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.<\/p>\n
The club did not field a team in the age group during the pandemic-affected seasons, missed 2022 and finished last in 2023.<\/p>\n
Coach Damon Scott said the group was determined to bounce back, with most of the players having played together since under-8s.<\/p>\n
“They’ve worked hard since November and they would definitely be the fittest under-18s team in the competition,” Scott said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“They haven’t complained about anything, and they’ve held themselves accountable.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n