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.<\/p>\n
Cudgen has only lost one game this year, its best result in a regular season since the NRRRL competition formed in 2005.<\/p>\n
A semi-final win will see them host the grand final at home.<\/p>\n
Coach Wayne Forbes said young front-rower Liam Hodges and winger Malachi Dumas have been standouts in recent weeks.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Liam Hodges has worked hard to become a starting front-rower, he’s another Cudgen junior who took his opportunity with both hands.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Cudgen has a young halves pairing in Elliott Speed and Harvey Moase.<\/p>\n
They have options at hooker with Chaz Bond, Jackson Rohwedder and Callum Pritchard able to play dummy half.<\/p>\n
Brothers Caleb and Connor Ziebell are representative front-rowers along with midseason recruit Jacob Kernick who was NSW Country player of the year.<\/p>\n
“We were a bit young last season, but the boys are just growing in confidence each week,” Forbes said.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got young halves who complement each other well and we’re in a good space with players in key positions.<\/p>\n
“Physically and mentally, we’ll be a different side in the finals this year.”<\/p>\n
There is one round to go in the competition with the final make-up of the top six to be determined.<\/p>\n
Ballina, Bilambil, Casino, Marist Brothers and Murwillumbah will be there with the finals to be played in a sudden-death format over three weekends.<\/p>\n