NELSON Bay Rugby Club have bolstered their first grade stocks for 2026 with the signatures of premiership-winning Scone Brumbies prop Jack Albury and Epping Rams hooker forward Luke Sweeney.
Both recruits are a welcome addition to the Gropers’ playing ranks as the club strives for premiership honours in the Hunter Suburban Mens Rugby competition.
Rugged front rower Albury, who works in the mining industry, has made the move from Scone to Salamander Bay and gives the Gropers extra forward depth.
A Brumbies junior, he is a skilful ball playing prop with a sharp turn of speed who helped Scone capture last year’s Hunter Suburban premiership with a strong performance in the 26-17 Grand Final win over Singleton Red Bulls.
The versatile Sweeney can play anywhere in the forward pack and proved a wily customer for the Rams in the Sydney Sub Districts competition.
A plumber by trade, Luke relocated to Port Stephens where he met Nelson Bay Rugby president Gavin Rocher which led to him joining the club in the New Year.
Incoming first grade coach Michael Squires has appointed forward dynamo Jordan Byfield as his assistant for 2026.
The Nelson Bay men’s squad commenced pre-season training last week with a good roll up at Bill Strong Oval.
First player through the gates for training was hooker/flanker Ollie Edwards with the astute Squires putting the squad through their paces – providing insight into the style of play he expects for season 2026 which has a three pronged focus on fitness, ball work skills and structure.
Coach Squires locked in two home trial matches at the Groperdome against NSW Suburban Rugby clubs Manly Savers and Epping Rams.
The Savers, runners up in 2025, return to the Bay for the first trial on Saturday March 7 and again will provide a good test for the Gropers squad.
Second and final trial is scheduled for Saturday 21 March against the Rams, who finished semi finalists last season.
Kick off time for both trials is to be confirmed.
By Chris KARAS
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