“ANOTHER year, another title challenge” is the motto for Nelson Bay Gropers’ top grade men’s rugby squad in 2025.
Rocked by their shock exit in last year’s Hunter Suburban Rugby first grade preliminary final, the Gropers are a club on a mission this season and regaining the Presidents Cup premiership trophy is high on the agenda.
After a first round bye, the Nelson Bay team travel to Empire Park this Saturday to square off with the Cooks Hill Brown Snakes – the club that sent the Gropers packing from the 2024 championship race.
It will hopefully prove a case of sweet revenge for the revamped Gropers, who begin a new era under the guidance of club legend Zion Takarua.
Cooks Hill – runners up to Singleton Bulls in last year’s Grand Final – opened their campaign with a 27-17 victory over the Scone Brumbies.
To prepare for the season opener, the Nelson Bay side hosted a strong Quirindi Lions combination in an organised trial at the Groperdome.
The Lions were up for the test and came away 32-15 winners in a hard fought contest.
Quirindi crossed twice to lead 12-0 at the first break before the Gropers hit their straps with tries to dashing back Brayden McMasters, power forward Jordan Byfield and utility Kailen Williams.
The Lions finished strongly with well executed tries in the final quarter to claim bragging rights over their Port Stephens combatants.
In a savage blow, the Gropers lost young gun Jordan Stone with a serious shoulder injury during the second quarter that is expected to sideline him for a big chunk of the season.
Nelson Bay were best served by crafty half back Jake Langsford, Cade Redmond and industrious lock forward Lewis Affleck.
Hamilton Hawks edged out Nelson Bay 12-10 in a thrilling opening round women’s clash at Bill Strong Oval.
Under new coach Michael Squires, the Gropers have assembled a talented squad that were strong contenders in the Hunter Women’s Rugby Sevens competition and winners of the Crescent Head Sevens trophy for a fifth successive year.
New number eight recruit Kiara Naicoko shone on debut with powerful performances from the elusive Tanya Jones and flanker Sierra Nowlan.
Coach Squires told News Of The Area that his players “should all be proud of their wholehearted efforts in an impressive first up display”.
“As a team we have some areas that need focus such as scrums and lineouts but with some emphasis put on this at training the women will master these skills in no time,” he quipped.
“We can’t wait to see where the season will lead us,” a proud Squires added.
By Chris KARAS
