Moree Giants junior rugby league has reached the sharp end of the season with three teams still chasing premierships.
The under-14 boys produced the strongest result of Saturday’s finals, beating IML Maroon 38–16 in their major semi-final at Woodville Oval.
Chase Picker crossed twice for Moree, with DJ Munn, Harry Walmsley, Mason Roberts and Cooper Picker among the other try scorers. Cooper Picker and Chase Picker shared the conversions.
The win continues an outstanding season for the under-14s, who have lost just once. Their record now stands at nine wins, one draw and one loss from 11 games, with 470 points scored and 146 conceded.
That form was evident early in the season. After Moree opened its campaign with a 60–4 win over Inverell in May, Giants president Steve Cory identified the under-14s and under-16s as two sides shaping as strong contenders.
Both remain in contention in September.
The under-16 boys kept their season alive with a 28–8 win over Guyra in their minor semi-final at Woodville Oval.
Zac Tighe scored twice and Ray Craigie was also among Moree’s try scorers, while Marley Swan kicked four conversions.
Those names have featured throughout the season. Tighe and Craigie were among Moree’s try scorers in the opening-round win over Inverell, while Swan kicked four goals as the Giants won 38–20.
Swan also came into the Giants season after playing representative football with the Greater Northern Tigers under-16 Andrew Johns Cup side alongside fellow Moree player Brodie Schutt. The pair were selected after trialling against more than 60 juniors and went on to play for the Tigers in this year’s representative competition.
The under-15 girls produced another of Moree’s big results on Saturday, defeating Werris Creek 34–6 in their minor semi-final at Boughton Oval.
Jaydah Duncan crossed three times, while Leilahni Noble, Halle Robinson, Azariah Newman and Narlehta Johnson were also among Moree’s try scorers. Shaylyn Smith and Robinson added conversions.
The result takes on added significance when placed against the relatively short history of girls tackle rugby league in Moree.
The Giants hosted girls tackle at Boughton Oval for the first time in May 2025, fielding under-13, under-15 and under-17 teams in the Group 4 competition.
By the end of that first season, Moree’s under-17 girls had finished as minor premiers and reached the inaugural Group 4 under-17 girls tackle Grand Final, where Dungowan won 28–10.
The pathway has already extended beyond club football. Haylie Turner progressed from Moree’s girls program into the Greater Northern Tigers under-17 Lisa Fiaola Cup side this year after playing in Moree’s first season of Group 4 girls tackle.
Now, in only the second season of girls tackle in Moree, two Giants girls teams have reached finals and the under-15s remain in the premiership race after their 28-point semi-final win.
The under-13 girls were the only Moree side beaten on Saturday, going down 28–0 to Dungowan in their major semi-final at Plain Street Sporting Fields.
Saturday’s results are another measure of a Giants season that began with a strong junior base and growing playing numbers. Several younger divisions have multiple Moree teams, while the girls continue to travel into the Group 4 competition to play tackle football.
The under-14s and under-16s were identified as contenders in the opening round. Both remain in contention in September.
The girls tackle program is only in its second season in Moree, and the under-15s have kept their campaign alive with a 34–6 semi-final victory.
Four Giants teams played finals across three venues and two competitions on Saturday.
Three remain in the premiership race.
