Group 4 Rugby League’s 2024 season will kick off in Gunnedah on Saturday when eight first grade teams take the field across four games during what has been labelled as a ‘footy fest’.
The defending champions will play first at Kitchener Park when the North Tamworth Bears take on the Boggabri Kangaroos from 10.45am. Narrabri Blues will be up next when they meet Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters from 12.45pm, and the 2.45pm game will see the 2023 grand finalists Moree Boars tackle Dungowan Cowboys. The fourth and final match at 4.45pm will see the Gunnedah Bulldogs go head-to-head with Werris Creek Magpies.
The Wee Waa Panthers have the bye in round one and their season will get underway on Sunday, April 14, when they meet Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters
away from home in their first Group 4 game since 2018.
It has been a long six-and-a-half months since last year’s campaign wrapped up at Jack Woolaston Oval on Saturday, August 19, when North Tamworth Bears (first grade), Moree Boars (reserve grade), Werris Creek Magpies (under-18s) and the North Tamworth Bears (ladies league tag) were crowned champions.
The nine clubs have been working hard off the field during the off-season since then and have hit the ground running during pre-season to ensure they are ready to put their best foot forward in 2024.
As for the super Saturday/footy fest/Magic Round-style season opener, depending on what you want to call it, the concept has been well-received around Group 4 and the eight teams involved cannot wait to kick-start the campaign in Gunnedah.
Boggabri Kangaroos coach Shane Rampling is a big fan of the concept and is looking forward to taking on the Bears first up in what he described as a great challenge for his side against the benchmark of the competition.
“I’m a fan of it. I think it’s a good concept,” Rampling said.
“It showcases all of the first grade sides on the one day, and then from a coaching point of view, you get a look at all the other teams as well and you can analyse the opposition.
“I think it’s good for the fans too, to get to watch four games of first grade.
“I hope it continues and it’s shared around every club. Gunnedah hosts it this year, and I think it’s only fair the other clubs get to host it in the future.
“I’m all for it.”
The under-18s, ladies league tag and reserve grade games will be played on Sunday, with Narrabri’s three teams travelling to Kootingal to kick off their season and the Boggabri Kangaroos to travel to North Tamworth in reserve grade and league tag.
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