By Geoff Newling

Shane Rampling is a happy and excited Group 4 Rugby League coach after Saturday’s trial games at Boggabri.

Rampling’s Boggabri Kangaroos hosted the Dungowan Cowboys and Aberdeen Tigers in a three-way trial at Jubilee Oval.

The Cowboys won both their games while the Kangaroos beat Aberdeen 8-6 before losing to the Cowboys 18-8.

Shane Rampling described it as a “great day” for the club and their visitors.

“We had a big crowd too,” Rampling told Group 4.

“Our girls got a bit of a touch up from Dungowan (36-nil) but the reserve grade won their trial (12-6). They played really well. We had good numbers too. Had 25 players for reserve grade trial.”

David Toomey is the captain-coach of the Roos reggies and steered them around well from five-eighth.

Boggabri’s first grade team started the day well winning against Aberdeen Tigers, Rampling said.

“We won that 40 minute game something like 8-6.

“Dungowan beat them 10-nil and then beat us something like 18-8.

“We made some silly mistakes and turned the ball over cheaply. I think we had five tries disallowed through forward passes as well. All in all though I was very happy with how we played. We scrambled well in defence.

“I’m proud as punch of them and we got a lot of positives out of the trials. Once we get to used to playing with each other we will be a very skilful side.

“The likes of Isaiah Adams, Rob Doolan, Kaylan Murray and Josh Trindall will be very dangerous.”
Josh Trindall was a standout for the Roos and will be a threat to any Group 4 side this season on his trial form.

“They hung off him and he dictated a lot when we had the ball.

“But everyone did their job, it was a good team performance just those silly mistakes and ill-discipline.

“We play Gunnedah at home in our first round. That’s going to be very interesting.”

The Roos went into Saturday trial games without Ben Haire (back injury) and his presence in the middle was missed.

His “big body” will be welcomed back for that first round game alongside the likes of Nic Millar and hooker Matt Gillham.

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