2016 coach and player Zac McKiernan will be back at the helm once again with fellow Magpie player Adam ‘Chicken’ McMurray to join him in the role. Both men are looking forward to working together for the team, the club and will bring many years of experience and skills with them.

They are two outstanding players in their own rights who know their stuff when it comes to rugby league and what it takes to drive a team to achieve great things.

McKiernan who has been with the club since its inception in 2009, did a stellar job in his first year as coach of the Magpies this year, helping get his team to the major semi-final in the Hastings League competition, one game shy of a grand final appearance. He wanted to take on the team again as coach as he believes in the team and with another year they can go all the way.

“I really enjoyed coaching this year with the great bunch of players we had and the support I received from the committee,” McKiernan said. “I didn’t like how we bowed out this year in the semi’s, the score line didn’t reflect the year we had or what we were capable of and I think we can bounce back and give the competition a good shake up next season. It has made me even hungrier for the year ahead.”

McKiernan is very excited to be coaching alongside an experienced and well respected player. McMurray had his first year with the Magpies this year and enjoyed it so much he was keen to apply for the position to co-coach alongside McKiernan. He has a long list of group and representative experience over his rugby league career and has played with some strong sides including local Macleay club, the Macleay Valley Mustangs. His wealth of experience, head for the game and toughness he shows on the field will only help him shine as a coach for the Magpies next season.

“I’m excited to be co-coaching with Zac next year and also look forward to be playing with the club again,” McMurray said. “We had a great year this year, the team and the club made me feel welcome and part of the family straight away. I think Zac and I will work very well together with the added bonus of what looks to be so far, a strong team running out with us each week.”

The Magpies are over the moon to have McKiernan and McMurray on board as co-coaches for the club in the 2017 season and can’t wait for the competition to kick off.

“There has already been a lot of interest and support from this year’s players who are coming back to play with the family based rugby league club,” treasurer Sonya Murphy said.

“The club appreciates the loyalty and values their players continue to show each year. It’s always tough to keep clubs going, keep them strong and it makes the committee’s job a bit easier when you have great coaches, players and people involved who know the meaning of loyalty and commitment.”

The Lower Macleay club has a lot of confidence in their coaches and players for next year and believe it will be one of their best seasons yet, as they head into their ninth year in the Hastings League Competition.

The new committee appointed at the AGM which was held on Monday, November 14 at Major Sponsor, The Heritage Hotel Gladstone were; Executive Committee President Jason Vogler, Vice President Beck DeGioia, Secretary Renee Hughes, Treasurer Sonya Murphy.

General committee Graham Dufty, Kris Gill, Luke Dufty, Vicki Murphy, Jim Murphy, Therese Dyet, Zac McKiernan, Blake Skinner, Jason McKiernan, Gabby Miranda, Michael Hughes, Jodie O’Loughlin and Pat O’Loughlin.