Mitchell brushes speculation in time for preseason
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Mitchell has put the Force through their paces early in the preseason. (Getty Images: Paul Kane)
Western Force coach John Mitchell says speculation of a player revolt has not been a distraction to his side's preseason.
The Force are the first Australian Super 14 club to start preseason training in the lead-up to the first match in early February.
Mitchell says the team is continually getting smashed by speculation but are determined to reach its first Super 14 semi-final.
"It's unfortunate just the way that we've got to handle that [speculation], but the only thing that does the talking is performance on the field and results," he said.
"I really expect us to contest finals, that's always the aim, but unfortunately I have to wait until we get together as a team and understand exactly, I guess as a group, where we want to head in 09.
"So it's too far out to be even thinking about that specifically."
The Force are also looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Under the new rules allowing Australian sides to sign one international marquee player, the Force tried to sign Bismarck Du Plessis only for the Springbok hooker to decide he wants to stay with the Sharks.
But the Force expects to sign former ACT Brumbies Peter Playford and Richard Stanley.
Other than that, Mitchell says the squad will be stay very similar to last season's
"It's pretty clear that we've been looking at Richard Stanford and Peter Playford, so really there's not a lot of change, and stability is good for a player group," he said.
"You look to evolve the program, as I shared with you earlier the players will be involved in that process as we go forward."
