RUGBY league on the Mid North Coast is on the rise with all involved feeling positive for the game’s immediate prospects.
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Group 2 chief administration officer Jim Anderson notes the code is in good shape, with nine clubs fielding sides across four grades (firsts, reserves, under 18s and women’s league tag) this season.
While the majority of matches will be on Sundays, a sprinkling of games will be played on Saturdays.
“Group 2 rugby league clubs will play at least one home game on Saturdays each round,” he said.
“The Clarence River clubs, first grade premiers South Grafton (for the past two years) and Grafton Ghosts (2014 first grade premiers) still appear still very strong.
“The Nambucca Valley clubs – Nambucca Heads and Macksville – will no doubt test the northern clubs, especially on their home games.
“It’s a credit to all concerned for the Nambucca Valley district to field two clubs in all grades.
“In short Group 2 rugby league had a record year in 2016 due to dedicated volunteers. This year will be bigger and better as rugby league is still the greatest game of all.”
FORM GUIDE:
South Grafton Rebels:
The club went from its darkest depths with only a reserve grade team on the park in 2011 to back-to-back premierships on home soil in 2015 and 2016. Coach Ron Gordon will enter his second season at the helm. They are looking to be competitive again and keep the winning momentum.
Grafton Ghosts:
Appear to be the bench setters for the 2017 season having recruited NRL first grade player, Danny Wicks, as captain/coach and former NRL fullback Clinton Greenshields in an effort to go one better than runner-up last season to arch rivals and premiers South Grafton.
Coffs Harbour Comets:
Have had a solid pre-season with a strong emphasis on fitness. Will be fit, hard and well drilled. Captain-coach Kerrod Selmes takes the reigns of first grade again. Will field all grades.
Sawtell Panthers:
New coach Matt Wakefield made the 1000km trip north-east from Hay to take on the role. Signed a lot of blokes who played last year and a couple of ring-ins. Appear strong and will field all grades. Not far off the pace last year and should feature again.
Woolgoolga Seahorses:
Reached the finals in 2016. An unknown quantity this year. Coach Anthony Donovan plans to work to create a good formula for the entire club to push forward to win premierships across the board. Will focus on each player’s natural ability and mould a strong team.
Nambucca Roosters:
Nambucca Heads will certainly test the heavyweights with all clubs looking on with interest. Since withdrawing from the competition in 2014, the club has since revived their fortunes by signing quality players and focusing on player development.
Macksville Sea Eagles:
A club with a lot of tradition and probably the cornerstone over the past decade in Group 2 rugby league. Has recruited a number of dedicated former players to oversee all grades. Over the years has been a highly successful club developing many fine young players who have gone on to play in the NRL.
Orara Valley Axemen:
Orara Valley have lost many players but will field women’s league tag, reserve grade and first grade. Pulled off a major coup, signing premiership-winning coach Col Speed. Pre-season has involved building a talented squad focussed on local talent.
Bellingen Magpies:
Newly appointed co-captains Troy Robinson and Brad Heart have taken over the reigns this year. Things are looking very positive for the upcoming season. Both Troy and Brad have a wealth of experience and knowledge and will be an asset to the club.
