Boggabri Kangaroos are determined to add another derby foe to their 2024 war chest when they tackle Narrabri Blues in their Whitehaven Coal Group 4 season at Jubilee Oval, Boggabri on Saturday.
The Roos beat near-neighbours Gunnedah 44-26 at Kitchener Park, Gunnedah last weekend and now host another near-neighbour, Narrabri, in their first home game of the season.
Boggabri coach Shane Rampling is hopeful the Roos can continue from last weekend’s derby success.
“We had a good record at home last year,” said coach Shane Rampling.
“We want to continue that this season too.”
He said the players and supporters are looking forward to starting that record with their first home game.
However, they will be missing some key players with Nic Millar (work), Mitch Fletcher (stomach injury), Willy Urquhart (wedding), Aaron Hobden (rib injury) and Andrew Wallace (suspended) all unavailable.
Rampling also knows the Blues will be tough.
“Josh (Trindall) is always dangerous, Sam Sadler is a tough defender, Jeff Harvey runs hard. They’ve got some good kids coming through but we have to focus on what we do and have a few things to fix up from last week. Just got to control the ball.”
He said the form of Aliasa Kaloukalodrau was outstanding, the debutante scoring three tries for the Roos last weekend.
Rampling reckons the Blues are going to make it tough for his side.
“Josh (Trindall) is always dangerous, Sam Sadler is a tough player and Jeff Harvey runs the ball hard,” Rampling said.
“They have got some good kids. We have to focus on ourselves though. Got to play to our strengths and control the ball.
“Aliasa was outstanding last week but we’ll push him into the backrow for this game. He’s a footballer and will play well with good, early ball.”
The winless Blues might have lost their opening two games but coach Glenn Collins has a young and inexperienced side he hopes can develop into a good side and challenge the stronger sides.
“It is going to be a tough season for us,” said Glenn Collins.
“We’ve got some good kids.”
His biggest problem is going to be shift work, that a number of his players work in the mines will make it difficult for him to build consistency and cohesion.
The former first grade star has some talented players such as Gus Smith, Sam Sadler and Jeff Harvey in his side.
Smith was impressive against the Magpies in last week’s 38-18 loss and he son of former first grade star Matt Smith has made the switch from halfback to hooker well.
Sam Sadler, Jeff Harvey and Chris Clark showed the Blues have plenty of talent to kick on under the on-field guidance of skipper Josh Trindall.
Trindall was also impressive on the weekend. He steered the young side around well and will be a key man for the Blues.
Group 4 Round 2 Games
North Tamworth will host Dungowan
Moree will host Gunnedah
Werris Creek will host Wee Waa
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