The Blue Heelers are pumped to have Joe Bobbin as their head dog to captain/coach, drawing on his knowledge from his time with the Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Tigers, Albury Thunder and Jacksonville Axemen over in the US.

There are a lot of familiar faces throughout the first grade team, which means there will be no excuses for not supporting the lads at home.

Peter Jones has bought himself a pair of high heels to join the High Heelers as their Coach for the upcoming season.  

All players have been extremely motivated, training hard since the New Year, showing Bombala and district that the passion to play football is still very much alive. The Club is hoping that this season is the start of a new identity and football era for the district.

Last Sunday, March, 15 saw the Blue Heelers for the first time in 2015 step onto the football grounds in the Group 16 Nines Competition. Judging from the efforts on display from every player wearing the blue and yellow jersey, we are in for a compelling season to be proud of.

Although the Blue Heelers were unlucky not to win either of their games - 4 tries to 0 against Bemboka and Candelo United and 16 points to 7 against Narooma - a very strong and consistent show of athleticism was on display, exposing raw talent from a side that will only grow in leaps and bounds.

It was unfortunate that a few very strong and central players were unavailable to participate in this particular competition, but this did not deter the determination of the side with some boys stepping up to first grade footy for the first time, to their credit they played with pride.

Throughout the first game Slade Newton made some solid and consistent hit ups in attack, but unfortunately sustained an injury that prevented him to continue in their second round.

Strong defensive games were played by Matthew Stone, Andrew Platts and Charlie Lomas who all consistently nipped attacking plays in the bud.

Some tough bootlace tackles were made by Luke Jamison, who was also very vocal in attack, and Rhys Crouch also proved to be a durable player in defence. Crouch gained the Blue Heelers a lot of ground as he also made noteworthy robust runs and offloads where possible.

Sharp runs made by Paul Gimbert, Jackson Standen and Daniel Douch penetrated the defensive lines of both Candelo Bemboka United and Narooma, keeping them on the straight and narrow.  

The talent of Standen and Douch collided to spark a blazing try in the first half of their game against Narooma. Douch made a confident and fast paced break on the wing, offloading to supporting Standen who crossed the white line right beneath the posts.

Reliability was shown through the efforts of Joel Cherry, Toby Morgan and Corey Elton. Cherry was a great supporting player who made solid ground up the centre, Morgan stepped up to his first first grade game never faulting in the role of hooker and Elton brought experience to the team through his kicking game and converted a goal. Tye Standen played a respectable game for his first since high school, demonstrating safe hands and dependability.

Thanks goes to all those who helped support the players on the day.

Round one of the 2015 season is set to kick off this weekend, where Bombala will travel away to Batemans  Bay to play against Moruya.

The games are set for Sunday, March 22 with Ladies League tag kick off at 1.30pm and Men First Grade at 2.30pm. All supporters are encouraged to jump in the car for a great day out; to cheer on the players; enjoy watching our locals put their best foot forward and to show Group 16 that Bombala is back and raring to go.

In addition, Bombala District Rugby League Football Club would like to warmly welcome and thank their sponsors; Bombala RSL Club, Peter Caldwell Building Supplies, Ron Milliner Earthmoving, RAW Strength Bombala, Dongwha, Bob Stewart, Our Local IGA, Pat Lomas and Imperial Hotel Bombala.

The support of all sponsors is greatly appreciated and has been a large part in making it possible for Bombala to re-enter the group.

Don’t forget -

ROUND 1:  Moruya vs Bombala, Sunday, March 22 at Batemans Bay. Ladies League Tag kick off 1.30pm, Men’s First Grade 2.30pm.

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