Forbes’ stunning win in last season’s Group 11 grand final created unparalleled interest in the competition and the hope is for this season to build on that.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Group 11 operations manger Paul Loxley and the rest of the board is expecting an even competition in 2017 with the bulk of the sides appearing to have strengthened during the off-season.
“The main point for us (the board) is that it was great to see Forbes win it and it wasn’t Macquarie, Parkes or CYMS,” Loxley said.
“It was someone else who hasn’t won it in a while and this pre-season has shown that all the clubs look fairly level so you’d like to think anyone can win it.”
There is plenty of new arrivals with former NRL flyer Stewart Mills headlining a number of additions at Nyngan while Forbes and Parkes have had their forward packs boosted by the respective signings of Brendan Tago and Jake Grace.
A number of new coaches are also in place at the Macquarie, Westside, Nyngan and Wellington and Loxley has been impressed by what he’s seen in the trials.
“Nyngan beat Macquarie and played really well, Forbes thought they were going to lose a few but they’ve signed Todd Grace and got a few others back and Parkes are always strong,” he said.
“I watched Wellington play as well and they looked stronger.”
One of the biggest things for the board this season is the fact more money will go to the clubs with Group 11 paying referee travel costs.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
