CASUARINA Beach will be out for revenge when it hosts Wollongbar-Alstonville in the Far North Coast rugby union grand final rematch this weekend.<\/p>\n
Coach Geoff Townsend said the side were stinging after a 31-28 loss in the 2024 grand final.<\/p>\n
The club had enjoyed an unbeaten run late in the season and looked destined to claim its first piece of silverware since joining the competition in 2017.<\/p>\n
“We actually scored five tries to four and there were some pretty outrageous things that happened in that game,” Townsend said.<\/p>\n
“We beat them in the semi-final, and I think we were the better team in the grand final, too.<\/p>\n
“There were a late run of penalties and a few crucial things that went against us.”<\/p>\n
Casuarina has regrouped this year, having won two of its opening three games in a rain-affected start to the season.<\/p>\n
Centre Webb Lillis, flanker Will Paterson and fullback Kai George played in the Far North Coast team at the NSW Country Championships at Tamworth last weekend.<\/p>\n
It was a valuable experience for the trio, with George and Lillis coming off a stellar 2024 season.<\/p>\n
Both have developed in the team since it first came into the competition, with Casuarina stocked with a strong junior base.<\/p>\n
“We probably had nine or 10 guys come up from our colts side last year,” Townsend said.<\/p>\n
“We aim to develop our young guys and create opportunities for them to play at a higher level. We have two now playing in Sydney Shute Shield.<\/p>\n
“Other clubs desperately try and hold on to them, but we’ll always encourage our guys to look at opportunities overseas and at other places.”<\/p>\n
Casuarina has welcomed back front-rower Dan Raye from injury, with other players set to bolster the squad as the season goes on.<\/p>\n
Raye will play a key role along with lock Mitch Planten and emerging five-eighth Harry Hall.<\/p>\n
“We haven’t played a consecutive game yet because of the weather and a few other things,” Townsend said.<\/p>\n
“This time last year we were in a similar spot before we went on a big run in the second part of the year.<\/p>\n
“We play a bit of a style of football that is a bit foreign to some of the teams. We hope that point of difference will lead to some success again this year.<\/p>\n
“We’re still probably a bit light on at the moment but we’re improving each game.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CASUARINA Beach will be out for revenge when it hosts Wollongbar-Alstonville in the Far North Coast rugby union grand final rematch this weekend. Coach Geoff Townsend said the side were stinging after a 31-28 loss in the 2024 grand final. The club had enjoyed an unbeaten run late in the season and looked destined to […]<\/p>\n