What started out as a conversation at the local pub has now progressed to having the Mendooran Tigers back in the Castlereagh Rugby League after 40 years in western NSW.
The Tigers, one of the Group 14 powerhouse clubs during the mid-1980s with three back-to-back premierships (1983-1985), have had their submission approved for re-entry to the competition.
It has taken a committed group to awaken the sleeping giant although Tigers secretary Lucy Naef said the revival had quite humble beginnings.
“To be honest, it was a small conversation held at the local pub that soon went to action not long after,” she told nswrl.com.au.
“We hold onto the glory of those premierships being won those many years ago. There is still a handful of those players still residing here.
“We really didn't anticipate the traction we would get. Some inspiration also came from our newest local publican, who was part of the Tigers old boy reunion.
“He must have had the idea in his mind, mentioned it out loud and before too long we were gathering together to plan meetings and it has led to this.”
As part of the revival the Tigers have entered an informal agreement with the Dunedoo Swans.
“Combining with Dunedoo was a no-brainer really. The concept we hope to sustain between both clubs is that Dunedoo will hold the first grade and Mendooran the reserves with players supplementing each level to help keep player numbers from each community,” she said.
Castlereagh Rugby League Secretary Bryson Luff and Chair Chris Deighton said the decision to approve the Tigers application was unanimously endorsed by all Castlereagh clubs.
“It’s hoped that combining with Swans will ensure a strong club coming from the Dunedoo-Mendooran area which can only be good for the overall Castlereagh competition,” Luff said.
“The community got behind the idea and ran with it … so good to see.”
Naef said the return of the Tigers had created much excitement in the small town of 500 people.
“Footy has no discrimination. It's for the fellas who run out, it's for the Nans chatting in their cars while they watch their grandsons, the kids hanging out to be a ballboy or ballgirl, the teenagers taking note of the players they aspire to be like,” she said.
“That's what makes Rugby League valued by any community especially in the bush, because anyone can be part of it.”
The Castlereagh Rugby League is enjoying prime time at the moment. The Warren Bulldogs (first grade) are returning this year after an eight-year absence and the Coolah Kangaroos returned last year.
“Coolah only lost one game all year so we must be doing something right to attract these sides back in the Castlereagh fold,” Luff said.
“It’s a real positive start to the year for us to have clubs reforming to play footy again.”
Castlereagh’s annual League Tag knock-out will be held 5 April, the first grade knock-out competition on 12 April (hosted by the Warren Bulldogs) and Round One of the 2025 season begins on 26 April.
