It seems size doesn’t matter as far as the Group 4 Whitehaven Coal First Grade finals are concerned.
Three of the four teams making it to this weekend’s Semi-finals – second-placed Werris Creek Magpies (population: 1,500), third Boggabri Kangaroos (900, pictured above) and fourth Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters (2,300) – don’t even come close to the population of Minor Premiers the Moree Boars (7,100) when added all together.
But the three towns are all former Second Division clubs who came up into First Grade together in 2018.
Group 4 chair Lad Jones, who is also President of Kootingal-Moonbi, says there’s no secret to how a smaller town can compete with bigger clubs.
“It’s just about good communities, who have good people who love footy,” Jones told nswrl.com.au.
“In Kootingal’s case we just made sure our club was attractive and family-based, big on being a part of the community.
“As you’d know if it wasn’t for families most of us would not be able to do what we do.
“I’m originally from Wee Waa, which was really big on having community-based clubs too, so when I moved to Kooty I made sure there wasn’t any segregation or cliques.
“It’s just a one-in, all-in mentality and that works very well.”.
For David Steward, who coaches Werris Creek, he said it was the best tonic for everyone making the Semi-finals.
“For a small town like us this has created a massive buzz,” Steward said.
“Rugby League is the most popular sport around and lot of the older guys I used to play with back in the day, talk about how much joy and lifting of the spirits this has brought to the town.”
Greg Haire, Boggabri President, added: “It’s amazing because we were a bit hesitant going up (into First Grade) but it’s the best thing we’ve done. It’s been great for the club.
“The town has been right behind us all the way. We’re about the only sport in town, although they are talking about getting a social comp in cricket started later this year.
“I think that’s all come about because of the success we’ve had with the Kangaroos this year."
This weekend’s finals have Moree facing Werris Creek – the only club to beat the Boars this year (40-32 in Round 16) – and Boggabri taking on Kootingal-Moonbi, who are one-all. The Kangaroos won 28-22 in Round Five and the Roosters pipped them 34-32 in Round 14.
“We had a couple of blokes out last week but we’ll be full strength against Boggabri,” Jones said.
“The first year we were pushed up to First Grade we won the Minor Premiership. And we’ve been in semis in all four grades from then up until now.
“It’s massive and the footy brings in people and businesses behind us like the bowling club and the pub. Everyone talks about how the team is going so we’re playing for the whole town.”
It's the first time Boggabri have had a team in First Grade finals since moving up from Second Division.
