Narrabri Blues downed in 2023 season opener against Dungowan at Collins Park

By Geoff Newling and Blake Jarrett

Narrabri Blues first grade captain-coach Josh Trindall knows it is going to be a tough Group 4 Rugby League season in 2023.

Saturday’s 66-6 round one home loss to Dungowan Cowboys at Collins Park highlighted just how tough it will be.

“It was a tough start,” Trindall told Group 4 Media after the game.

“They are a good, established side,” he said of the Cowboys, “while we are very inexperienced. It’s going to take time.”

He thought his side was in the game early.

“The first 25 minutes we were right in it,” he said.

“We had some opportunities but we didn’t take our chances.”

“This is a very young side,” Trindall added.

“Average age is 20-21.

“We’ll get better. It’s just going to take time.”

The Blues showed plenty of courage and never stopped competing against a strong side many have as favourites to win the premiership.

Winger Harry Pattison went close to scoring early in the game but was bundled into touch-in-goal.

Jess O’Neill was one to impress as he made his return to the sport following several seasons playing soccer, while young prop Jeff Harvey was also quite impressive and was rewarded with a try that Trindall converted.

New hooker Aiden Butcher also had some good touches and possesses a handy boot, while Damon Gleeson, normally a fullback but playing in the centres, went close a few times with some darting runs.

Brothers Jed and Gus Smith will also improve and be key men during the year for Trindall.

One of Dungowan’s newest signings, Mitch Doring, was the star of the first-round contest at Collins Park.

The former Manilla Tigers captain-coach crossed for a hat-trick of tries, kicked two goals and picked up the three Group 4 best and fairest points.

Tevita Peceli and Liam Mack bagged doubles, while Trent Taylor, Brandon Parry, Nic Syron, Vanaisa Tiko and Ryan Ingram all scored a try each for the Cowboys. Taylor also kicked six goals.

It was a tough day at the office for the Blues as the club went down in all four grades.

Dungowan won the reserve grade game 44-12, with Adam Gordon, Nick Tomlinson and Kurt Wallace scoring tries for the home side and Tomlinson earning two Group 4 best and fairest points.

In the under-18s, the Cowboys won 56-18. Luke Shields was the Narrabri side’s best as he scored two tries, kicked two goals and was awarded two best and fairest points. His teammate Kaden Hamilton also scored a try and kicked a goal.

In the ladies league tag match, the Bluebirds went down 36-6 against the Dungowan Cowgirls. Mia Gould scored Narrabri’s points with a try and a goal, and she also earned a best and fairest point as well.

Narrabri will host home games again in round two when it welcomes Moree to Collins Park on Sunday in all four grades.

The Boars won their 2023 first grade season opener on Sunday when they downed Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters 46-28 on home soil at Boughton Oval.

Former Narrabri Blues duo Brenton Cochrane and Daniel Jobson helped Moree to that win. Cochrane was back to his brilliant best as he scored two tries and earned three Group 4 best and fairest points, while Jobson scored a try on debut at his new club.

Moree won the reserve grade game 44-10 and the under-18s match 36-28 but went down 40-0 in league tag.