The Narromine Jets are preparing to take on the Trangie Magpies this weekend for their first trial match of the season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The match will be a special one with both sides expecting to play for the Norm Newman memorial shield on Saturday, February 29 in Trangie.
Norm was a long-time member of both the Narromine and Trangie clubs as both a player and supporter, and according to Secretary of the Trangie Magpies Lorna Deamer, said the match should be a nail-biter and an important game for both towns to honour Norm.
"There is some rivalry between towns and its always a good game to watch," she said.
Deamer said the Magpies' first grade side are looking good so far, with pre-season training well underway being led by new captain-coach Damian Bell.
In 2019, Bell played with the Batemans Bay Tigers, before joining the magpies mid-way through last season.
In previous years, the halfback has played in Griffith, Parramatta and Lalor Park competitions winning various awards for being best back.
Deamer said Bell had been a leader for the team, and had left a positive influence on the players.
READ ALSO:
"[Damian] is a committed, passionate and talented player who has a lot to offer his team and the club. We are pleased to have Damian with us, and we expect great things from him this year," she said.
Last year, for the first time in 18 years, the Magpies made it to the preliminary final in the Christie and Hood Castlereagh Rugby League competition, which Deamer said was a positive boost leading into the 2020 season.
"We have some strong players, fresh faces, great coaches, a dedicated committee and a fantastic 'family of a club that we are entering the new season with," she said.
"Who knows, maybe this year we can bring home the cup."
At Saturday's match the Magpies league tag side will take on the Gilgandra Panthers.
The Magpies recently announced Samantha Brennan as the women's league tag captain-coach for 2020.
In 2019 Brennan was awarded 'most committed player' and Ms Deamer said that the club were certain the team were in great hands.
"Again we have some new faces and some great talent and we are extremely excited to see what this new team is capable of accomplishing," she said.
"I think they will be a force to be reckoned with this season."
The league tag game will kick-off at 2.30pm, with the mens kick off at 4pm.
Entry is $5, kids entry is free. There will be a canteen and bar available.