MOREE Bulls first-grade captain Duncan Woods has a big month ahead.

Next Saturday, the back-row forward will lead Moree Bulls onto Weebolla Oval in the 2025 Central North grand-final – the club’s first home grand-final in 10 years.

The Bulls will play either Gunnedah Red Devils or Quirindi Lions, with those teams playing at Gunnedah Rugby Club today to decide who travels to Moree.

About three weeks later, Woods is off to Newcastle to play in the Australian Rugby Shield after making the cut for the NSW Country Cockatoos side – the first Bulls’ player to make the team since Ben Colley and Heath Riggs pulled on Cockatoo jerseys quite a few years ago.

Woods, along with Bulls’ team-mates Mitch Adams, Lachy Elworthy, Sela Ravuvu, Mitch Copeman and Angus Roberts, was selected to play in the Central North men’s rep squad at the NSW country championships at Tamworth’s Scully Park earlier this year.

Although beaten narrowly – 37-35 – in the Caldwell Cup by Central Coast, Woods played out of his skin to score three tries and gain selection for the NSW Country Cockatoos side.

“There were six Moree blokes playing at the New South Wales country championships in Tamworth at the end of May, and central north did really well,” Woods said.

“We finished second, beaten in the final by Central Coast, and from there, myself and Angus Roberts, our openside breakaway, were selected for the training squad.

“After internal trials and training at Maitland, I was selected to make the final cut that will play for the Australian Rugby Shield in the first week of October,” he said.

Also selected was Gunnedah Red Devils’ Tim McDermott, who captained the Central North men’s team at the country championships.

Moree Bulls first-grade captain Duncan Woods at training on Thursday night.

A squad of 26 players from across country New South Wales was selected for the Cockatoos, with  players from Central North, Hunter, Central West, Central Coast, Illawarra, Mid North Coast and Far North Coast making the squad.

The Australian Rugby Shield, established 25 years ago, is a 15-a-side representative tournament for men and women, featuring state and regional sides from across Australia.

A total 14 senior men’s and women’s teams, comprising hosts NSW Country, NSW Suburban, Queensland Country, Queensland Suburban, Australian Capital Territory and Southern NSW, Tasmania, South Australia and the Defence Forces, will compete for the shield.

“The ARS is in Newcastle this year and played over one week. They move it around – last year was Caloundra – and this year being in Newcastle, means NSW Country gets to host the competition,” Woods said.

“There are two team pools and the winner of each pool play off in the final.”

Bulls first-grade coach Mick Grant said Woods is one-of-a-kind.

“Duncan is such a unique player, and I’ve never seen someone with an attitude like his,” Grant said.
“He’s tough-as-nails and always leading from the front every weekend with relentless intensity.

“Duncan is known for his hard footy style, and has earned respect on and off the field.

“This year, his dedication paid off with a well-deserved spot on the country representative team.

“He’s the true definition of a great leader, I think,” Grant said.

Moree Bulls club president David Watts echoed the first-grade coach’s words.

“Duncan is such a great leader, and a lot of people look up to him – he has the respect of everyone,” Watts said.

“He is a great man to have around the club, on and off the field, and follows in the footsteps of his father, Michael, who played more than 100 games for the Bulls.

“Duncan works hard and this is such a great reward for him. Moree hasn’t had a senior player in a country team since 2017, so it’s great to see the club’s name back on the player list,” he said.

Rugby Australia Community Rugby director Michael Procajlo said RA is pleased to be partnering with City of Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union to deliver the ARS next month.

“We know the local community will enjoy watching the quality rugby that will be played throughout this tournament, and our visiting teams and supporters are excited to discover what is on offer in Newcastle,” Procajlo said.