MOREE Boars’ first-grade squad is only two rounds into the 2026 Group 4 rugby league season, but already a grand-final three-peat looks on the cards after they delivered a 40-18 hammering to Werris Creek Magpies at Boughton Oval on Saturday.

Five-eighth Jamie Sampson led the first-half try-scoring spree with a four-pointer in the 24th minute and again 10 minutes later.

Sampson’s double was backed up with tries from brothers Latrel and Dereik Newman, and centre Mark Pegus

Werris Creek led six-nil after just five minutes, with a try courtesy of Beau Parry and converted by Mitchell Doring, but the Boars quickly piled on the points to go to the break with a commanding 26-6 lead.

A second try to Dereik Newman early in the second half was followed by tries from prop Alex Lawrence and captain Jack Durheim.

Three goals to fullback Bob Smith and one to halfback Mick Watton added to the Boars’ impressive scoreline.

Werris Creek tries to Beau and Cody Parry (2), all converted by Mitchell Doring, bridged the gap for the Magpies.

“It wasn’t necessarily a slow start for us,” Durheim said.

“There was a very good grind in the middle both ways – we were going set for set – and we gave away a few penalties, which they scored off.

“But once we found our way into the game and held onto the footy, they just couldn’t keep up with us, fitness-wise,” he said.

“We definitely worked hard in the pre-season, and that’s showing at the moment.

“We’ve done the hard yards and it’s paying off,” he said.

Durheim said the team again played for each other – a trait that has won them the past two Group 4 first-grade grand-finals.

“Jock Brazel and Mark Pegus out on the left edge were both very good and Alex Barker, as always, played well. He does every single week – never misses a beat,” Durheim said.

“Jock’s a Moree boy and is back this year, and has slotted in very well. He’s home after a few years with the Parramatta Eels, and it’s a very handy pick-up to have a player like Jock with us.

“Collectively, it was a great team effort,” he said.

“Once we got a roll-on in the first half, our middle – myself and front-rowers, Alex Lawrence and Daniel Howe – controlled the middle, and the boys played off the back of it.”

Jamie Sampson again shone with two tries in the first-half.

“It’s good to have Jamie back after his short-lived retirement – it’s always good to welcome back with open arms a player of that calibre,” Durheim said.

“I’m very happy with our squad at the moment, and there’s more to come – watch this space,” he smiled.

In earlier games, Moree ladies tackle defeated Werris Creek 28-6 and Boars second-grade defeated Werris Creek 36-18.

Moree under-18s, with just 10 players the entire game, were beaten 60-nil by the Magpies.

Moree club president Todd Mitchell said the team never stopped trying.

“They fielded only 10 players and were fantastic in defeat,” Mitchell said.