“Not there to make up numbers” says Rampling as Boggabri Kangaroos prepare for long-awaited semi-final clash

They say a picture can say a thousand words, but the photo captured above by Boggabri and District Rugby League Football Club’s talented photographer and publicity officer, Sue Haire, of the Kangaroos’ first grade side coming together for a moment of solidarity before booking their spot in the finals series for the first time in 60 years speaks volumes that could never be put into text.

The breathtaking image captures what the team, the club and the town itself are all about – coming together to overcome the odds and achieve greatness.

It’s one of the reasons why Boggabri is known as the little town with a big heart.

The Kangaroos were well aware that they likely needed a win to punch their ticket to the Group 4 Rugby League finals series for the first time since 1964, but what they delivered was beyond the imagination of the loyal home fans who have supported their team through the dark days of back-to-back wooden spoons after they rejoined the competition in 2018.

They ran in 10 tries, kicked eight goals and won the match by 40 points.

Talk about rising to the occasion.

The Boggabri men welcomed the Dungowan Cowboys to Jubilee Oval in the 18th and final round of the 2024 regular season and they showed no signs of nerves as Rob Doolan scored in the first minute before they charged away to a 56-16 rout.

Coach Shane Rampling enjoyed the victory and soaked in what he labelled a “special feeling” with his team after the match. He took the reigns as the club’s first grade coach in 2018 when they returned to first division, and alongside a core group of dedicated senior players, has guided them from wooden spooners to semi-finalists and premiership hopefuls.

There was even more to celebrate on Sunday when the Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters went down 48-22 away from home against Gunnedah to ensure the Kangaroos finished third and now get to host this Sunday’s elimination semi-final.

Rampling declared his men would be ready and raring to go.

“It’s massive for us. Very special,” the Boggabri coach said.

“It’s something that we’ve been building towards for a number of years now.

“To actually get there is just a huge achievement for the club and everyone involved.

“It’s only the start though. We are not there to make up numbers in the semis. We want to go out there and be a threat.

“We’re looking forward to it. I can’t wait.”

Making the accomplishment even more special is that it was achieved on the club’s multicultural day, when they were celebrating the many walks of life their players have arrived at the club from.

That occasion makes Sue Haire’s photo an even more perfect depiction of the unity that bonds the club.