“Fifteen of these boys might not even have played rugby if it wasn’t for the Rhinos.”
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Dubbo Rhinos created another pathway for young rugby players in the city this year and a debut season could be capped off with the ultimate prize on Saturday when the young guns in black and gold run out in the Central West Junior Rugby Union under 17s grand final.
The Rhinos have played some eye-catching, attacking rugby this season and take on the Narromine Gorillas in Saturday’s decider at Orange.
“It shows the club has got some good, strong youth coming through,” Rhinos co-coach Darryl Thompson said of his side’s success in its debut season.
“It’s good for the kids to have a chance to play. The club offered something different this season and some of these kids have never played rugby before.
“Fifteen of these boys might not even have played rugby if it wasn’t for the Rhinos.”
The Rhinos came back from an early deficit in last week’s preliminary final to down Orange City 29-26.
The electric backline again shone in the victory and Thompson said it will be key again in the decider against a structured and well-disciplined Gorillas outfit.
“Creativity can overcome that structure,” Thompson said.
“If we control that breakdown then our backline can do anything.”
Ben Cook at fullback is a bit part of that, as is flyhalf Will Allen and if they can find the likes of winger Samuel Thompson, who has scored a league-best 15 tries this season, the Gorillas may have their hands full.
A bus full of supporters will make the trip to Orange on Saturday, man of the Rhinos’ Blowes Clothing Cup players heading the cheer on what can be the club’s next generation of senior stars.
“For someone like (club president) Ian Burns, he’s put blood, sweat and tears into this club so to create that foundation for the future is the most rewarding thing,” Thompson said.
It will be no easy feat against Narromine though, with the side possessing five NSW Country players.
The grand final clash between the Rhinos and Gorillas kicks off at 12.30pm.