The Forbes Platypi Rugby Union Club first grade side claimed a 43-31 victory over Dubbo Roos in the final round of the regular season last weekend. The win secured the Platypi a third place finish in the standings, giving them a home ground semi-final this weekend.

Forbes will take on Orange City in the mi­nor semi-final, this Sunday at 3:15pm while Bathurst will host Orange Emus in the major semi-final. The Forbes Platypi women’s side will take on the Orange Emus in the minor semi-final on Sunday kicking off at 11:40am, while Dubbo will play Bathurst in the majorsemi.

The newly refurbished Eugowra Rugby League Football Club Team of the Century mural, which commemorates 100 years of Rugby League in Eugowra, features none other than Parkes own Spacemen President, Tony Dwyer.

Tony has a long association with rugby league across both the towns of Parkes and Eugowra. He started playing football for the Parkes under 12s in 1972 when they won the competition. However, he then did not return to the game until his first year in under 18s, saying: I stayed two years in 18s, then played for Parkes until 1983 when we won the competition under Ted Goodwin.

Despite playing the entire year for Parkes in 1983 at half-back, Tony was dropped for the semi-final and didnt get back on the field in the grand final, prompting the need for a change of scenery.

I went out to Eugowra, Jock Colley was the coach at the time, and he told me to come out for a run, so I had a run with him for a season and then Jock retired and I coached for the next two years.

Tonys first year in Eugowra was 1984, and he stayed with the team for three years until 1986. We got beat in the grand final in 1984, we won the competition in 1985 and were beat again in 1986, said Tony.

Following the 1986 competition, Tony took a year off football to fix an injured knee, before heading back onto the field with Parkes in 1988. We won the competition that year under Neil Moy, then I gave away playing football and started refereeing, said Tony.

Tony started off refereeing junior league, then stepped up to referee senior league in 1991, resulting in the next 10 years spent in Group 11.

Tony has also coached junior league in Parkes and has been President of The Parkes Rugby League Football Club, for the past four years, declaring that he is happily tied up with the club forever.

Tony never imagined he would one day be depicted larger than life on a mural to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Eugowra Rugby League Football Club.

Tony explains: That was out of the blue. They rang up one day and said – have you got a picture of yourself? They explained they were doing a mural of all the grand final coaches who had won the competition.

It worked out well, because my good mate Wayne Medlyn came out playing with me in 1985 and he stayed on when I got my knee fixed. He ended up coaching in 1988 and also won the competition.

Tony has fond memories of his time playing football for Eugowra. Eugowra is a great place, and the people, they are a great community, they always welcome you back. Each year there is an event and we all travel back to catch up, I look forward to it every year, concluded Tony.

 

Parkes cousins Elizabeth and Maely MacGregor are continuing to amaze the crowds whenever they strap on a pair of footy boots. Last weekend the Parkes Boars Women’s team took on CSU Bathurst, winning the game 50 – 0, and notwithstanding a great all round team effort, incredibly all 50 points on the board were scored by the two cousins.

Eighteen year old Maely only just played her first season of rugby union for the Parkes Boars in 2023, and has been very exciting to watch. Last Saturday Maely scored one try and kicked 5 from 8 conversions.

We asked Maely what teams she thought would be some of their biggest competition this year, she said: “Wellington has become strong and Mudgee is always really strong, so they will be two tough teams to beat.”

When asked what the girls were focusing on at training this week Maely said “I think just our structure is mostly what we are working on, and making sure that we can complete our plays and retain the ball to score tries.”

Seventeen year old Elizabeth played her first ever game of Rugby Union last Saturday in the hit out against CSU. Elizabeth is an established up and coming rugby league star and credits her extension into rugby union to her cousin, saying: “Maely tried to get me to play union last year and didn’t get me, but this year she convinced me”.

Before heading out on the field for her first match, Maely gave her younger cousin Elizabeth a solid piece of advice: “Just get the ball and run.”

“I didn’t know the rules, I kept running back to try and get on side, before realising I didn’t need to do that. I was nervous, and a bit confused at the start, but I got the hang of it a little bit more at the end”.

Heading into the away game this weekend against Wellington, Elizabeth will be focused on scoring more tries. “I am still very new, but I will try stay on the outside of Maely, she should set me up and put me in a couple of holes, and just run,” she said.

