The Narooma Devils first grade, reserves and ladies league tag teams will not compete in the 2024 Group 16 rugby league season.
The club posted to Facebook stating it had no alternative but to go into recess for the upcoming season.
A lack of player numbers has been an issue across the competition recently with the Bega Roosters applying to withdraw its first grade team in May of 2023 before finding extra numbers and pushing through.
The Moruya Sharks withdrew its first grade and reserve grade side from the league after playing just two of four games of the 2023 season due to a growing injury list.
Sharks Secretary, Patrick McMahon told East Coast Radio it was unfortunate that it’s now happening down the road at Narooma.
“It’s disappointing from the group perspective, we feel for them, we know exactly what they’re going through,” McMahon said.
“It’s a challenge that I think most smaller country clubs are going to face in cycles moving forward, it’s getting harder and harder to get a team on the field,” he said.
“It’s disappointing for them but I’m sure they’ll be back.”
Despite withdrawing from the competition last season, the Sharks are hopeful of fielding four grades this season after successful off-season recruiting.
“We were fortunate this year,” McMahon said.
“I think a big part of our ability to turn it around has been our first grade captain/coach, Dean Scott, he’s done not even the majority of the recruiting, he’s done all of it,” he said.
“He’s chased really hard and taken that responsibility off the committee and he’s pretty well respected in footballing terms around here, so guys are keen to play under him I guess.”
Mr McMahon said they are looking for a few more ladies to join the Moruya Ladies League Tag side though.
East Coast Radio reached out to the Narooma Devils for comment but we have not yet heard back. In a statement on Facebook the club said its Under 18’s side will play this season.
“Our future, the under 18s team will fly the Devils flag for the year.”
Group 16 Chairman, Allan Wilton, said it was disappointing to see the three Narooma teams go this season.
“Teams do go in cycles, they do go up and down, they have strong seasons, they have weaker seasons and it’s very hard when you’re having a weaker season,” Wilton said.
Most clubs can always use additional players, and although the start of the season is almost upon us, anyone living around Eden, Bombala, Bega, Tathra, Narooma (Under 18s), Moruya, Batemans Bay who wants to play or get involved in rugby league on the South Coast this season should get down to their local club.
Images: Narooma Devils, Moruya Sharks
