Blue Boars through to preliminary finals

NARRABRI Rugby Club’s premiership hopes remain firmly alive across four grades, with the Blue Boars’ first and third grade teams earning a spot each in Central North’s preliminary finals.

Dangar Park hosted Saturday’s minor final with the Blue Boars’ third grade squad downing the Tamworth Pirates in a dominant display, 66 to 36, in the first of the day’s games.

First grade remained in control of their clash with the Inverell Highlanders despite some early adversity, defeating the visitors 48-33.

The Blue Boars lost Jonty White at kick off and Hamish Nolan within about 15 minutes of the first grade clash.

Angus Galagher charges ahead with the ball in the third grade clash. Right: Will Childs breaks away with the ball in Saturday’s third grade game against Tamworth Pirates.

First grade coach Craig Gleeson praised Inverell’s strength and said it had been a different team than what the Blue Boars had faced recently.

“The way the boys attacked was really positive,” Gleeson said of the Blue Boars’ first grade squad.

“It was a pretty solid performance considering a little bit of disruption at the start of the game.”

Gleeson was glowing about the performance of Rob Burke and Jack Maunder in the forwards.

“Josh Schwager made an impact when he came on early,” Gleeson said.

Will Childs breaks away with the ball in Saturday’s third game against Tamworth Pirates.

Gleeson also highlighted the work of Will McDonnell, Joe Baker, Andrew Weber and Travis Small.

With first grade enjoying a weekend break between finals games, Gleeson said the focus will be firmly on preparing to face either Moree or Quirindi in the preliminary final.

Gleeson also praised the club more broadly in an exciting period of football, with all four teams still in finals contention.

That success is a result of the hard work of the Blue Boars’ team of coaches including Gleeson in first grade, Mick Coffey in reserves, April Smith in women’s 10s and Daniel Kahl and Cameron Williams in third grade.

Gleeson praised the contributions of the entire playing group in getting the Blue Boars to this point of the season.

Will Turner looks for an opportunity to pass the ball in the first grade game against the Highlanders.

In the preliminary finals, the Blue Boars will face the team which loses this weekend’s Moree versus Quirindi first grade game, and the same with the Moree versus Gunnedah third grade match.

The Blue Boars’ women and reserve grade teams head to Moree this Saturday for the major final, with the first grand final spots on the line.

The women, who were undefeated minor premiers for the 2026 season, will face off against the Pirates.

In reserve grade, the Blue Boars’ men will come up against minor premiers Moree.