THE NAMBUCCA Roosters are back.
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Twelve months on from withdrawing, and only into the pre, preseason, the senior Roosters are thriving with a new committee and a new community-led ethos.
This follows the club being pulled from the Group 2 fixture lists this season after struggling to field a first grade side and find a suitable coach.
The first steps in the club’s rejuvenation came with a recent reunion of past players from the 1964 first grade and 1958 under 18s rugby league teams.
More than 200 people packed the Nambucca Heads Leagues Club to celebrate the success of these two teams, the club as a whole over the years and to push for the Roosters to regroup for the 2015 season.
“We had an excellent night,” Garry Johnson, who was part of both the 1964 first grade team and the under 18s 1958 team said. “We thought we’d get around 100 and have it made, but the numbers kept pouring in and it was an outstanding success. It just shows how much support there is for the club.”
The momentum didn’t stop there, with the club holding its AGM the morning after, filling all positions:
* President – Pat Broderick, senior vice-president – Steve Russo, junior vice-president – Garren Stig, secretary - Brett Welsh with Peter Natty, assistant, treasurer - Glen Jones, registrar - Max Jennings with Jackson Elphick, assistant, committee - Jackson Elphick, Mike Walsh, Tamara Ronan, Matt Webb, Garry Grant, Mal Edwards, Mitch Savage, Trevor Keast, Talia Donovan, Tony Parkins and Wayne Bennett, publicity officer – Jewels Mackay and patrons Bob Boland, Gary Johnson and John Hogarth.
Committee members say next year will be a whole new ball game with a number of changes afoot - including a larger association with the junior Roosters running fundraisers, sports days, coaching clinics etc, and the creation of an ‘Old Boys Club’.
“Three of the biggest things to come from this year will be a closer relationship with the juniors, the strong family atmosphere and of course, the ‘Old Boys Club’,” senior vice-president Steve Russo told the Guardian.
“The Old Boys Club will be headed by Garry (Johnson) and John Hogarth, and aims to bring the old culture and former players back.”
“So far, everything is looking really positive - there is a lot of excitement. We know there is a lot of work ahead, but the committee is definitely up for the challenge.”
Applications for coaching positions are now open and will close on October 7.
To apply, send your business resume which includes your football background and experience (ie. years coaching and playing, clubs etc) to the club’s secretary Brett Welsh via email: annettemaria@bigpond.com.au or PO Box 143, Nambucca Heads.
* For more information on the Old Boys Club, phone Garry on 0407 007-694 or John on 6568-9471.