Blue Boars skipper Will McDonnell leads the way to grand final glory

Saturday is a day that Will McDonnell will remember forever as the Narrabri Rugby Club first XV skipper celebrated his second premiership victory with his hometown club.

Ten years on from the Blue Boars’ most recent home grand final victory in 2014 when McDonnell was in the crowd cheering on his brother Matt and the rest of the Narrabri men, the former NSW Waratah and Sydney Uni Shute Shield star got to experience that same feeling as he helped guide Narrabri to victory in front of a home crowd at Dangar Park.

Willo, as he is known as around the club and by the fans, stood up time and time again during the 31-27 win over Moree, most notably in the 19th minute when the Bulls looked certain to score in the corner and he flew across to make a try-saving tackle and take Alex Roseby into touch.

He made tackle after tackle during a phenomenal 80-minute performance and was also instrumental in attack as he set up two tries and pulled the strings alongside halves duo Charlie Radford and Jydon Hill.

McDonnell had already joined his father Peter and brother Matt as a Narrabri premiership-winner when he co-captained the Blue Boars to a 25-8 grand final win away from home against Gunnedah in 2022 alongside Jacob Nichols, but with Nichols out injured this year, McDonnell took on the captaincy on his own.

He well and truly thrived as coach Craig Gleeson expected, especially in the lead-up to the grand final as he crossed for nine tries in five games.

“He’s grown immensely, and the last six weeks, as a leader, he’s really come out of his shell and it’s been a new Will for a lot of people,” Gleeson said.

“Everyone knows his ability as a footballer is outstanding. There’s no doubting that. When you watch him play, it’s something most people are in awe of, to be honest. He’s a bloody good footballer.

“Now his leadership has really come along with that as well.”

For McDonnell, this grand final win is one of his most special memories in what is a storied rugby career.

“Another premiership in the 60th year is incredible,” McDonnell said.

“I can’t put it into words. It’s just very special.

“I didn’t know that it was so rare for people to win home grand finals. It’s the second one in the last 50 years we’ve won I think it is. It’s special.

“Halfway through the season we had a few shaky losses, but we fixed the problems and came home with a wet sail.

“It was tough out there today. Moree kept the hammer down but we played the full 80 minutes. It’s something we haven’t done the past few games, but 81st minute to score the winning try. How good. It was unbelievable.

“I thought the crowd definitely got us over the here line today. They were awesome.”