Sentiment will pay a big part in the performances of Willie Middleton’s team in this weekend’s Wiradjuri Invitational Challenge.
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Fifteen teams have been accepted into the carnival which will get underway at 9.30am and run through to a final tomorrow afternoon. The aim is to finish before the NRL grand final starting at 5pm.
All games will be played at Dubbo’s Apex Oval.
Put together with the blessing of David Peachey, the carnival will also cater for under-13s and under-16s.
At 10.20am on field 2 this morning, Willie Middleton will proudly lead out a team put together around the Middleton family.
They will play under the banner of the George and Betty Middleton Memorial team, Willie’s late mother and father.
“Mum has been gone for a while but Dad only died two years ago. Both loved their footy and this weekend we are going to honour their memory,” Willie said.
“We have got together a number of nephews and others and we’re really looking forward to it. It will be a special occasion for us all.”
Willie is one of eight brothers and sisters who lived in Bourke originally before moving to Narromine.
There are two boys in the family - Willie and his brother Allan who lives in Walgett - as well as six sisters Carol, Susan, Pauline, Leanne, Elizabeth and Margaret - who is better known as Percy.
“Everyone will be here for the weekend and having the carnival and playing in our own team is great for the family and a good reason for everyone to get together,” Willie said.
“Rugby league was a major part of our family and still is, but it was the support we all got in various ways from our parents that made us all very close.”
Willie also asked us to pass on special thanks to Karl Ross and the team at Jokers Ink who sponsored the team.
Also special today for Willie is that he will be playing alongside his two sons Willie junior and Wes.
In the squad of 25 will be Willie’s nephews Mark Kilby (who played with the CYMS Group 11 premiership side this year), and Alan Middleton Jnr from Walgett; as well as the Clarke boys from Narromine - Terry, Shaun and Mick - who are also Willie’s nephews.
The Dubbo based Pacemakers have a first round draw this morning but are likely to figure prominently in the carnival, along with Red Dust from Peak Hill, the beaten grand final team from last year.
Coonamble had a great year to win the Castlereagh Cup grand final and the town will be represented by Coonamble Western Warriors.
Wellington Wedgetails are always strong and it will be interesting to see their line-up of players.
Three other memorial teams will be playing - JJ Memorial; Elaine Hammond Memorial and Peter Darcy Memorial.
