TAMWORTH could potentially host a Super Rugby fixture in the future, as a hometown union hero Paddy Ryan sees some positives for the town after this weekend’s National Rugby Championship (NRC) grand final loss.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ryan led the NSW Country Eagles against the Perth Spirit in an enthralling contest at an unseasonably chilly Scully Park on the weekend.
A spirited defensive effort by the Perth outfit shut down the Eagles in a 20-16 victory over the hometown favourites.
While his charges couldn’t find a win on the scoreboard, Ryan spoke highly of his experience with Tamworth’s facilities and said the grounds are ready to host high-quality union.
“I was really proud to be a Tamworthian,” Ryan said.
“The boys really enjoyed their time there and I think the Perth boys did too.”
A disappointing result for the Country Eagles, NRC minor-premiers, Ryan said the grand final was a high-calibre contest which has put Tamworth on the map as a location for union.
“That Scully Park precinct is doing absolute wonders for the town, it’s such a good track,” he said.
Ryan, who has worn 73 caps for the NSW Waratahs, said there was nothing stopping Tamworth from hosting a Super Rugby game down the track, with its high-standard grounds.
“The facilities are good enough,” Ryan said.
“I think it would be great for country rugby.
“Tamworth could definitely do it and there would be other regional centres that could too, somewhere like Dubbo or Orange.”
Chilly conditions on Saturday night proved to be too much for the masses, with a modest Tamworth crowd turning out for the grand final fixture.
But locals who did brave the conditions were treated to a high standard of rugby, according to the front-rower.
“It was the most Super Rugby-like NRC game I’ve ever played in,” the skipper said.
“It felt like running into a brick wall and they were hard at the breakdowns.”
The physical match-up signalled a big step forward for the NRC, according to the Eagles skipper, who said the 2016 season was “very strong”.
Ryan said Perth played a different game against the Eagles in the regular season.
“It was won and lost in their defence,” Ryan said.
“They scrummed well and got the ascendancy.”
Ryan’s Eagles built a reputation through the NRC season as a potent attacking side, but the Perth Spirit were able to restrict the hosts to just two tries on the night.
“They had obviously done their homework,” he said.
But it was a proud night for Ryan leading the Eagles out in grand final on Tamworth turf.
“I’m disappointed we lost, but proud to captain a team in Tamworth.”