MOREE Rugby League Club and Moree Rugby Union Club have set up consecutive weekends of grand-final frenzy across the district, with both outfits locking in big-dance tickets in their respective codes.
Moree Bulls travel to Narrabri this Saturday to take on Narrabri Blue Boars at Dangar Park and Moree Boars host a home-ground Group 4 first-grade grand-final the following Saturday, September 7.
The Boars, beaten only once this year, made a statement at Boughton Oval last Saturday when throttling Werris Creek, 62-24, in the major semi-final.
The same afternoon at Weebolla rugby grounds, Moree Bulls handed Tamworth Pirates a 43-28 drubbing in the Central North rugby union first-grade major semi.
The Bulls’ reserve-grade also made the grand-final after beating Quirindi Lions, 36-22, the previous weekend.
They’ll play the undercard against Tamworth Pirates at Dangar Park on Saturday.
Moree Bulls club president David Watts is confident both grades can bring home shields on Saturday.
“The boys have what it takes to win,” Watts said.
“They have the support of the entire Moree community, and to also see the league boys host their grand-final in a couple of weeks is unreal, too, and a credit to them.
“Moree cops a lot of criticism and negativity but for our great town to be playing in three grand-finals – possibly four if Moree second-grade Boars can win this weekend – across two codes is something special, and the entire Moree sporting community should be congratulated,” he said.
Moree Rugby League Club president Todd Mitchell and Moree Rugby Union Club president David Watts are backing each other to win grand-finals in the next two weekends (Image Copyright).
“Overall, the club has had a great year, with our women’s team finishing fifth. They were really impressive, played some great rugby, and they gave their all. Their success this year is something we can build on next year.”
Moree Boars club president Todd Mitchell was equally chuffed. He smiled broadly at Boughton Oval at the weekend when a home-ground grand-final was confirmed.
The September 7 date with destiny with the winner of this weekend’s decider between Werris Creek and Boggabri, will be Moree Boars first home-ground grand-final since 2022.
Boars second-grade also need to win against Werris Creek to secure their grand-final slot at home.
“To lead this club to its first grand-final at home in 22 years is very special, and to win would be a just reward for years or persistence,” Mitchell said.
“I was fortunate enough to work with Tony Murray, who was the captain-coach in 2002. He asked me to help him through the year with the coaching. That side was star-studded, with the likes of the McGrady boys – Ewan, Ricky, Barry, and Brett –as well as Alex Barker and Trevor Tighe, whose sons will play first-grade in the grand-final at Moree.
“Barry McGrady’s son, Lachy, is also on the team – there’s a great family connection in the club.”
Mitchell said a grand-final win will mean so much to the club.
“If we get to hold the Group 4 Cup aloft, it won’t just be a reward for the current squad of players, but for all the players who have pulled on the blue and white jersey, no matter their ability or ranking,” Mitchell said.
“A grand-final win will also be a big salute to the hardworking committee who tirelessly put in the hours on game-day and behind the scenes, as well as all the supporters who have stuck by the club through thick and thin over the years.”
Words and Image: Bill Poulos
