Rhinos to contest 17s Central West Rugby grand final
WHEN the Dubbo Rhinos began their 25th anniversary season, club officials were determined to create a pathway for young players. Without a junior nursery to draw from and a heap of youngsters wanting to play, the club approached Giffin and Darryl Thompson to bring a group together.
Six months later, the Rhinos have qualified for the under-17s Grand Final!
“The team led the competition at the end of the first round but a few losses and injuries saw the boys qualify for the finals in fourth place. With wins against Mudgee 26-24 in the semi-final and then 29-26 against Orange City in last week’s final, the Rhinos earned the right to play off for the title against Narromine Gorillas this Saturday,” Darryl reflected. “In a squad of 26, seven of the players had played with the Roos for more than one season and others were drawn in through mates. Some had never played union, so we are very excited with what has been achieved,” the proud said.
“We play a Narromine team that has offered opportunities to kids from different communities so there are now more young ones getting an opportunity to spend time with their mates in a sport that will help them build friendships all over the world,” Darryl added.
The Rhinos along with strong Dubbo Roos 13s and 15s teams head to Orange for the CWJRU premiership deciders on Saturday.