Narrabri Blue Boars host 2025 awards presentation event at the Tourist Hotel | PHOTOS

Narrabri Rugby Club hosted their 2025 season awards presentation event at the Tourist Hotel on Friday night, where the Blue Boars gathered to celebrate individual, team and club success throughout the year.

This season was another history-making one for the club as its women’s 10s team extended their premiership-winning streak to three years.

They not only became the only women’s side in the zone to achieve that, but they also became the first side to go through the entire campaign undefeated.

They won 12 matches in the regular season to earn the minor premiership and the Kookaburra Challenge Cup before defeating the Tamworth Pirates 63-12 in the major semi-final and 35-26 on grand final day.

Those fine achievements were all the more impressive considering the team featured nine debutants, and it was also coach Andrew Gale’s first season at the helm.

The club’s men’s first and second grade sides both played finals footy this season after they both finished fourth on the respective ladders.

However, they were both knocked out in the minor semi-finals as Craig Gleeson’s first grade men lost 36-12 against the Quirindi Lions and Nathan Nott’s second grade men were defeated 32-19 by the Tamworth Pirates.

There was a sense of underachievement for both of those sides this year, highlighting the quality of players and the high expectations at the club.

Just like the club’s champion women’s side, the Blue Boars’ secretary/registrar and former president Mick Coffey also made history this season.

Coffey was named the recipient of the Zingari clubperson of the year trophy for the fifth time, surpassing Martin Browne after joining him on four back in 2023.

Narrabri Rugby Club’s president Daniel Kahl said that slice of history was well-deserved for one of the hardest-working members of the club.

“It is thoroughly deserved,” Kahl said.

“Most people that have been anywhere near the club for the past eight years I think he’s been on the committee now, would know how much time he spends dedicating to the rugby club.

“The fact that it’s his fifth time is a mark of the consistency and effort he’s put in.

“It’s often the case that people will spend a short time contributing in a large way to the club, and that is important and appreciated, but the fact that Coff’s done it for as long as he has is a fair measure of the bloke.

“I’m pretty pleased for him. To become the first person to win it five times is amazing.”

Kahl also commended Linton Grumley, who was the recipient of the Prendergast presidential award.

“That award is intended to recognise someone who at times might go unnoticed by the casual observer,” Kahl said.

“Linton is a bloke who has been a part of our committee for a number of years and is always happy to contribute at meetings.

“At times, he has a different point of view or he challenges the way we think, which is a great attribute to bring to a committee.

“Outside of that, he’s developed into one of our most senior players, and he always takes care of his business on the field.

“He often has to play roles that might not necessarily suit him, but helps the team out, and around training he is really good, especially with our younger players.

“He takes time to help referee or coach youth teams as well.

“He’s a good contributor around the club and a key part of the club, on and off the field.”

Kahl said the night itself was an enjoyable one.

“It was a really good night,” the club president said.

“It was a great chance to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments for the year.

“Obviously with the girls having such a record-breaking season, there was plenty to celebrate there, and there was a bit to acknowledge for the men’s teams too and how much success they have had.

“It was nice to acknowledge a few of the people who help around the club in other ways too, and give some well-deserved recognition for lots of great members of our club.”

Kahl also commended all of the club’s 2025 award winners, and made special mention of Brad Hannaford shield for club best and fairest winners April Smith and Toni Rae, who he said had phenomenal seasons and were both well and truly the best and fairest.

A full list of award winners from the Blue Boars’ 2025 presentation night is below.

Ten team awards were presented on the night, which were as follows:

Under-18s:
Martin Browne colts rugby trophy for most improved player – Ryan Williams, Eather family colts rugby trophy for best and fairest – Nick Coffey.

Women’s 10s:
Amanda Fowler shield for the most improved player – Kim Bange, Helen Cameron trophy for best and fairest – April Smith and Toni Rae.

Second grade:
Bruce Etheridge trophy for the most improved player – Will Fulton-Kennedy, Oz Gett memorial trophy for best and fairest – Nick Anderson.

First grade:
Nolan family shield for the most improved player – Mikey O’Brien, Perry Gilmore shield for best and fairest – Sam Spanton, George Sevil shield for best forward – Sam Spanton, George Sevil shield for best back – Will McDonnell.

Seven club awards were also won at the event.

The Ian Hillam memorial shield for highest point-scorer went to Toni Rae with 142 points. She was also the zone’s top point-scorer across all four divisions.

The Bob Southwell memorial shield for most dedicated trainer was won by Tom Cameron.

The Jim Meppem memorial shield for representative player of the year was awarded to April Smith.

The Richard Cameron memorial trophy for best under-21 player went to Rob Burke.

The Brad Hannaford memorial shield for the club’s best and fairest player was won by April Smith and Toni Rae.

The Zingari trophy for the Blue Boars’ club person of the year went to Mick Coffey for a record fifth time.

The Prendergast presidential award recipient was Linton Grumley.