Nelson Bay Gropers slam Manly Savers 35-0 in rugby trial

NELSON Bay Gropers men’s rugby team has retained the Battle of the Beaches Cup.

Michael Squires’ depleted charges skittled Manly Savers 35-0 in their annual trial match last Saturday at Bill Strong Oval to kick off their 2026 campaign.

Despite the sweltering conditions, both teams relished the late afternoon start and entertained the large crowd with a fine exhibition of running rugby.

While many locals would have flocked to Port Stephens’ world class beaches, the loyal crowd was kept fed by Nelson Bay Marine Rescue as Gropers volunteers kept the bar and shop humming.

The understrength Gropers fielded a mix of regular first graders along with new recruits in lock Taraq Hall and hooker Luke Sweeney.

Veterans Michael Wiringi, Evander Waitoa and Niko Vakawaidokomo returned for a run.

Coach Squires trialled players in several positions with standout performances from centres Hayden Wilson and Danny Arnfield, fly half Sam Rocher, newcomer Hall, prop Jake Affleck and fullback Brayden McMaster.

Nelson Bay dominated from the outset through their tough forward pack with locks John Lundie and Hall making inroads into the Manly defence.

Clever half back Kade Redmond continued off from his sound 2025 form and combined effectively with his new fly half Rocher, providing slick service to the remodelled number 10.

The teak-tough Rocher, a club legend and premiership-winning forward, shone in his new position and set up many a try with his skilful passing in the back division.

After a two-year break from the code, winger Josh Sollitt celebrated his comeback by scoring the Gropers’ first try after three minutes.

Another deft Rocher offload put centre Wilson into a gap who linked with the classy McMaster to score the first of his three tries.

With lock Lundie a tower of strength in the lineouts, the Gropers continued to mount pressure on Manly with solid structure and another backline movement saw an inside ball from Rocher to flying centre Arnfield who linked with fellow centre Wilson to score under the posts.

The wily Sweeney relished the tough going in the forwards and, with prop Affleck,  had a great game in the ruck and maul.

They were supported by number 8 Mitch Workman, flanker Ronan O’Çonnell and prop Nathan McLeay.

Vaindakomo relished his return to the Groperdome with a solid display on the flank before being replaced by Ollie Edwards who turned in his customary non-stop performance.

Scott Tristan pulled off the tackle of the match on his opposing winger to jolt the ball free, enabling McMaster to slice through and score and give Nelson Bay a 20-0 lead at the interval.

Tough prop Zion Takarua was injected into the game after the break, along with premiership winning player-coach Wiringi and evergreen fly half Waitoa.

Wingers Keanu Offen and Taj Turner also shone in defence with Often using his chip and chase skills to great effect.

Hall was rewarded with a try under the posts before Redmond darted through to score for a 30-0 lead.

McMaster put the icing on the cake by scoring his third try after a brilliant solo effort – returning a Manly kick and weaving through before producing a trademark chip and chase to score in the corner and delight the home crowd on the Presidential Deck.

Nelson Bay will host the Epping Rams club in their final trial match on Saturday 21 March at Bill Strong Oval from 5pm before the Hunter Suburban Rugby season opener on 11 April.

By Chris KARAS