Narrabri Blues trio named in Group 4 team of the year

By Geoff Newling

Group 4 Rugby League has named a special ‘team of the season’ with 2021 minor premiers Narrabri Rugby League Football Club claiming three of the 13 berths.

Blues captain-coach Jake Rumsby, centre Dennis Gordon and young backrower Sam Sadler made the side while North Tamworth Bears had four (the most) – Bailey Taylor, Tevita Peceli, Scott Blanch and Josh Schmiedel.

Group 4 board members Pat Crowe and Mick Schmiedel came up with the original idea as part of a selection process to provide Group 4 players for the 2022 Greater Northern Tigers Country Championship squad.

Crowe and Schmiedel suggested the eight Group 4 coaches be involved and to have them name who they thought were the best players in each position.

There was just the one proviso as far as those coaches’ sections were concerned.

“They weren’t able to name players from their own club,” said Mick Schmiedel.

As Gunnedah’s coach, Schmiedel named who he thought were the best players he’d seen from rival clubs in every position.

Players such as Blues captain-coach Rumsby, North Tamworth five-eighth Blanch and Moree hooker and Group 4 Rugby League’s 2021 best and fairest winner Stan Swan received multiple votes.

The team of the year is as follows:
1. Bailey Taylor (North Tamworth), 2. Tevita Peceli (North Tamworth), 3. Dennis Gordon (Narrabri), 4. Aaron Donnelly (Gunnedah), 5. Isaah Millgate (Werris Creek), 6. Scott Blanch (North Tamworth), 7. Jordan Sharpe (Kootingal), 8. Jake Rumsby (Narrabri), 9. Stan Swan (Moree), 10. Brett Jarrett (Dungowan), 11. Josh Schmiedel (North Tamworth), 12. Sam Sadler (Narrabri), 13. Ben Williams (Kootingal).

“It’s a strong side,” Mick Schmiedel, who will coach Gunnedah again next season, said.

“I would love to coach that side.”

Group 4 Rugby League chairman Terry Psarakis agreed.

“It’s an awesome looking side,” the Group 4 chairman said.

“An outstanding side selected by all eight Group 4 coaches. They are also our Group 4 players named to start training with the Greater Northern Tigers Divisional squad next year.”

Blues captain-coach Rumsby said that he thought the team of the season was a “great concept”.

“It’s a nice reward for the players,” he said of the selection recognition.

“I did find it very difficult selecting a side too.”

He was delighted to see teammates Sadler and Gordon elected by his seven fellow coaches.

“They both had great seasons,” Jake Rumsby said.

“They both had real good years. Dennis had his first year with us and fitted in real well. Sam played hard all year, always consistent.”

That the pair both finished with 11 points in the Group 4 best and fairest (equal fifth) was testament to their good seasons.

Rumsby wasn’t too far away either, finishing with eight best and fairest points.

Narrabri also won the first grade minor premiership to make it a good season for Rumsby in a year where the Narrabri Blues celebrated their centenary.