True Blue Paul Sironen has added his voice to the campaign to get an Evans Head Bombers junior Rugby League team up and running.
It’s been 14 years since the Bombers were able to field any teams in Under 6s through to Under 16s.
But Bombers president Greg Bryant is a determined man.
“I know of 10 Under-14 players who live in Evans Head but play Rugby League in Ballina or Lismore so that’s the problem we are facing,” Bryant told nswrl.com.au.
“We know it’ll be a hard ride but we’re confident of doing it.”
The club has the backing of plenty of people including NSWRL’s League and Club supporter for Group 1 and Group 18 juniors in the Northern Rivers region, Tanya Booth, along with former players like Sironen.
“We had an Old Boys function last year and Siro was the guest speaker,” Bryant said.
“He heard about our difficulties getting this off the ground and he said he’d help in any way he could.”
In late January the first step was held with a meet-and-greet between Bombers club officials, parents, and other interested parties in the community, who want to see junior teams back.
That successful turnout led to a meeting with Booth and her Group 1 committee in February, where it was decided to hold a ‘Come and Try’ event in early March.
“So, we can see what sort of age groups and the number of kids that are interested,” Booth said.
“Once we know that we can work on where we can get some games for the kids, and that may mean they play with other teams for 2023 like Casino Junior Rugby League,” she said.
“It’s all part of the overall plan to begin the process of applying for a spot in 2024 Group 1 Juniors.”
It is anticipated the Juniors will sit as a sub-committee under the already established Evans Head Bombers Seniors, as that’s easier than forming a whole new club.
“As mentioned, small steps, but we are gradually creating pathways for our locals,” Bryant said.
The success of the Bombers first grade side making the NRRRL (Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League) Grand Final in 2022 – despite the 30-18 loss to Bilambil Jets – has created much excitement around the sport, Bryant said.
“We want our local players to start in Under 6s to be able to go all the way through to one day play seniors for Evans Head,” he said.
The local high school has a rugby union program but not Rugby League.
“So, we’re going to aim it around the primary schools with flyers to publicise our come-and-try evening,” Bryant said. “We know we’ve got a battle on our hands but we’re willing and able.”
