Retro round concept fits well with the purists

RUGBY UNION LONG sideburns, thick moustaches and gold chains will be the order of the day with FNQ Rugby embracing its past as part of “retro round” this weekend.

Week two of the competition will feature four matches at Stan Williams Park on Saturday afternoon, harking back to when all senior matches were played at the league’s Buchan Street ground.

FNQ Rugby competition manager John Pirie said the matches, to be played between JCU Mariners, Southside Crusaders, Barron Trinity Bulls and Northern Beaches Mudcrabs, will help create a carnival atmosphere at the ground.

“This season, we’re really trying to bring the camaraderie and social aspect back to the game a little bit,” Pirie said.

“We want to have a barbecue after the game, open up the bar and create a good environment. We’re not playing for sheep stations, so we should be enjoying ourselves.

“It’s a nice opportunity for people to get together and watch four of the strongest clubs in town go head-to-head.

“For the rugby purists, I think it’s great.”

Mudcrabs president Ben Leonardi said while his club is still too new to the competition to be considered “retro”, the concept had merit.

“Rather than having your typical home-and-away crowd you have more people at the games,” Leonardi said.

“It’s great thinking from FNQ Rugby to bring in events like this.

“In previous years, the Mudcrabs have played double headers at Ivanhoes and it always creates a greater sense of occasion.

“I hope that supporters come out and get behind it.”

In the top grade, the Crabs will take on Crusaders with both teams coming off round one losses, while the Mariners play the Bulls.

“You can’t read too much into results at this time of year but Southside are one of the top teams in the competition,” Leonardi said.