Last Saturday, April 20th, was go time for the Forbes Rugby Union Club as all four senior grades kicked off for round one of the 2024 season. We spoke to Club Captain Frazer Dunn to catch up on how all four teams fared.

Colts

Colts travelled to Mudgee, it was a close game but the boys were unlucky this week and weren’t able to get the win.

Colts 19-15 loss

3 points Justin crisp

2 points Toby jarrick

1 point Tom nikolic & logan Evans

Women’s

The women had a good win, they’ve got Lilly Mason Spice back, which has made a big difference in structure and she has a calming influence on the team. Mel Martyn had her first game back for a couple of years, and she got players player, so she did well.

Women’s 38-5 win

3 points Mel Martyn

2 points Maggie Townsend

1 point Zoe McRae

Second Grade

Callum Mclaren played his first game for Forbes, coming over from West Wyalong, he was players player, closely followed by Callum Reed.

2nd grade 19-9 loss

3 points Callum Mclaren

2 points Callum Reed

1 point Hamish Napier & James moon

First Grade

A good win by First grade. Cowra threw a lot at us early in the game, we did a lot of defending in the first 10 minutes and the scored a few quick tries after that. The team dug deep and worked hard in the second half to hold on to the win.

1st grade 27-14

3 points Zorro Bainivalu

2 points Frazer Duff

1 point Johnny monk

This Saturday, April 27th, is a home game against Bathurst. Would be great to get plenty of people to come down and support the club. It is also Sponsors day so all Sponsors are encouraged to come along.

In the charming town of Parkes, Australia, an unconventional annual event has been captivating the community since 2015—the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game. This unique fusion of rugby and Elvis Presley’s iconic style has carved its niche in the sporting calendar, offering a blend of entertainment, camaraderie, and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll. 

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game is the persistent draw that has characterised every match since its inception. The Blue Suede Shoes and Reddy Teddies, the two competing teams, engage in spirited battles, yet each encounter concludes with a tie, defying the typical outcomes seen in conventional rugby matches. This consistent equilibrium has become a hallmark of the event, leaving participants and spectators alike eagerly anticipating each annual clash. 

Adding to the distinctive charm of the game is the attire chosen by the players. Instead of the customary rugby uniforms, participants don cheap suits, a nod to Elvis’s signature style. The decision to play in these inexpensive suits serves a practical purpose—preserving the participants’ good suits. This touch of humour and practicality adds an extra layer of uniqueness to the event, creating a playful atmosphere on the field. 

What truly sets the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game apart is its inclusive nature. Unlike formal sports competitions, this event extends an open invitation to anyone who wishes to participate. Rugby enthusiasts, Elvis devotees, and newcomers alike are encouraged to join the festivities, creating a diverse mix of players and fostering a sense of community spirit that goes beyond the boundaries of typical sports events. 

For those who prefer to be spectators, the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game offers a rare treat—all the excitement and entertainment, completely free of charge. Attendees fill the stands in an array of Elvis-inspired outfits, turning the event into a visual spectacle that mirrors the energetic spirit of the King himself. 

It’s worth noting that the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game operates as an unofficial event, further emphasising its grassroots origins and the genuine passion of those involved. The absence of formal affiliations and commercial interests reinforces the community-driven nature of this annual extravaganza, making it a truly unique and authentic experience for both participants and spectators. 

As the Parkes Elvis Rugby Game continues to evolve and capture the imaginations of those near and far, it stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the ability of sports and entertainment to bring people together in the spirit of fun and camaraderie. This unofficial gem in the world of sports has become a beloved tradition, leaving an indelible mark on the town of Parkes and those who participate in or simply enjoy the festivities. 

