Farren Lamb knows it will take some time coming to terms with not wearing black and white anymore.
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It was only a touch over two months ago when the teenager wrote himself into Forbes folklore by booting the match-winning field goal in the Magpies’ Group 11 grand final victory over Dubbo CYMS.
It was a moment which brought tears of joy to his face and made him arguably the most popular and well-known man in town.
But now a new journey begins.
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Lamb has agreed to move to the Macquarie Raiders and while thrilled to be joining Wes Middleton revolution at the club, the 19-year-old admits it wasn’t an easy decision.
“I’m pretty upset about leaving but I’ve got think about my future and what happens after footy,” Lamb said.
“The Raiders had a good offer and they’ve got me some work so I’m loving it.”
Moving to Dubbo to be with his partner, fellow rugby league star Majayda Darcy, as well as earn a living after finishing school, Lamb had little option but to link with a Group 11 side in the city.
Being part of the project underway at Macquarie was a big drawcard, while he’s also started working for one of the club’s sponsors in Tyecon.
The Raiders have struggled for consistency for a number of seasons and this year they bowed out of the competition after suffering a heavy 38-0 loss to to Lamb and the Magpies in the opening week of finals.
Following those results coach Dylan Hill was replaced with Middleton, who has come across from Narromine to take on the captain-coach’s role.
“I’m excited to be a part of it,” Lamb said.
“It’s something big and it’s not just going to click in the first year but it will.
“I think Wes will be a big influence on me. He’ll help my game plan and they way I play the game.”
Lamb said he was happy to play anywhere for Middleton but after developing into a standout half during the course of the 2018 season he added he was ready to “put on the big boy boots” and really lead the Raiders around in 2019.
That eagerness is something Middleton is delighted to see.
While Lamb provides a reliable and proven half, something the Raiders lacked in recent times, he is also exactly the kind of player the new captain-coach wants to work with.
Lamb joins an already young roster, and with pre-season to start next week Middleton is pleased with what’s developing.
“He’s only 19 and he brings a lot of talent to the club,” Middleton said of Lamb.
“Good players are easier to coach and teach, and I’m really excited about next year.
“We’re going to set a standard. Macquarie is in a rebuilding phase and they’re looking for growth and I am too, as a player and coach, and that’s why I’m here.”
Setting the standard is something Middleton is going to do early, with the club having a get-together at the Dubbo Junior Rugby League clubhouse this Saturday before pre-season sessions start on Tuesday and Thursday.
Saturday’s get-together and session starts from 11am.