Giant steps for rugby league club anniversary

MULLUMBIMBY Giants will celebrate 40 years at Les Donnelly Field when they host Byron Bay in a Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League clash on Sunday, May 25.

The anniversary marks four decades since the club moved from Pine Avenue in 1985—a year when the reserve grade side went on to win the premiership.

The original clubhouse still stands and will be the hub of a weekend of celebrations, including a reunion of players and old boys from both Mullumbimby and Byron Bay, who faced off in the first game at the venue.

The Giants are one of the oldest rugby league clubs in Australia, having formed in 1909, and are among a small number of regional clubs to reach the 100-year milestone.

“I believe we’re the second oldest club in country footy and we’ve had a lot of good players and coaches over the years,” event organiser Steve Butler said.

“We’ve had periods where we’ve struggled, but that’s happening everywhere.

“Having the camping ground helps financially and a lot of really good people have put time and effort in the club over the years.”

Australian rugby league legends Chris Anderson, Graham ‘Wombat’ Eadie and Neil Pringle have all coached at the club.

The Giants have also developed a strong junior base, with first grade halfback Jacob Miller and second-rower Cody Nelson returning after stints in the NRL and English Super League.

The club hosted the 2004 grand final, defeating Marist Brothers, and won another premiership away at Ballina in 2007.

“Scotty Hogan is coaching first grade now and he played a big part in the 2007 grand final,” Butler said.

“People were leaving with 15 minutes to go because they thought we’d lost the game.

“Scotty came on and put Murray Brown over for a try and then set one up for himself.”

Butler said the rivalry with Byron Bay will add extra spice to the anniversary game.

“Once upon a time we were one club, but there is definitely some rivalry there now, I know that,” he said.

“We’ve invited their old boys to join us on the day, so I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.”

The celebration weekend kicks off with a casual gathering at The Courthouse Hotel on Friday, May 23, from 5pm.

A formal event will be held the following night at the clubhouse, hosted by Neil Pringle from 5pm.

To assist with catering numbers, anyone planning to attend should email [email protected].