Gunnedah aims to field under-17 and under-19 sides next year after not doing so for several seasons, in a bid to create “sustainability” for the club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is hoped the move will result in Gunnedah largely not having to recruit outside the town to fill their first and reserve-grade teams.
Former Red Devils player Brendan Bain is driving the ambitious project, which he says is the club’s main priority “in a sense” given that it deals with the club’s longevity.
“It’s an issue of the sustainability of the club and getting young guys coming through to first and reserve grade instead of having to rely on outside players,” he said.
He added: “The more young guys we get who are keen to play rugby in Gunnedah the healthier the sport will be in town.”
Bain is in charge of recruitment for the two sides and would also coach them.
The Red Devils, he said, had tried to re-establish the teams the past “couple of years”.
“They [the club’s board] approached me this year to continue to try and chase players … We’re really trying to push the point,” he said, adding that the future of Gunnedah rugby “hinged” on the replenishment of senior ranks with homegrown talent.
To make playing for the Red Devils more attractive for the targeted group, the club is offering a $50 registration, which covers insurance and shorts and socks for the season as well as free bus travel to all away games.
The club is after expressions of interest. To do so, call Bain on 0498 225 029.
