The Forster Tuncurry club president, Damian Daczko, has greeted with delight the Dolphins' return to premiership rugby union in the Lower Mid North Coast competition next year at its annual general meeting at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club last week.
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"We're back, and we will be there with bells on next winter," he said.
"We always intended coming back, but it's nice to know we've returned to the fold again.
"Congratulations to the (Manning River) Ratz for winning the shield this year, but watch out next winter. We want the trophy back. It's unfinished business as far as we're concerned."
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Having won the Kennards Hire Shield in an unbeaten season in 2019, the Dolphins' decision to stand down from this year's competition due to the pandemic caused much anguish, especially as one of the best competitions in years unfolded with the addition of the splendidly competitive Port Macquarie-based Barbarian Hogs.
Behind a strong pack of forwards, the Hogs qualified for the play-offs only to be eliminated by the Wauchope Thunder in the minor semi-final.
It appears that the Hogs' desire to remain in the Lower Mid North Coast competition, undoubtedly spurred on by their coach's happy-go-lucky policy of "an hour a week for training", has ended.
The players will be returning to their various clubs in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, and the team has shut down.
It's unfinished business as far as we're concerned.
- Damien Daczko
The question remains as to how the Dolphins' players react to the club's decision.
A number joined forces with the Wallamba Bulls, assisting them to the grand final before their loss to the Ratz.
Coach Ron McCarthy, the driving force behind the Dolphins' seven premiership successes in 13 winters, is considering beginning training in February.
New players and old will be needed as the club re-arms itself.
Club champions such as the 200-game veterans, tight-head Ben Manning and utility back Thomas Harris, are nearing retirement, almost irreplaceable though they may be.
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An interesting identity at the annual general meeting was the club's exciting young backrower, Blake Polson. Rare is it that a player of Polson's age considers attending a stuffy old meeting of officials.
But from a committee man's seat, the assembly was most pleasing to attend, as all the long-serving and successful members were re-appointed, Damian Daczko as president for the 11th year , Ms Sue Hobbs as secretary and Mr Paul Scott as treasurer.
The club's former outstanding lock, Rob McCabe, was re-elected vice-president (rugby) with Rowan Kelly reappointed vice-president (finance and administration).
For his rare club spirit, the oyster farmer, Blake Polson was appointed the Dolphins' social secretary.
One official going into retirement, however, is the outstanding Mid North Coast executive officer, Mr Bob Wilson.
He is a sad loss and he goes with the thanks and best wishes of the entire rugby community.
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