The last competitive match between the clubs occurred when the Roos had a first-division side for a couple of years in the 1980s.

Narrabri has a population of just over 13,000 and Boggabri, which is part of the Narrabri Shire, has around 1130 people. About 60 kiloimetres separates the towns. 

With four games scheduled at Juilee Oval on Saturday, it will be a monster day for the Roos. It is also a Roos Old Boys day.

While the Shane Rampling-coached Roos have not won a game yet ahead of the fourth-round match, they did receive two points from the newly created bye following Bendemeer’s drop to second grade, and enter the game with a trial win over the Blues.

“Yeah, they beat us in a trial there [in Boggabri],” Narrabri coach Wayne Saunders said.

His side is coming off a 48-14 loss to North Tamworth in Tamworth last Sunday.

“We’re hoping to turn it around,” he said. “It’s going to be a big derby day.”

Boggabri coach Shane Rampling said as part of the Old Boys day ex-players would have breakfast at the Boggabri RSL Club before the game.

“[It] should be a big day and hopefully [we’ll] get the right result,” he said.

In the earlier games, Narrabri and Wee Waa will meet in reserve grade, Narrabri and Boggabri will clash in league tag, and Boggabri and Narrabri’s under-18 side will start proceedings.

“It’s another big weekend for us,” said Group 4 chairman Ray McCoy.

“It’s a big day at Jubilee Oval with four games, and the game at Kootingal for the Cystic Fibrosis Day will be an absolute cracker between Kooty and Dungowan.

“You won’t be able to move at Jack Woolaston Oval on Sunday for the Bears and Bulldogs.” 

First-grade table:

Gunnedah 6, Kootingal 6, North Tamworth 4, Werris Creek 2, Narrabri 2, Dungowan 2, Boggabri 2.