Talented juniors emerge from Hornets nest in NRRRL

CUDGEN Hornets have claimed their first minor premiership in Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League and will host a semi-final at Reg Dalton Oval, Kingscliff on Sunday, September 14.

Cudgen has only lost one game this year, its best result in a regular season since the NRRRL competition formed in 2005.

A semi-final win will see them host the grand final at home.

Coach Wayne Forbes said young front-rower Liam Hodges and winger Malachi Dumas have been standouts in recent weeks.

“Malachi comes from a bit of an Aussie Rules background and he’s been outstanding with some of his try-scoring efforts off kicks,” Forbes said.

“Liam Hodges has worked hard to become a starting front-rower, he’s another Cudgen junior who took his opportunity with both hands.

“The boys are really proud of their efforts, it’s been a tough competition this year and anyone in the top six can win it.”

Cudgen has a young halves pairing in Elliott Speed and Harvey Moase.

They have options at hooker with Chaz Bond, Jackson Rohwedder and Callum Pritchard able to play dummy half.

Brothers Caleb and Connor Ziebell are representative front-rowers along with midseason recruit Jacob Kernick who was NSW Country player of the year.

“We were a bit young last season, but the boys are just growing in confidence each week,” Forbes said.

“We’ve got young halves who complement each other well and we’re in a good space with players in key positions.

“Physically and mentally, we’ll be a different side in the finals this year.”

There is one round to go in the competition with the final make-up of the top six to be determined.

Ballina, Bilambil, Casino, Marist Brothers and Murwillumbah will be there with the finals to be played in a sudden-death format over three weekends.

LADDER

Cudgen 27

Marist Brothers 23

Bilambil 22

Ballina 19

Murwillumbah 19

Casino 17

Mullumbimby 15

Evans Head 14

Tweed Heads 13

Kyogle 13

Tweed Coast 11

Lower Clarence 9

Northern United 6

Byron Bay 4