BC News

Dubbo Kangaroos pre-season training starts on Tuesday 28th January 6pm.
It is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at St John's College, Sheraton Road Dubbo.
All current and new players are welcome.
For more information contact Graeme Board on 0408 636 273 or visit http://www.dubborugbyclub.com.au

The Dubbo Kangaroos will face Narromine in the first round of the 2014 Blowes Clothing Cup season while the Orange City Lions meet Parkes in a grand final rematch during a bumper first round.

Newcomers Mudgee will travel to Forbes for their first match in the competition in seven years after Central West chief executive officer Peter Veenstra confirmed the draw, which kicks off on Saturday, April 5, and runs for 18 rounds.

Incoming Kangaroos coach Paul Hennock, who coached Narromine in 2009, said it will be the perfect way for his side to start the season.

"It's always good to start the season at home and with a local derby to really get the juices flowing," he said.

"I know when I was at Narromine they always liked to get one over Dubbo, it's a bit of a big brother, little brother match."

The Roos face a stern challenge to start the season as they follow the match against the Gorillas with trips to Orange and Bathurst to take on defending premiers Orange City and the Bulldogs respectively.

"It's three hard games to start off with and Orange City have been the benchmark so it will be good to know where we stand early," Hennock said.

The competition will feature two rivalry rounds and breaks for Easter and Queen's Birthday long weekends.

The semi-finals will begin on August 23 and the grand final will be played on Saturday, September 13. It will be hosted by the team that wins the major semi-final on August 30.

The 2014 draw is an exact replica of the 2011 version except Mudgee replaces the Dubbo Rhinos.

The Rhinos will play their second year in the Australian National Field Days northern conference while Mudgee steps up to the top tier for the first time since 2007.

As has been the case in the past, all teams have the same amount of home and away matches.

For this season, clubs have nine home and nine away matches.

Rounds nine and 18 will be the rivalry rounds where Bathurst Bulldogs take on Charles Sturt University, City meet Orange Emus, Cowra are against Forbes, Parkes host Narromine and Mudgee are at home to Dubbo Kangaroos.

Hennock went on to say the Roos would start training on January 28 and added he was already putting together plans for season 2014.

"My views might be a little different to the last few years but I've been talking to the other coaches and formulating some plans so we're looking forward to it," he said.

2014 is set to be a great year for Dubbo Rugby Club- both on and off the field.

The social committee has many events on the horizon including Ladies Day, the Roos Ball and the ever popular Derby Day Marquee. For exclusive invitations to these events join the club as a social member. You will also receive regular updates, special early purchase discounts and be kept “in the know” on all upcoming events. You can register as a member on the club website.

The Roos have found a new ‘home’ this year, with major sponsor, The Commercial Hotel. Renovations, to be starting shortly, will transform the Commercial into a modern, family friendly, sporting hotel where everyone feels welcome.

The Commercial will be hosting the Roos Season Launch on Friday 31st January. This will be a night to celebrate community partnerships and welcome new jersey sponsor Western Plains Automotive. Sponsors will have the opportunity to meet players, supporters and club members and last years players will be presented with their jerseys. The evening is open to all and activities will commence at 6pm.

New players are always welcome at the Roos, and if you are interested in playing this season head along to pre-season training, starting on Tuesday 26th January, 6pm at St Johns Ovals, Sheraton Road or register your interest at the season launch.