2016 was almost the perfect season for the NSW Country Eagles. After falling just short of the playoffs a year earlier, the Eagles lost just won match on their way to a home grand final in Tamworth. But after playing almost every match in dry conditions, the Eagles failed to fire on a wet night in the country music capital and were beaten by Perth 20-16 in the decider. “It was a great year to be a part of. There was a great vibe within the group from day one and unfortunately we tripped at the last hurdle,” Eagles coach Darren Coleman said. “I’ve still got quite a few regrets about that game. We played a really attacking style all season and scored 35 plus points most weeks and we tried to do that in the final at night in wet conditions and it just didn't work. It was a real hollow way to end what was a great season.” While the likes of Ned Hanigan and Tom Robertson have graduated from the NRC to the Wallabies squad, Coleman has retained the majority of last year