FOR the first time in history, Dubbo's two rugby clubs will head into battle for the Mark Melville Cup as premiers.
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Blowes Clothing Cup champions Dubbo Kangaroos and GrainCorp Cup premiers Dubbo Rhinos will lock horns on Saturday, October 18 in a curtain-raiser for the National Rugby Championship match between NSW Country and Perth at Caltex Park.
Rhinos' defection into the central west's second tier competition ended the local derby but recent talks between the clubs ensured a snap decision for the two rivals to go at it once again.
"It's come out of nowhere really but we thought having us and the Roos against each other before the NRC game would be great for rugby in Dubbo," Rhinos president Ian Burns said.
"For a while it appeared as though the NRC game would be standalone but we thought by having this game it would add to the day, and it would also allow us to play for a trophy that we take great pride in contesting.
"Over the past year or two we've created somewhat of a friendship with the Roos. Obviously we're still rival clubs but we see their success as great for rugby in Dubbo, and they feel the same about us.
"But in a couple of weeks' time when the boys are out on the field there will be that rivalry and both sides will be going hard."
Roos president Graeme Board said the match will be the start of a renewed on-field rivalry with the Rhinos that was originally going to start prior to the 2015 season.
"We had been in talks about having a trial before next year's competitions got under way but this idea came up and we thought it was worth pursuing," Board said.
"Both clubs have had great seasons, premiership-winning seasons, and with the Wallabies being here and the NRC coming then it's a good idea to do this kind of thing while rugby is still in everyone's thoughts.
"Financially for both clubs having an extra element to the day will be beneficial. We're running the food and the Rhinos have the bar so having an extra match will make it more worthwhile for people to come along and hopefully they'll have something to eat and drink to help the clubs out.
"We've always taken great pride in playing for the Mark Melville Cup, and this will be no different. Because it's off-season and some of our guys will be away we won't be full-strength but we'll still be out there doing our best to win that trophy."
