NELSON Bay Rugby Club continue to unearth a wave of outstanding prospects from their burgeoning talent pool.
Michael Squires’ men’s senior squad’s focus on its Pathways Program with Nelson Bay Rugby Juniors has reaped dividends for the 2026 season with the arrival of new recruits Taraq Hall, Harry Anderson and Thomas Akbar.
After a short sabbatical, rangy lock forward Hall has returned to the club and made a huge impact with superb displays in the Gropers’ recent trial match victories over Manly Savers and Epping Rams.
The local junior took time off to start a family and shapes as a key asset for the Gropers in this year’s Hunter Suburban Men’s rugby competition.
Anderson, a classy goal kicking centre, is also a local product having last played with Nelson Bay Juniors in the Under 18s during the 2021 and 2022 seasons before taking a three-year break.
He slotted straight back into his customary centre position for the Gropers final trial win over Epping Rams and produced a top performance in both attack and defence.
Akbar featured in Nelson Bay Juniors Under 18s Grand final victories over Maitland in 2023 and 2024 before a short stint last season with the Newcastle Wildfires Colts squad that competes in the Shute Shield competition.
Now living and working locally, Thomas has linked with his old Under 18s teammates Jacob Affleck and Hayden Wilson in Nelson Bay’s first grade squad.
The Gropers have an opening round bye in the Hunter Suburban Rugby Men’s A Grade Presidents Cup competition that kicks off on 11 April.
Nelson Bay commence action proper with a tough second round assignment and road trip up the valley on 18 April when they lock horns with reigning premiers Scone Brumbies.
By Chris KARAS
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