The Boggabri & District Rugby League Football Club First Grade side played their club’s first finals series and decider since 1964 against the Moree Boars in September. While they didn’t take out the Group 4 Rugby League first grade premiership, they showed just how big of a heart they have.

The Roos led the grand final game 14-12 at the half-time break and then 18-12 early in the second half before a converted try in the 54^th minute locked the score up at 18-all which is where it stayed until the hour-mark when the Moree side launched their onslaught against the Roos.

They might have gone down to the Boars, but the Boggabri community put on quite the show for their boys.

Shane Rampling has been the Head Coach since 2018 and commended his team on how well they played.

“We competed really well. It’s a massive achievement for everyone involved in the club to make it back to the Grand Final.

“We just ran out of juice near the end. It was a very hot day and the week before we played 100 minutes in the Preliminary Final against Werris Creek and that took the energy out of us.

“It was phenomenal. I think we took four supporter buses and a lot of the old boys came back to watch the game and we had all the little kids running around in green and gold with the flags. I have never seen anything like it.

“I remember the first time I coached we got flogged and clapped off with a standing ovation. I thought ‘what is going on here’, but it’s just the mentality of the club. They’re so passionate about the club and the community.

“It’s been a fantastic journey to get to where we did this year and every year since I’ve been here, we have improved year on year and this year we made it to the big dance. Unfortunately, we weren’t good enough to take the win but we certainly showed what we’re capable of and we will come back bigger and stronger next year,” said Shane.

Club President Greg Haire couldn’t be prouder of everyone.

“For a small town the turnout at the Grand Final was fantastic. We took about 140 people up to the game on buses. It was a wonderful day, and I have to commend Moree as well for the way they ran the day – they did an excellent job.

“We played really well. I think the extra 20 minutes we played the week before hurt us, the boys just ran out of legs in the last 25 minutes when it was 18-all and Moree took advantage of that.

“The Roos are a great club, and it amazes me what we’re achieving. It’s just a wonderful club to be involved in, everything and everyone is just so positive.”

At their annual presentation night the players were recognised for the incredible effort they put in this season. Ash White was named Most Improved and the Highest Point Scorer, the Coaches Award went to Illiasa Kalokaldrau, Best Back and the Players Player was Pita Rogasau, Jake Byrnes was named Best Forward, and the Sportsmanship Award went to Jack Hayes.

Best and Fairest was Matt Gillham, an award presented by Idemitsu.

“Idemitsu is fantastic, both mines are. Idemitsu is our major sponsor. Whitehaven has come on board in the last couple of years as well. They helped us with our Multicultural Day which was the last game of the year, and they supported that strongly financially,” said Greg.

“The mines really do look after us,” he added.

The Boggabri Roos are growing in numbers with junior teams added to the roster this year.

Head Coach Shane is very excited they will have a pool of young players coming through the ranks.

“We have a lot of under 6s, 8s, 9s and under 10s coming through. Every club wants to have juniors so you have kids coming through and the end goal is that some of them will play first grade down the track. It’s great having the kids involved, they’re really passionate and they love their footy.

“It creates a great vibe amongst the community.”

Greg can’t speak highly enough of the committee. There are 25 people who help out at the home games which is the most they’ve ever had.

The final might have only just been played, but the first-grade side are already fired up and back at training.

“My prediction next year is a Grand Final at Boggabri Jubilee Oval. We will keep improving and keep building,” he said.