MERGERS and a premier league-style competition involving clubs from Groups Two and Three have met with a lukewarm response from Manning-based rugby league clubs.
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Group Three chief executive Barrie Smith suggested in the Times that a first grade competition involving current Group Three and Two clubs should be considered. This would take in clubs from Forster-Tuncurry to the Coffs Harbour area. If this happened Mr Smith said he thought there would have to be an amalgamation between at least two of the current Manning-based clubs.
Southern clubs have struggled to stay competitive with their northern counterparts in Group Three for more than a decade. Two Port Macquarie clubs, the Sharks and Breakers, played out this year’s first grade grand final and Port teams won all four grades. A lack of job opportunities and the burgeoning population in the Hastings area have been cited as two of the reasons the southern clubs – Old Bar, Taree City, Wingham and Forster-Tuncurry have fallen behind.
However, Wingham president Craig Martin doubts mergers or a premier league would resolve any of these issues.
“We’d just have the same problems as now, but in a bigger competition,’’ he said.
Mr Martin said Wingham would never be interested in any amalgamation with Taree City and Old Bar to form a Manning Valley club.
“We’ll always be stand alone,’’ he said.
“It’s tough trying to compete with the Port Macquarie clubs, but we’ll keep trying. I don't think we’re that far behind them.’’
The Tigers were the best performed of the southern teams, beaten in the elimination semi-final by Port Macquarie. The previous week Wingham went down to Wauchope in a qualifying semi-finals that went into extra time. Wingham didn’t field an under 18s this year but Mr Martin assured the Tigers will be back in the junior grade in 2019.
“Our under 16s made the semi-finals this year and our under 15s were beaten in the grand final. The 18s this year we did have who went to other clubs when we pulled out will come back,’’ he explained.
“We’ll have a strong side. I know the young blokes are already looking forward to next year.’’
He added the Tigers now have record numbers in their junior grades.
Taree City president Michael Clarke said there’s been no push for a merger with Old Bar from his club. He’s not sure if it would be popular with players or supporters. He is confident the Bulls can tough out the hard times. He added increased travel would be a major turnoff with a premier league.
“People on the coast aren’t used to travelling for a game of football,’’ he said.
Old Bar president Craig Wheeler pointed out the Pirates made the semi-finals in all grades this year and the under 18.5s were beaten in a tightly contested grand final.
“Mergers aren’t always the answer,’’ he added.
“I remember when (Taree) United and (Taree) Old Bar merged years ago to form Taree Rhinos and it only lasted a couple of years.’’
All southern clubs have appointed first grade coaches for next season. Mick Sullivan will be in charge at Wingham, Todd Bridge at Taree City, Phil Adamson remains at Forster-Tuncurry while Jamie Moorehead, Jake Wheeler and Shannon Ellem will share the job at the Pirates.