Wanderers on way back from wilderness
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FNQ RUGBY
THE revival of one of FNQ Rugby’s foundation clubs is almost complete, with Wanderers’ return to the region’s premier rugby union competition imminent.
It’s been several years since the Wanderers last played in the proper FNQ Rugby competition, though their Mudcrabs Summer 7s title win proved they have a backline which could mix it with any other in the region.
But that backline will soon be put to the test in the 15man-a-side game if the hopes of president Mark Butler and player/vice-president Traye Hodge are to become a reality.
Former juniors have flocked to Jones Park to rejoin the mighty Green Machine early this pre-season, and with an emphasis on player numbers – particularly in the forwards – that may have helped the club’s case for re-entry.
“At the moment, I’m very confident,” Butler said. “We have a core group of above 15, I think there’s at least another 15 who are waiting to come on board, working or still injured.
“We’ve still got quite a number of boys who are sitting on the fence about whether or not they’ll come back, and with a bit of a shove hopefully they’ll be back and that will give us a good squad.
“What we’ve lacked in the last few years has been forwards, specifically the frontrowers, but we’ve had a good show-up in the engine room.”
Hodge, who played for Southside Crusaders last season but has returned to Wanderers, said their inclusion had to be done the right way.
“I feel the comp wants us back,” Hodge said. “They’re being careful with bringing us back. They’ve made it known we need forwards, especially those front-rowers.”
Butler said the club would be eyeing A-grade based purely on the quality and class of players who have attended the first few sessions, but their admission is not yet official.
While an A-grade draw including the revived club has reportedly been drafted, they need to register players and ensure they satisfy FNQ Rugby’s requirements.
FNQ Rugby president John Pirie has worked closely with Butler, Hodge, and the club during the off-season.
He’s liked what he’s seen. “They shouldn’t have any problems there,” Pirie said. “We want to see the players registered. They probably need about 30 to 35 players on their books, and they must have those front-rowers.”
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