THE Gunnedah Red Devils have been riding a wave of positive feelings throughout the 2019 Central North season.
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A lot of that positive feeling boils down to the side's international flavour, brought by European imports George Gribble, Sam Wharton, Richard Biggin (England) and Lewis McClinton (Ireland).
The quartet of stars have helped the Red Devils claim fifth position on the first grade ladder, as well as memorable victories over Moree and Pirates.
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A Sussex native, Gribble said the experience of playing down under has been "unbelievable".
"All the guys here are good craic and really nice blokes," Gribble told the Leader.
"Everyone in the community has been really kind, anytime we have needed anything they have been there for us, honestly it's been brilliant."
Lining up at number seven for the Red Devils, Gribble said the quartet of international players had fitted into the Gunnedah community seamlessly.
"We have all been really lucky to find great jobs around Gunnedah," he said.
"Three of us are out working on farms and one of us is working in the mines.
"Honestly, the opportunity to come over here and play has been unbelievable.
"We are really enjoying ourselves and hopefully the team can go a long way this year."
Having won seven of their 12 games this season, Gribble believes the side is starting to build momentum.
"I think we have been a bit unlucky with a few of our recent results, but in those results there's not been much in it," he said.
"Sometimes those things go your way and sometimes they don't.
"That's just how rugby goes sometimes."
The Red Devils will be looking to repeat their earlier season heroics when the travel to take on the Moree Bulls on Saturday.
"We know they were a little bit under strength last time and are likely to have a very different-looking side this time," Gribble said.
"But, if we play to our best, I'm confident we can match it with all of the top sides such as Moree and Walcha.
"I think those two sides are the teams to beat.
"But, it is such an even competition, anyone can beat anyone on their day."
The Red Devils will take on the Moree Bulls during the Bulls' annual ladies day function.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
