On March 14, a hurricane of rugby union will descend on the Mid North Coast community with Newcastle premier side Medowie & Districts RUFC and Central West heavyweights, The Dubbo Rhinos, blowing into Nabiac for a whirlwind weekend of running rugby.
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The three-way trial, which has now been in action for the past four years, gives all teams involved a chance to test themselves against non-traditional rivals, forge friendly club partnerships and increase vital exposure to the sport within the region.
Last year ended with all three teams performing well, with the eventual winners, Medowie & Districts, overpowering a heavily favoured Dubbo Rhinos side in a battle dominated by the game's big men.
For Wallamba, fleet-footed fullback Chris Tout, ruck pest Daniel Hessing and experienced former Mid North Coast Axemen halfback Andrew Paynter all exceeded expectations, providing excellent leadership and guidance to their younger squad members.
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Former Mid North Coast rugby product and head coach of Medowie & Districts RUFC, Tim Lancaster, praised the Nabiac club for hosting such an excellent event.
"The Wallamba Bulls are an extremely well-run club, with a wonderful culture and a dedicated, hard-working committee," he said.
"When president Daniel Sawyer invited our club to be a part of this weekend, I thought it would be a great preseason tradition to be a part of and build upon each year."
Mr Lancaster said his club was well-prepared for the trial after recruiting some valuable players and coaching staff.
"This year I have been joined by former Mid North Coast representative and Wallamba Bulls hooker Ben 'Pumba' Williams as our forwards coach and it is always a great privilege to be able to reconnect with our old Bulls family and increase the sport's presence on the Mid North Coast," he said.
"In 2020, Medowie & Districts RUFC are celebrating their 40th anniversary year and we have worked tirelessly to recruit several key players such as former NSW Country Cockatoos flyer Paul Mlotkowski, powerful outside back Taniela Rabolalele (Wests Newcastle Rugby League), former RAAF hooker Benjamin Green, Hamilton Hawks breakaway Tom Mildren and smart halfback Daniel Murphy (Avoca Beach Rugby Union).
"I'm looking extremely forward to this weekend, catching up with some old faces and implementing some of our new Marauder playing structures prior to the start of the NHRU Premier competition."
Wallamba Bulls' president, Daniel Sawyer, said it was looking like an exciting year ahead for the club, starting with the trial.
"It is exciting times for the small rugby club of Nabiac, with the new amenities building being built as we speak," he said.
"We love having the game at the Nabiac oval as it is central for the community to come watch a game and get behind the Bulls.
"It will be a great day with games kicking off around 1.30pm, with the women's 10s kicking the day off."
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