AFTER another successful season on and off the paddock, Moree Rugby Union Club recently held its annual general meeting, with David Watts retaining the club president’s chair for 2025.

Ian Ranger was elected vice-president; Alex Roseby, secretary; Ben Cheetham, treasurer; Madeline Watts, registrar; and Tony Lockery, club chaplain.

“We had a good roll-up of members and everyone is keen to get back into it next year after a fantastic season, on and off the field in 2024,” Watts said.

The 2025 committee comprises Peter Copeman, Dave Onus, Michael Dawson, Scott Cory, Andrew O’Neill, Alistair Jones, Ed Wisemantel, Djordjije Cikota, Jack Ticehurst, Emma Turner, Djurdjina Cikota and Charlie Upton.

Out on the paddock, Mick Grant was named first-grade coach, with Jake Cutcliffe and Tony O’Donnell coaching second-grade.

Kat Hinton will coach the women’s team.

The Bulls finished the 2024 season with a luckless 31-27 loss to Narrabri Blue Boars when Damon Gleeson scored in the dying minutes of the Central North Rugby Union grand-final at Dangar Park, Narrabri.

The incredible win gave the Blue Boars their first home grand-final victory in 10 years, capping a memorable 60th anniversary for the club.

Moree Bulls club president David Watts at the 2024 presentation night in September (Image courtesy of Maddie Watts).

On the upside, Moree Bulls defeated Tamworth Pirates 31-12 in the Central North Rugby Union second-grade grand-final.

At the club’s presentation night in September, where former Wallaby Brendan Cannon was guest speaker, major awards were presented to key players and committee members.

Ian Ranger was named first-grade Best and Fairest for the season, with Lachie Smith named Best and Fairest for second-grade. Third-grade Best and Fairest went to Colin Campbell, with Lauren Appleby named women’s Best and Fairest.

The Nathan Holland Memorial for Most Dedicated in second-grade went to Nathan Goodworth, with Alex Roseby winning the Patrick Downes Memorial for Most Dedicated in first-grade.

Watts said the club was now preparing for the 2025 Central North season.

“Next year’s competition will start Saturday, April 26 with a home game against Gunnedah,” Watts said.

“Pre-season training will start at the end of January, with some light work before ramping it up in February.”