OUR great game of rugby league in Group 2 certainly had its share of ups and downs in the 2009 season.
And there were plenty of highlights, none better than the mighty Sawtell Panthers’ achievement to win their first top grade premiership since 1978, back-to-back champions in under-18s and finalists in reggies.
The Panthers were also club champions in a runaway win, minor premiers in first and reserve grade and are now the pride of the North Coast.
Will they dominate for many years? Only time will tell.
Other highlights were the tiny town of Macksville being in its seventh grand final in 10 years, the return of the Bellingen Magpies to the top three after not fielding a team three years ago and the Oxley Pioneers’ under-18s making a third straight grand final in the NSW Country Championship.
And I cannot forget the success of North versus South under-18s trial to select the Group 2 team.
One of the surprises of the season was Orara Valley missing the semis in all grades for the first time in 10 years.
Another was the Woolgoolga Seahorses. Beaten grand finalists in 2008, but a season of injuries cost the club any chance.
Further afield we watched former local juniors prove themselves in the Toyota Cup and NRL - Kevin Gordon(Titans) was outstanding, while other standouts were Mal Webster Jnr (Souths), Albert Kelly (Eels) moving to Sharks, Aiden Tolman (Storm) and Jason McGrady Jnr (Sharks). And more will make their debut next year.
Some of the season lowlights included the downward spiral of the Dunghutti Broncos, raising the question as to whether 2009 will be the last time we see a second Kempsey team.
The ridiculous lopsided scores due to a lack of players for the Broncos, Macleay Valley and Nambucca raises doubts about their survival past this season.
The changing of the boundaries was talked about, again, but that’s all it was.
The wild brawl after the under-18s grand final, which we will hear more about, was another lowlight.
NRL grand final
The pain of losing last year’s grand final might be enough to get Melbourne Storm over the line against Parramatta in the NRL decider on Sunday.
Nothing hurts more than losing a grand final, while Storm skipper Cameron Smith (suspended) and Ryan Hoffman (injured) will be keen to make up for missing last year’s decider against Manly.
Group 2 has plenty of interest in the game, with former juniors Greg Inglis (Bowraville) and Aiden Tolman (Smithtown) set to play a major role for the Storm.
Everyone in NSW would love to see a Parramatta win, but for those two who missed last year’s grand final, plus momentum and experience will be enough to get the Storm home.
The clash between Jarryd Hayne and Billy Slater will be the biggest match up in years.
And how must Brett Finch be feeling? He left Parramatta mid season to take up the No.6 jumper with the Storm.
This will be a great grand final. Bring it on.
Special thanks
I would like to thank Warren and Kay Skinner from the Pier Hotel for supporting my column and Group 2.
The Pier is a great meeting place for the local players, especially with Friday night footy, members’ draw and the meals.
NRL grand final day will have a great atmosphere, with the big screen, giveaways and schooner draws.
This column wouldn’t be possible without Tracey Bartley from Bellbowrie Motors, who types and corrects my spelling, players and coaches who give up their time.
Special thanks to all that have sent their support and helped in bringing this article together.
My footy tips were a bit up and down, but we will try again next year. Enjoy your grand final day.
Barrett's All Stars
GROUP 2 TEAM OF THE YEAR
1. Johnny Russell (Bellingen)
2. Mark Pledger (Sawtell)
3. Rob Tulenew (Sawtell)
4. David Pickvance (Macksville)
5. Greg Davis (Comets)
6. Danny Russell (Bellingen)
7. Rohan Louden (Sawtell)
8. Ryan Previtt (Sawtell)
9. Matt Greyson (Woolgoolga)
10. Chris Martin (Macksville)
11. David Buttriss (Sawtell)
12. AJ Gilbert (Bellingen)
13. Dan Waterson (Sawtell)
14. Paul Tomlinson (Orara)
15. Djaan Jarrett (Macksville)
16. Duanne Button (Macksville)
17. Wade Gerhardt (Woolgoolga)
18. Jesse McEwan (Macksville)
19. Dion Marr (Bellingen)
Coach of the year: Rohan Louden (Sawtell)
Player of the year: Johnny Russell (Bellingen)
Rookie of the year: Greg Davis (Comets)
Shaun Carrey (Port)
Reserve grade player of the year:
Blake Seymour (Woolgoolga)
Under-18s player of the year:
Alex Hull (Nambucca)
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