IT was business as usual at Boughton Oval on Saturday when Moree Boars second-grade squad launched their 2026 Group 4 season with a thumping 50-18 win against Gunnedah Bulldogs.

Boasting a raft of new players, the Boars ran in nine tries to three against Gunnedah in a dominant display.

Daniel Smith, wearing the No.21 jersey for the Boars, planted the ball three times, with winger Steve Le Milliere, Dallas Spearim, captain Luke Hobday, second-rower Dylan Craigie-Duke, Anthony Smith and Jackson Andrew each scoring four-pointers.

Halfback Bill Hippi shone with seven goals from nine attempts.

Gunnedah tries went to lock Tyrell Kruse, five-eighth Trent White and halfback Ash White, who also kicked three goals.

Moree co-coach Alf Newman, who shares duties with Charlie Shearer, was a proud man on Saturday.

“I was really impressed with the boys and the way they played,” Newman said.

“It was a little bit of a slow start. But in saying that, it was a really good game of footy.

“We’ve got a few new recruits and they all stood up and took the bull by the horns – they played great football.

“Daniel Smith, our fullback, played exceptionally well, with three tries. I was really impressed with him,” he said.

Newman, still hurting from last year’s 24-22 grand-final loss against Dungowan Cowboys, said a few of the team’s tried-and-true also stood tall, including club stalwarts Zac Sampson and Jason Humphries

“Zac played well and our captain, Luke Hobday, had a great game – he always does,” Newman said.

“And Jason again stood up – he does his best for the side, and the players look up to him.

“He’s now 50 years old and has more than 100 games behind him,” he said.

Newman said the 50-18 scoreline didn’t truly reflect just how tough the season opener was.

“Gunnedah didn’t give any ground or shirk their task. They had some big boys on the team and some hard-hitters, but it’s hard for any team coming to Moree to play the Boars at Boughton Oval,” Newman said.