Rugby League: Kootingal looking to add second grade in 2019

The Roosters campaigned this season without a second grade squad and while they were first grade minor premiers, they suffered from a lack of experienced and fit back up players in the big finals matches.

They lost both their finals games to eventual premiers North Tamworth and then Gunnedah Bulldogs after, at some stages, calling on under-18 players to fill injury-related positions.

Initially the club planned not to have a second grade squad in 2019 because of the financial cost however all that changed at a club general meeting last week, advised club secretary Kevin Storch.

“We will be advertising in the paper (NDL) for first grade, second grade, under 18 and ladies league tag players for 2019,” Kevin Storch said.

“We would like a second grade team but whether it gets off the ground is another thing. It depends on whether we can get the players and on the financial aspect of whether we can afford it or not.

“It all came up at a meeting last Tuesday night when it was hit home that one of the reasons for the first grade side’s loss was the lack of player depth. We had to call on under-18’s at different times despite starting out with a 25-man first grade squad.”

He said the club will advertise players but “won’t be pinching them from other clubs”.

He said the Roosters hope to have an answer as to whether they have a first and second grade squad to go with under-18 and ladies league tag squads by the time Group 4 holds its annual general meeting at the Tamworth Services Club on Sunday, November 4.

Group 4 president Ray McCoy welcomed the Rooster second grade decision.

“They are not the only club looking to add a second grade squad to their first grade,” McCoy said.

“Boggabri and Werris Creek are also hopeful of adding second grade squads.”

He said Group 4 is also mindful about “not throwing clubs to the wolves” after a successful “season of compromise” faces more changes into possible Tier 1 and 2 structures next season.