Young Giants on the cusp of grand final in NRRRL

MULLUMBIMBY Giants under-18s have finished the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League season as minor premiers, capping a remarkable return after several years out of the competition.

The club did not field a team in the age group during the pandemic-affected seasons, missed 2022 and finished last in 2023.

Coach Damon Scott said the group was determined to bounce back, with most of the players having played together since under-8s.

“They’ve worked hard since November and they would definitely be the fittest under-18s team in the competition,” Scott said.

“We haven’t fielded a strong team for a few years now, but these guys play well as a group, they’re great mates and are like a little family away from the game which helps.”

Scott guided Mullumbimby’s first grade side to its last premiership in 2007 and has overseen the development of several juniors who went on to higher honours.

Jacob Miller played NRL and in the English Super League, while Brisbane Broncos forward Jack Gosiewski and current first grade coach Cody Nelson also came through the club.

This year’s under-18s have produced several representative players, with fullback Ryder Nelson, lock Klay Jones and second-rowers Aiden Gersh and Ashley Watts all featuring for the junior Titans.

“We’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves, but the boys have deserved the results that have come their way this season,” Scott said.

“They haven’t complained about anything, and they’ve held themselves accountable.

“I know most of their parents, I originally coached the team from under-10s through to under-14s and they’ve always been a great group.

“I’d love to see them finish the year well and hopefully most of them can stick around and play first grade in the next few years.”

The Giants will play their semi-final on Sunday September 7 at Ned Byrne Field, Kingscliff, with the grand final scheduled for the following weekend.