The Force want to play like their future depends on it, but lock Adam Coleman
Coleman will make his injury return tonight in Sydney, his first match since heading home early from the Wallabies Spring Tour with a knee injury.
While it cut his Test season short, it has been no setback for this season, with the 204cm second rower primed for a crucial season opener.
The Force didn’t travel to Sydney last year, a 49-13 loss to NSW in Perth their only encounter with the Waratahs.
Australian derbies are always high-stakes, especially in a format where teams don’t have home and away fixtures against all four sides, but with speculation around Super Rugby’s future, the Force feel that even more.
Coleman said while there was an immediate need to put that out of their minds, it was still an ever-present concern.
“We’ve got to really put that behind us and concentrate on good footy,” he said.
“If we are playing the footy that the potential that we have to play.
“The boys know we have to perform well and that our club’s future could possibly depend on it.” - Adam Coleman
Coleman feels a greater sense of responsibility this season, after his breakout year, but he wants to make the most of the challenge.
“I don’t think my role has changed significantly, the lIne out’s more of a responsibility of mine and it’s always something I’ve enjoyed and I like doing.”
“At the Western Force we’ve got new systems in place that I have to get used to and different ideas and philosophies.
“I’m really looking forward to putting them out on the paddock and seeing how the systems go in game situations.”
Coleman has his own important decision to make, believed to be committed to staying in Australia but awaiting the Force’s fate before making a call on where he will play Super Rugby.
“I’ve been playing in Perth three years now and I’ve loved every moment there and I really see a bright future for the Force.
“For now, I’m just concentrating on this year and the rest we’ll have to wait and see.”
