Hopes are high that the Gunnedah Red Devils rugby union club will take big steps forward in ensuing months as the club embarks on various initiatives.
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“We’re not going to sit on our laurels and wait for something to happen,” club president Bruce Hockings said.
“We’re being proactive: try to make it happen.”
Between 30 and 40 people attended Gunnedah’s Rugby Park last Thursday evening as acknowledgements were made regarding the recently completed Central Northern season. Speeches were also made to indicate the club’s current and short-term intentions.
With the Red Devils having a rebuilding year this year and falling well out of finals contention, Hockings thanked the committee, sponsors, volunteers and players for their hard work.
Hockings encouraged people to provide feedback and input in order to improve things. He said the culture had changed amongst the players, especially with many of them running the kitchen, and that there had been a big turnout at the recent club presentation night.
The Red Devils president also considered the senior club needed to improve its relation with the juniors, and to “be on the same page”.
Committee member Ian McArthur said “we’re very mindful we need those juniors coming through”.
McArthur deemed that juniors were the primary focus while local seniors and overseas players were the next two main focuses.
McArthur said the Red Devils had been in touch with Insider Rugby and Rah Rah Rugby, and consequently made good progress with potential recruits.
Some players from Tamworth, Scone and Bourke were among the possible recruits. McArthur noted that employment was a key factor and that anyone with ideas for employment should contact the committee.
Red Devils stalwart Mike Hennessy saw schools as a decisive part of planning for the future, saying his initial approach was to St Mary’s in Gunnedah.
“The enthusiasm at St Mary’s was fantastic,” Hennessy said, referring to the school’s principal, teachers and students.
Hennessy has also approached Gunnedah High School with the aim of entering several combined schools teams in the Tamworth Friday Rugby Competition. Gunnedah Rugby Club is supporting the combined schools sides with coaches, playing gear and buses to the games.
“The main thing is, we’re getting involved with the schools,” Hennessy said, before noting that “it might take a while for the wheel to turn”.
The Red Devils will host a Sportsman’s Lunch featuring Wallabies coach Michael Cheika in December, with details still to be confirmed.
