Since tasting success back in 2013/14, Navy SC has failed to reach the pinnacle of the Dialog Rugby League but look to be a contender for the title with a bigger, faster and stronger looking squad this time around.
Recent past
Navy, in their standards, had a rather dismal season last time around, managing just 7 wins in 14 matches. The 2015/16 season started with a narrow loss and seemed to never get going from then on.
Navy SC managed to sign the most sought after youngster Omalka Gunarathne last season and he proved to be a handful from the tail of the scrum. The ever understated Thilina Weerasinghe made sure the 2015/16 season was an unforgettable one for him as he ran away with the title for highest points scorer with 146 points under his belt.
Even though individually a couple of players shone during last season, the team on the whole failed to threaten the big three, (Kandy, Havelocks and CR & FC) managing just one win and a draw from the six fixtures against Kandy, Havelocks and CR & FC. The losses meant that Navy had to be satisfied with a 4th place finish in the league table.
The Squad
Experienced heads
The likes of Dhanushka Perera, who has been at Navy for the past couple of seasons will be looked up to as he slots in the open side flanker position. Having years of club rugby experience and National team experience will play a major role as he tussles at the break down for Navy SC.
Captain Roshan Ranasinghe, weighing in at 107kg at Prop, will be the one the lads look to to lead the pack of Navy forwards.
Chanaka Chandimal would look to direct traffic and pull the strings for the Sailors standing at Fly half while partner and the smallest player in the team Suranga Pushpakumara will look to provide support from the Scrum half position.
Thilina Weerasinghe will look to replicate his performance from last season, where he scored the most points. Weerasinghe must be absolutely disappointed not to have his Tuskers call despite his heroic performance. Lee Keegal and fellow back Dinusha Chathuranga will be pivotal for Navy in attack and will look to stand tall in defence as Navy push towards glory.
Young Blood
Buddima Priyarathna, the young Sri Lanka representative would look to insert himself on the club rugby scene and make an impact this season as the last one was one to forget.
Former Josephian Stephan Gregory, the 120kg forward, will be a welcome boost for Navy with Omalka gone.
Chanaka Chandimal will have to take his game to the next level with youngster Isuru Konngahawatta coming into the squad following a good season with schools’ champions Isipathana College.
Back Room Staff
Coming back to take over at Navy, Mothilal Jayathilake will look to implement his style and make some tweaks in the game plans of Navy as he looks to take the Sailors towards success. With a good knowledge base in strength and conditioning, Jayathilake will look to make a fit and powerful Navy outfit for this season.
Backs coach Dev Anand, who was at Navy as a player during the last few seasons, would look to make use of his knowledge as he looks to take the back line of Navy forward.
Long serving manager Menaka Suranga will continue this year as well.
Prospects for 2016/17: Navy have a squad that could potentially cause a few upsets this season and will be looking to improve their showing from last season this time around.
Squad 2016/17
