In ten weeks the Hastings Rugby League season kicks-off and the league’s newest club, Laurieton Stingrays, are taking advantage of every moment to train.
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Local rugby league fans can expect an entertaining first round match on May 6 when the Stingrays will play at Laurieton Oval against the Kendall Blues.
It’s exciting to kick off the season with a local derby. It’s sure to really get rugby league fans motivated to come along and support the two local teams.
- Glenn Knight
“It’s exciting to kick off the season with a local derby,” said major sponsor Glenn Knight of Laurieton Hotel.
“It’s sure to really get rugby league fans motivated to come along and support the two local teams.”
The introduction of a new team into the Saturday rugby league competition was welcomed by the Hastings League officials, Knight said.
Country Rugby League gave their official stamp of approval at a meeting in Coffs Harbour on February 11. Playing in the competition during the 2017 season will be eight teams, following the Stingrays starting up and Lake Cathie and Harrington teams folding.
The Stingrays president Scott Parker said the team is mostly made up of Laurieton players, some of whom were formerly with the Camden Haven Eagles group three team until the club was unable to field three full senior teams under league regulations and folded in 2013.
“It’s great to be able to have senior rugby league up and running in Laurieton again,” Parker said.
“Support from the community has been positive and the local business community have financially shown their support through sponsorship packages. There are a few packages left as well as branding spaces, so local businesses are welcome to get in touch and join us.”
A few Eagles stalwarts, Brett Farnsworth, Steve Bailey, Michael Moore and Warren Krogh have joined the Stingrays crew and taken on coaching roles.
Joining Parker on the executive are Brian Eggins as vice president, Glenn Knight as assistant vice president, Glen O’Brien as treasurer and Moore as secretary.
The club will host a barbecue at Pilot Beach on March 12 where players, coaches and committee can meet socially with their families and get to know each other.
On March 13 there will be a general meeting at the Laurieton Hotel, 7pm, welcoming any members of the community who would like to find out more or volunteer their help to the club.
On April 22 the Stingrays will hold their official season launch at the hotel where the player jerseys will be revealed, the community can meet the players, coaches and committee.
Anyone interested in playing or volunteering can contact president Scott Parker on 0428 595 457.
Kate Dwyer
Journo. Wife. Mother of three.
Journo. Wife. Mother of three.
