All Nambucca Heads rugby teams went down in the minor semi-finals, ending this year’s campaign for the Roosters.

The Under 18s looked promising at half-time leading the South Grafton Rebels by two, but the Rebels defied the early swing against them, sealing the game at 32 to 26.

“The thing about this Under 18s side is, I just don’t think they know how good they really are. They deserved to win today,” said coach Darren Campbell.

Kobi Ned was honoured as player’s player for his valiant efforts during the match.

The Reserves took a beating from Sawtell, with the final score reading 32 to 16, while the League-Taggers struggled to make opportunities for themselves against a much fitter and more numerous Rebels side.

“I promised to get you to the semis, and we achieved that, so whatever happened after was just a bonus,” coach Caryl Jarrett said to her team. 

George Greenup and co-captain Faith Whaddy were acknowledged as two shining lights in their respective matches.

Anita Jarrett who managed the League-tag team was also honoured for her selfless efforts during the season.

After their upsets, the Roosters squad bussed it back to Valla Beach Tourist Park for a night of mentoring and condolences from two of the National League’s past greats, Ricky Walford and Steve Carter.

Ricky told of being ‘just a country boy from Walgett’ who as a youngster often slept in a house beside 10 other family members and was often woken to the sounds of Slim Dusty blaring through the speakers.

Against all odds, the young Indigenous player quickly rose through the ranks to become a Dragon, playing in two grand finals for St George and the NSW Origin side where he was one of the first Indigenous players to be represented.

The Roosters were all ears as Ricky spoke about his work since leaving professional footy which included his role as Indigenous program manager of the CRL and of how proud he was of the opportunities that are now available for young Indigenous players.

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The Panther’s record holder for first-grade appearances, Steve Carter, kept it short and sweet but cautioned the younger Roosters about being too keen to leave home for glory too early. 

The players had a barrage of questions for the ex-NRL stars about their lives, careers, and most formidable opponents.

And after three losses at South Grafton on Saturday, the whole flock was keen to know how the legends dealt with career upsets. 

“It’s never easy,” Steve Carter said.

Coach of the Roosters’ first grade, Alex Hull, also had a message of support for his fellow clubmates.

“For you guys to all get through to the semis like you did, don’t sell yourself short. After what happened last year, I think what you’ve all achieved this year is amazing, and it’ll be great to see what we can do next year,” Alex said.

RELATED CONTENT: More from the Roosters’ 2017 Season

The Roosters suffered a huge blow to morale last year after an unexpected financial blow-out which threatened to derail the whole 2017 season.

“We were almost dinosaurs,” said president Scott Costick.

“We inherited a $34,000 debt this season, and it very nearly killed us off.”

With three out of four teams forging their place in the Group 2 finals this season against a background of such dire odds, all eyes will be on the plucky Roosters in 2018.