It is a friendly rivalry that has grown over the years and despite a disruptive 2020 and poor weather, the annual Brendon ‘Stubby’ Collits Memorial Day was again a tremendous success and a credit to both clubs.

The last two challenges had resulted in draws meaning this year had some extra tension despite the friendly atmosphere and it was Pats who got the chocolates with a grafting 28-22 win at Spooners Oval in front of a bumper crowd.

For Forbes coach Cameron Greenhalgh it was a great hit-out for his troops ahead of a big 2021 season. With many having had a long break from the game, the return of messrs Ben Maguire, Hayden Bolam and Mitch Andrews along with Nick Greenhalgh has been welcomed making the Magpies a force to be reckoned with in 2021.

In other games on the day, St. Pats Women’s League Tag dominated Forbes while the 18s showed why they will be a genuine threat this season with a resounding win. As for the 21s last Saturday’s contest against Bathurst St Pat’s was the final competition round for the new 21s, with the semi-finals of the six-side competition to follow.

Between rep footy, trials, memorial days and more it’s great to see the crowds back at Spooners Oval for rugby league. After a disruptive 2020, the Magpies are looking good from juniors to firsts and should be more than competitive this year. We will watch with interest. Up the Magpies!

Penrith Panthers have won their second straight game with an impressive 28-0 win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs keeping their opponents scoreless for the second week in a row and matching a 102 year old record in the process. In soggy conditions at Bankwest Stadium, the Panthers were never headed with Forbes junior Charlie Staines having a mixed game with some handling errors in the wet conditions tempered by outstanding defence. On Thursday Staines and the young Panthers play defending premiers Melbourne Storm at home in the grand final rematch.

Red Bend along with Forbes Magpies will be co-hosting a rugby league carnival on April 24 between Red Bend fields and Spooner’s Oval.

In a real plus, organisers are getting plenty of registrations for older divisions but seek anyone especially U10s to U16s who wants to try league in a non-competitive, fun environment.

Colum Hopkins (3rd from left), President of Red Bend Junior Rugby League said nominations had come from as far as Cobar with others throughout the Central West also registering.

“We encourage anyone from all ages to come on April 24. There’s no obligation to play on and our emphasis is on having fun,” said Mr Hopkins.

“This day wouldn’t be possible without our co-hosts Forbes Magpies and sponsors who are all committed to developing rugby league in our region.

“The carnival is also a tremendous opportunity to try something new, keep fit and meet new people while existing players get a chance to have a hit out before the season starts next week.”

More info can be obtained from the Play Rugby League website or the Red Bend College Facebook page. All U8’s wanting to play this season are encouraged to register.

Forbes junior and Panthers winger Charlie Staines has two from two with Penrith Panthers in 2021 after a strong 16-6 victory over fellow title aspirants Parramatta at Penrith Stadium on Saturday night.

Staines could’ve crossed on a few occasions with one bad call costing him a try. Yet the young side weren’t deterred, never letting their western rivals in the contest.

With Round 1 only a few weeks away no doubt we will be hearing a lot more about Staines and the Panthers as they look to go one better in 2021.

Charlie Staines has started the 2021 season on a positive note in a winning first up effort for Penrith Panthers in a NSW Cup trial against Mounties 18-12.

Linking with new Wests Tigers recruit Paul Momirovski on the right edge, the new combination got off to a rough start as Mounties scooted to an early 12-0 lead. With possession finally going the Panthers way, the tide began to turn towards Penrith.

Two quick tries brought the score back to 12-10 at half time and the Panthers soon clicked into gear taking the lead for good not long thereafter with two quick tries.

Clinging to an 18-12 lead with a fraction of the game to go, Mounties looked set to score to make it 18-16 with a kick to come however it wasn’t to be and Panthers won in a thrilling game 18-12. Charlie Staines finished strongly, saving a certain try and the see-sawing affair provided a good work-out for eight of the NRL squad.

The Forbes Magpie junior is expected to line up on the wing for Round 1 of the NRL premiership in a few short weeks having taken the place of club legend Josh Mansour who has since moved to South Sydney. It’s a massive endorsement from the club and NRL coach Ivan Cleary that they see Staines as a big part of the Panthers future.

Meanwhile Staines is expected to line up again this weekend in the Battle of the West between Penrith and Parramatta with all grades playing at Panthers Stadium in an early glimpse at a mouth watering 2021 potential finals match up.

We can’t wait!

The Forbes Magpies Junior Rugby League under 14’s team has made it all the way through to the Minor Premiers 2018. The Magpies will meet Red Bend in the grand final at Spooner Oval on Saturday afternoon.

“The boys have had an extremely successful year, with all growing as players and as young men,” according to Coach Chris Butler. “Their confidence and ability as a team is impressive,” he said.

A real team effort in 2018 has seen this team struggle with their fair share of setbacks and injuries. They became Minor Premiers for the second year in a row after a big win against West Wyalong on Saturday, 11th August, in front of a home crowd.

Now with a home ground grand final booked the excitement, anticipation and suspense was apparent at training on Tuesday. The boys were trying to remain calm and treat it as just another training session but with special attention from supporters and members of this wonderful club the change in mood was evident.

Speaking with supportive mums, Tracey Bray and Lisa Glasson, this excitement and anticipation was confirmed with both mums saying that their boys where extremely focused and excited. Both mums wanted to wish the team the best of luck and said, “We know you can do it!’”.