The stirring rivalry between the Narwan Eels and Moree Boomerangs is about to write its latest chapter – the Group 19 Grand Final in Armidale on Sunday.
The match is where front office and back office meet as both club presidents – Alan Widders for the Eels and Peter Duncan for the Boomerangs – are packing down in the scrums at hooker and prop respectively.
Neither side likes losing to the other, but their match-ups are a perfect storm for the Anaiwan and Gomeroi mobs – they get the chance to proudly celebrate their Indigenous heritage and culture.
‘Welcome to Country’ will be performed by elder Steve Widders, who is related to Alan, with both being cousins to former South Sydney and Parramatta hero and current Eels NRLW coach, Dean Widders.
“It brings our community together,” Duncan said.
“It’s the one time of the year that everyone makes the effort to get to the Grand Final because our whole community comes together as one.”
The venue is Bellevue Oval at the University of New England’s campus.
“To get a Grand Final against Narwan is something that we work for every year, when we start to play,” Duncan said.
“We’ve finally achieved it after a couple of years of trying.”
Widders said the Eels – like the Boomerangs – were predominantly Indigenous clubs but welcomed anyone who loved Rugby League.
“We’re open to anyone, but the majority of our side is Aboriginal so that makes it a pretty intense final this week as the Boomerangs are just the same,” Widders said.
The Boomerangs won their first meeting 26-20 earlier in the season but the return game was washed out as northern and central NSW copped a barrage of wet weather in April-May.
“We like to think we’re a pretty well-balanced side with some strength in the key positions of No.6, No.7 and No.9,” Widders said.
“Over the years I’ve been in five or six Group 19 Grand Finals. But this rivalry has been going on long before my time and it just gets stronger and stronger.”
Duncan said he’d willingly given most of his adult life to the Boomerangs.
“I think I’ve been playing 15 years and I’ve been president for two years,” he said.
“But I’m also a linesman for the lower grades, then play for my team, pack up, and drive the bus to get everyone home. You just get it done.”
Since both sides have plenty of points in them, Duncan said ball control would win it.
“Our discipline and defence will need to get spot on,” he said.
“We’ve got some livewires in our side but it’s the work myself and our pack does that will set things up.”
The Eels are coached by Jay Roberts and the Boomerangs by Warren Sampson.
