New Narrabri captain-coach Sean Russ’s first appointment is at the Domestic Violence Cup at Moree today. Photo: Grant Robertson 220412GRA25
NARRABRI has a tough draw for today’s Domestic Violence Cup at Moree but would like to be there at the business end of the day.
The Blues will take on teams from around northern NSW in the 10-team tournament, including the Moree Boars, Moree Boomerangs and Armidale Rams.
Those clubs are among 28 around NSW that are now part of the Tackling Domestic Violence initiative.
The Boomies, Northern United from Lismore and Wellington shape as the teams to beat for the Blues in their first run of 2013.
“It will be our first game,” new captain-coach Sean Russ said.
“We play three games of 20-minute halves.
“At 9 o’clock we have the Boomies, we play Menindee around lunchtime and then we play Armidale.”
That’s a pretty tough draw but an early challenge could be just what the Blues need.
Playing teams from different groups is also a good
experience.
“We had an opportunity to go to North Tamworth,” Russ said.
“But we play all those clubs three times already, and that’s not including the Wests Knockout.
“It gets a bit repetitive through the year.”
The Blues have lost most of their spine to Wee Waa, with Scott Spencer, Dave Cruickshank and Peter Wenner all joining the Panthers.
That leaves Narrabri with some holes to fill but it could be a chance to bring its juniors into the top grade.
“I think we’ll replace the positions we’ve lost okay,” Russ said.
“They’re three experienced players.
“We’ll probably blood a few young blokes this year.”
Russ will lead a handy side today.
The club is not short on senior players and they have been training well.
“We’ll be short a few players but we’ll take a competitive team,” Russ said.
“The boys have been doing the hard yards at training.
“We’ve got about 40 seniors, which is really good.”
The event has been well supported, with sponsors like Brindabella Airlines, Joblink Plus, the Moree Plains Shire, the NRL and Radio 2VM/Now FM all on board.
The council has even set up temporary grandstands at Boughton Oval for the day and David Peachey and Dean Widders will be there to support the event.
All games are 20x20 until the final, which will be played in 25-minute halves.
Games start at 9am with the final set down for 6.30pm.
Two of the region’s newcomers debut today.
Gwydir plays its first game as a joint venture at Bingara when it hosts Dungowan from 4pm while Walcha is also due to play a trial today, which would be its first appearance on a senior rugby league field in 14 years.
The Roos have organised their first trial against Bellingen at Bellingen but may have to postpone their return if flooding in that area prevents the trip from going ahead.
