MOREE Boars defeated Gunnedah Bulldogs 32-16 in last year’s Group 4 rugby league grand-final – and incredibly, the score was replicated in the 2026 season opener against the same team at Boughton Oval on Saturday.

About 15 minutes from full-time, comeback kid Jamie Sampson landed a four-pointer when the Boars desperately needed points, and winger Latrel Newman – stepping up from second-grade last season – sealed the game with a try in the dying minutes to give the Boars a hard-fought 32-16 win.

The Boars, with back-to-back premierships safely locked away in the clubhouse trophy cabinet, trailed four-nil after Gunnedah’s Kurt Fisher scored in the north-eastern corner in the opening minutes of the game.

Moree bounced back when fullback Adrian Smith levelled that up a few minutes later in the south-western corner – and from that moment it was game on for both sides.

Latrel Newman starred for the Boars with three tries, with four-pointers going to Alex Barker, Jamie Sampson and Dereik Newman, who was also stepping up from second-grade.

Sampson’s try about 15 minutes from full-time, when the Boars led 20-12, was the turning point for Moree.

Sampson called retirement at the end of last season, but the lure of being there for a possible hat-trick of Group 4 premierships drew him back.

“I knew retiring wouldn’t be easy, but once the boys started pre-season training, it was the routine that was missed,” Sampson said.

“Then came the conversations from a few of the boys about having the opportunity for something special in a three-peat.

“Being part of this club and how far it’s come over the past few years, really makes it hard to walk away.

“It felt good getting back on the field in front of our home crowd and getting the win for them,” he said.

“For our first game of the season, I think we played really well. We stuck to structure, didn’t panic in parts of the game, defence was good and we kept turning up for each other – that speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication at pre-season training.

“It was good seeing it all come together and Gunnedah are a team that can really make you pay if you switch off for five minutes of the game.

“We have some work to do to prep for our next round but the positives from Saturday outweigh the negatives,” Sampson said.

Four goals, including a penalty goal, came off the boot of halfback Mick Watton, who travelled from Tamworth to pull on a Boars’ jersey.

Gunnedah gave their all in a tough grand-final rematch away from home, with centre Kurt Fisher scoring two tries.

Fullback Dylan Lake and winger Clay Durrant also planted the ball.

Charlie Shearer, who co-coaches Moree Boars second-grade team with Alf Newman, deputised for first-grade coach Jack Durheim, who is currently holidaying overseas.

“This was a hugely successful day at Boughton Oval, with first-grade proving too good for Gunnedah in a grand-final rematch,” Shearer said.

“The boys played good, quality footy and all 17 players knew their roles and stuck to the game plan – it was a case of simple, smart football.

“Everyone played exceptionally well and defence was great as well.

“For me, it was hard to pick the 3-2-1 points but Latrel Newman stole the show, bagging three tries as well as having one disallowed.

“Latrel certainly showed he has the ability to level it with the top guns,” Shearer said.

Boars first-grade also welcomed a return to the paddock by Jock Brazel, named Moree Plains Shire Sportsperson of the Year in 2019.

Brazel played juniors with Parramatta Eels in the Jersey Flegg Cup, scoring six tries across two seasons and was also part of the 2021 Australian Schoolboys Merit Team. The following year, he made Blues squad selection.

“It was nice to see Jock back in action. He played a very dominant game and is a great asset to the club,” Shearer said.

Shearer’s second-grade squad added extra icing to the cake, with a soft 50-18 win against the Bulldogs on Saturday.

“It was a fantastic start to the season, and I have to throw a special shout-out to all of my Reggies’ boys on their thumping win – we’re proud of you all,” Shearer smiled.