Head up to Pioneer Oval in Parkes to watch the most fun game of rugby you may encounter. Friday the 12th for a 6.30pm kick off

Pre-season training has kicked off for the Forbes Rugby Union Club, so we decided to have a chat with First Grade Manager Phil Prior, he went on to say the following “We have started off a little earlier this year, compared to other years. We have brand new coaching staff through all grades except the women’s, Jayme Sherritt returns for a second year as head coach of the Womens and will no doubt build on the success of last season. Greg Moxey is no stranger to senior rugby in Forbes. Second grade will be led by our front row extraordinaire Norm Buchanan. He will be supported by Sam ‘Razor Robertson’ Jarrett and player turned mentor Tom Fisher. We welcome back some Forbes Rugby stalwarts to the first XV arena. Incumbent NSW Country Rugby Union Cockatoo and Central West Rugby Union Blue Bull Mahe Fangupo has been appointed head coach. He will be supported by Platypi 400 gamer Andrew Hubbard and Forbes Rugby Life Member Phil Prior as First Grade Manager”. 

Tuesday the 6th saw the club have their first training hit out since the end of the 2023 season “Tuesday was very hot, but we got around 35 players there on the night, colts, women and grade players” 

“Our next four training sessions over the next two weeks are going to be all game based and skills. Then we will have a month break over Christmas and start up again on the 16th of January” said Phil. 

Phil has been out of the coaching scene for two years and he told us he is “excited to be back and see a lot of new faces. I took on a Rep job this year which kept me away from club footy for the best part of 10-12 weeks. Now I just want to concentrate on getting the Forbes Club back where it started”. 

There was also a new committee formed, they are as follows Sam Parish as President, Frazer Duff as Vice President Management, Tom Maguire as Vice President Players, Kristelle Ridley as Secretary, Lachlan Green as Treasurer, Daniel Beard as Vice President Junior Rugby, Randall Grayson as Vice President Facilities & Development, Jayden Scott as Social Secretary, Norm Buchanan as Bar Manager and Kate French as Media Officer. 

Please join us at our Christmas Party as we celebrate the year that was and look forward to 2024. The Forbes Battapi will be in action from 1pm so come early to support them then stay for a BBQ dinner and drinks into the evening. 

All past, current and potential members of the Platypi Family are welcome to attend from junior and senior players to supporters and sponsors. 

All are welcome to come join in to play Colts, Women’s or Grade Rugby 

We are delighted to announce that Womens XV player Georgia Cole has been invited to participate in a pre Christmas training camp with the NSW Waratahs. Georgia heads to Sydney today where she will spend 4 weeks training with the Waratahs at their Daceyville facility. 

Georgia is looking forward to being exposed to the next level of rugby and the opportunity to be selected in the Waratahs 2024 Super W squad. She will endeavour to learn as much as possible from the elite coaches and hopes to be able to share the new skills she acquires with her Forbes teammates. 

‘We are so proud of Georgia’s achievements, she is an excellent role model for women’s rugby in our area and we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her rugby career. It is great to see the pathways that NSW Rugby have created for young women to progress from bush footy to opportunities in the Super W.’ Sam Parish (FRUC President) 

The Forbes Rugby Union Club and the Forbes Rugby Old Boys are pleased to support Georgia in this exciting opportunity and look forward to following her journey.

On Saturday 25th November, the Forbes Rugby Union Club played host to the annual Springvale Cup. Participating in the tournament were the Forbes Old Boys, the Mosman Rugby Union Club, the ACT Veterans and the Southern Rough Riders. The tournament culminated with an exhibition match between the Forbes Platypi and the Parkes Boars. 

The match between Forbes and Parkes was played in the 10-a-side format, which gave both teams plenty of space and resulted in some expansive running rugby. Forbes kicked off to start the match and Parkes were quick to spread the ball to their hard runners. But a turnover shortly after led to Forbes crossing for the first try of the match. 

Both teams competed well and Forbes showed off some of their new talented players who will definitely make an impact in the coming Rugby season. 

After some dominant carries by the Parkes forward pack and a great showing by the Parkes backline, Parkes crossed the line to equalise the score. The game continued in that fashion, with each team crossing the line several times to lock the score at 15 all at halftime. 

The second half commenced with Parkes kicking off and Forbes taking the ball to the line, slowly making their way up the field. But the second half was to be a harder task for both teams. However, Forbes hard work paid off when they were the first to score and take the lead. But it wasn’t to last, when Parkes spread the ball wide and crossed the line yet again to equal the scores. 

Despite the Platypi’s stellar work, Parkes proved too strong and crossed twice more to secure their win. The final score was Parkes 40 to Forbes 30.