WHEN Nelson Bay Rugby Club were seeking an experienced mentor to take on the Head Coaching role for their men’s Suburban team for the 2026 season, they didn’t have to look far.
In local product Michael Squires the Gropers had a ready-made candidate for the job – a former Nelson Bay fly half who achieved coaching success with the club’s Colts team and later Tamworth Pirates in the NSW Country Central North Division ranks.
Squires jumped at the chance to take the reins of the Gropers’ men’s squad after club legend Zion Takarua stepped down to focus on his playing commitments.
After seven seasons with the Pirates, a rejuvenated Michael returned to Port Stephens in 2025 to coach the Nelson Bay Women’s Premier team before throwing his hat into the ring for the men’s head coach position.
Nelson Bay official Greg Spake told News Of The Area that the appointment of Squires was a “huge fillip” for the club.
“Michael brings a wealth of experience with him as a player and coach and is highly regarded in the Port Stephens rugby community.”
Spake tips exciting times for the Gropers’ youthful first grade men’s squad in 2026.
“He is a club legend who gave sterling service as a playmaker in the number ten jumper before turning his hand to coaching,” quipped the first grade team manager and club registrar.
Squires cut his coaching teeth with the Nelson Bay Colts in 2013 – a team that featured current men’s first grade forward stars in flanker Sam Rocher and prop Nathan McLeay.
He later guided the Gropers’ Premier Two squad in the Hunter Suburban competition before re-locating to the country town of Tamworth in the New England region for work.
Squires linked with the Tamworth Pirates and coached the club’s second grade outfit from 2018-19 – piloting the team to a Grand Final triumph before transitioning to Head Coach of the first grade squad for the 2021 and 2022 seasons where he enjoyed further success.
As a just reward for his captivating mentorship, Michael was appointed coach of the Central North Kookaburras men’s representative side that competed at the 2021 NSW Country Rugby Championships.
When the mens first grade coaching vacancy surfaced at Nelson Bay, club officials jumped at the chance to bring Michael on board – completing his full circle return to the Gropers men’s squad.
A devoted Squires has hit the ground running.
He announced that pre season training will commence on Tuesday January 20 at Bill Strong Oval (Groperdome) at 6pm with regular sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Gropers will host their first trial match on Saturday March 7 at the Groperdome against the strong Manly Savers club who finished Grand Finalists in the 2025 Sydney Suburban competition.
Manly Savers president Tom Crerar is keen again to make the trip up to Port Stephens after his squad enjoyed their time in the Bay in 2025.
The Gropers are currently planning other trial fixtures in the build up to the Hunter Suburban Rugby season opener on April 11.
By Chris KARAS
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