BC News

Dubbo CYMS have announced one of the biggest signings of the off-season with former Dubbo Kangaroos star Scott Burgess switching codes and joining the Group 11 premiers.

Burgess was a key part of the Roos' Blowes Cup winning side last season and his move to league is certain to shock many after he also racked up a number of representative honours in 2014, including selection in a NSW Country side which toured America late last year.

Read the Daily Liberal article:

www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/2832098/code-hopping-kangaroo-to-make-the-switch-from-rugby-to-league

After 10 years of unequivocal service - several as captain - two undefeated premierships, a grand final loss and countless priceless moments in orange and green, Josh Tremain will not play for the Orange City Lions in 2015.

Instead, he will line up in the sky blue, navy blue and cardinal of Dubbo Kangaroos.

The heart and soul of Orange City's Blowes Clothing Cup first grade sides since 2004, Tremain made the decision to uproot and move to Dubbo for work reasons.

As a result, the prospect of travelling back and forth two, three and even four times a week to remain a Lion was too much.

"I felt like I wouldn't be able to give City my absolute best efforts, which wouldn't benefit me or them," Tremain said.

"It was an incredibly tough decision to make, I love Orange City and wish I could stay there forever, but I needed to move on for reasons outside rugby.

"A few of the younger guys were disappointed when I told them, but the more senior guys understood as did the club members. I hope there isn't any bad blood from anyone, and I doubt there will be."

Tremain is set to meet his now former teammates at Orange City in round two, at Dubbo's No.1 Oval, but won't return to Pride Park until round 11, on July 4, in the return fixture.

"It'll definitely be interesting the first time I play against Orange City, I'm sure there will be a fair bit of banter from the sidelines," Tremain laughed.

"It will be good though, the whole thing is a new challenge for me. I've always found when I go to a new environment, or team, or different level it brings out my best rugby.

"Hopefully this is a chance to freshen up, and play some really good footy for the 'Roos."

Tremain, a former NSW Country Cockatoo, looks set to slide straight into the 'Roos No.2 jersey, replacing current Cockatoos hooker Peter Nau, who will try his luck in Sydney in 2015.

"I've spoken to the guys at 'Roos, and that's the plan," he said.

"It's a bit disappointing I was hoping to play with Pete (Nau) at club level, but it opens up the hooker position, and I think they're looking for me to fill that spot.

"I've always thought I play my best rugby at hooker, even though they're big shoes to fill. I know there are some older guys at the club sticking their hands up again, it looks like while 'Roos are losing a few the side will still be very strong.

"I'm actually really looking forward to training starting next week."

http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/2831813/new-kid-on-the-block-tremains-move-to-roos-a-tough-decision-to-make

After a most memorable season we start the season as Central West Blowes Cup Clothing Premiers (Major and Minor), Third Grade champions and with Colts and Second Grade entrenched in the top 4.

As always there has been some player movement with our inspirational first grade captain Peter Nau, wife Nella and kids off to the Galloping Greens and some others off to pursue other options.

No doubt new players will arrive, Colts will step up and maybe even some old faces return to the Home of Dubbo Rugby.

Exciting times!

Vince Gordon takes over from Paul Hennock as Head Coach. He's pumped for the challenge of defending our title and super-keen to catch up with everyone.

In fact, Vinnie wants us to get together for some fun touch before we actually start official training. See above for details as well as Touch get together at John McGrath Ovals (Riverbank) next Tue (20th) and Thu (22nd) Jan.

Once again the very capable Scott Vaughan will be plotting from the sidelines while we are aiming to finalise our lower grade coaches shortly.

Vince is keen to start training as soon as possible.The first hit-out will be at St John's College Oval on Sheraton Road on Mon 27th January starting at 6pm.

The hard work at this end of the season proved to be the X-Factor in our first grade premiership.

It allowed us to get a hop on all rivals so your attendance is vital.

The first match is at Cale Oval against the Gorillas on Sat 11 April. Should be a crackerjack way to get going!

A copy of the draw will be on website shortly.

Please put dates on your calendar, noting there are two byes this year AND that we play in Bathurst on Anzac Day.

Looking forward to seeing you and your mates at St Johns on Mon 27th.

Go the Roos!

Graeme, Chris D, Sarah and Geoff

The Roos "Engine Room"!