A NEW-look Byron Shire Rebels are gearing up for an important month of home games in the Far North Coast rugby union competition.<\/p>\n
After a first-up 31-12 loss against defending premiers Wollongbar-Alstonville, the Rebels hosted Lismore City on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
Its next round of home games will be played against the in-form Ballina on May 3 and Casino on May 24 at Schultz Oval, Bangalow.<\/p>\n
The club has set the goal to engage with the community this year under a new management team and introduce new people to the sport.<\/p>\n
The first-grade team has a fresh look under new coach Mick Muir, who has focused on junior development at the club.<\/p>\n
“Over half our first-grade side are new combinations, so it’s a fresh-looking group still gelling,” Muir said.<\/p>\n
“But there’s good energy, the boys have adapted well, and we’re building nicely. We’re excited to rip in at home.”<\/p>\n
The Rebels formed in 2023 as a joint venture between the Byron Bay and Bangalow rugby union clubs.<\/p>\n
Fullback Will Latham and second-rower Will Aisake are two of the more experienced players in the team, while English centre Myles Maclagan impressed on debut.<\/p>\n
The club has an under-16s team that it hopes to develop into future senior players.<\/p>\n
They are one of the only clubs fielding two senior men’s and a women’s team this year.<\/p>\n
Second grade looks like it could be in for a big season after its first-up 31-24 win over defending premiers Wollongbar-Alstonville.<\/p>\n
The team has plenty of experience with the likes of front-rower Brad Hill, flanker Luke Philip and second-rower Jock Craigie in the forward pack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW-look Byron Shire Rebels are gearing up for an important month of home games in the Far North Coast rugby union competition. After a first-up 31-12 loss against defending premiers Wollongbar-Alstonville, the Rebels hosted Lismore City on Thursday night. Its next round of home games will be played against the in-form Ballina on May […]<\/p>\n