morgan try)
2019 grand final draw
(Saturday, September 7 - Scone Park, Scone)
10am: league tag: Scone Thoroughbreds v Murrurundi Mavettes
11.20am: under-18s: Singleton Greyhounds v Aberdeen Tigers
1pm: reserve grade: Merriwa Magpies v Aberdeen Tigers
2.40pm: first grade: Scone Thoroughbreds v Aberdeen Tigers
