THREE tries and 10 goals to livewire winger Adrian Smith – more than half the winning points – gave Moree Boars first-grade a thumping 62-nil win against Kootingal Roosters at Kootingal Sports Ground on Sunday.

Referee Ryan Schmiedel called the mercy rule 20 minutes from full-time.

Captain-coach Jamie Sampson crossed twice, with individual tries to winger Jake Tighe, centre Kaedyn Smith, prop Jack Mitchell, second-rower Joe Wade, lock Alex Lawrence and interchange Daniel Howe.

Sampson said getting returning to the Boars old-style, back-to-basics rugby league made all the difference.

“It’s what we’ve been talking about the last couple of weeks – getting back to that really consistent game, where we’re completing our sets and defending really well,” Sampson said.

“We didn’t need to be flashy. We relied on our defence and our fitness.

“After 60 minutes of footy, I was very proud of the way we went about our business and for not falling into that little trap of getting too far ahead of ourselves. We stuck to our structure and the way that we play footy.

“We stayed composed and the scoreboard spoke for itself,” he said.

(from left) Caleb Duncan, Jamal Woodbridge and Rhys Smith give the thumbs-up after Moree Boars reserve-grade’s 44-22 win over Kootingal (Image supplied).

Meanwhile, Moree Boars reserve-grade now sit at the top of the 2025 Group 4 ladder after comprehensively beating Kootingal Roosters, 44-22.

After three wins and a draw this season, Moree reserves sit one point clear of Boggabri, who beat Werris Creek Magpies at Jubilee Oval on Saturday.

The Boars play Boggabri next Sunday at Boughton Oval.

Team manager, Charlie Shearer, who shares coaching duties with Alf Newman, said the Boars hit the ground running, and went to the break with a 12-point lead.

“We started off really well, putting a couple of quick tries on the board off the back of some great plays,” Shearer said.

“Kootingal hit back and the 22 points they scored came off the back of some silly mistakes, and a couple of penalties. This will be addressed at training this week and will be worked on.”

Boars forward, Caleb Duncan, landed three tries and Cody Picker crossed twice.

“Dereik Newman, Rhys Smith and Stanley Smith each scored tries as well, and Lachy McDonald kicked six from seven goals, with Caleb Duncan missing one right on the bell,” Shearer said.

“All the boys played well and dug deep for each other.

“It was great to welcome back ‘the raging bull’, Jason Humphries, and new recruit, centre Lachy McDonald, who had a great game.

“Lachy’s also handy with the boot, too,” Shearer said.

“Jamal Woodbridge had a blinder with numerous line-breaks and set up some tries, along with halves partner Cody Picker. Our forwards, as usual, were great up the middle and our defence was pretty handy as well.”

Moree Boars play Boggabri Kangaroos at Boughton Oval on Sunday, May 25, with first-grade scheduled to kick off at 3pm.