Stewart Mills admits he had no idea what to expect when he landed at Nyngan earlier this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A man who looks more suited to the beaches of Bondi than beside the Big Bogan, Mills had spent to bulk of his life around Sydney and that time was highlighted by two years with the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL.
But in search of something new and the opportunity to mould a side the way he saw fit, Mills made the massive, life-changing move to Nyngan.
“It’s been one hell of a ride,” he said.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. I didn’t know what to expect when I came out here at first but it has been unreal.”
It didn’t take long for the Nyngan faithful to adopt their new captain-coach as a local and the “Millsy” chant has become as much a part of game day at Larkin Oval as the sausage sizzle or a cold beer.
On Sunday, Mills will lead his side out in the what is the biggest match in the club’s history.
The Tigers play in their first Group 11 grand final against a Dubbo CYMS side contesting its seventh straight decider.
I wanted to start something here. We all set a goal at the start of the season and now we’re here and we can achieve it.
- Stewart Mills
Mills has instilled a steely determination into the Tigers this year and helped them take that next step after the men in black and orange were defeated in last season’s preliminary final.
Seeing the side take on what he’s asked has been one thing which has stood out for the former NSW Country representative.
“It’s that I’m trying to make it my own,” he said.
“I wanted to start something here. We all set a goal at the start of the season and now we’re here and we can achieve it.
“What we’ve tried to build is all from mateship and I think that mateship and camaraderie shows on the field.”
And if this close bunch of mates from the smallest town in Group 11 could claim the competition’s biggest prize?
“It would mean a lot to the Tood Ropes of the side and the local boys. Plus those old fellas who have helped me out off the field,” Mills said.
“Guys like Glen Neill, Trevor Waterhouse and ‘Egg’ (Alistair) Quarmby. A premiership would mean a lot to them so we’re hoping to go out and do it for them.”
Mills added patience will be a big thing for his side on Sunday while adding he was hopeful the Tigers first-time grand finalists would use the excitement of the occasion to their advantage.
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.
