Revenge on the mind in grand final rematch

CASUARINA Beach will be out for revenge when it hosts Wollongbar-Alstonville in the Far North Coast rugby union grand final rematch this weekend.

Coach Geoff Townsend said the side were stinging after a 31-28 loss in the 2024 grand final.

The club had enjoyed an unbeaten run late in the season and looked destined to claim its first piece of silverware since joining the competition in 2017.

“We actually scored five tries to four and there were some pretty outrageous things that happened in that game,” Townsend said.

“We beat them in the semi-final, and I think we were the better team in the grand final, too.

“There were a late run of penalties and a few crucial things that went against us.”

Casuarina has regrouped this year, having won two of its opening three games in a rain-affected start to the season.

Centre Webb Lillis, flanker Will Paterson and fullback Kai George played in the Far North Coast team at the NSW Country Championships at Tamworth last weekend.

It was a valuable experience for the trio, with George and Lillis coming off a stellar 2024 season.

Both have developed in the team since it first came into the competition, with Casuarina stocked with a strong junior base.

“We probably had nine or 10 guys come up from our colts side last year,” Townsend said.

“We aim to develop our young guys and create opportunities for them to play at a higher level. We have two now playing in Sydney Shute Shield.

“Other clubs desperately try and hold on to them, but we’ll always encourage our guys to look at opportunities overseas and at other places.”

Casuarina has welcomed back front-rower Dan Raye from injury, with other players set to bolster the squad as the season goes on.

Raye will play a key role along with lock Mitch Planten and emerging five-eighth Harry Hall.

“We haven’t played a consecutive game yet because of the weather and a few other things,” Townsend said.

“This time last year we were in a similar spot before we went on a big run in the second part of the year.

“We play a bit of a style of football that is a bit foreign to some of the teams. We hope that point of difference will lead to some success again this year.

“We’re still probably a bit light on at the moment but we’re improving each game.”