Bradley departs lead role on a high

Coach Nathan Bradley took over the Dalby Wheatmen last season determined to make a difference and is now handing over a team in the midst of forming a Downs Rugby dynasty.

Bradley bowed out of club coaching last Saturday after seeing the Wheatmen complete back-to-back Risdon Cup victories with a gallant performance over Goondiwindi.

It was the culmination of a plan by Bradley, the Dalby club, his coaching team and supporters to reinstate the Wheatmen as a country rugby force.

Bradley will continue coaching the Darling Downs rep team and is confident Dalby’s resurgence can continue in new hands.

“I’ve been involved with the club since probably 1998 or 99,” Bradley said.

“As a player I played in a couple of losing grand finals and they hurt.

“We put a team together last year and I took it on again this year.

“There’ll be another great coach from Dalby come along. They have such a good base to work from.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Dalby. I couldn’t have asked for a better club to be involved with.

“We’ll come together in January and see if we can make it three from three — who knows.

“Lots of (Downs) clubs can win a premiership like this any day of the week.

“Footy on the Downs at present is very strong.”