Alex Stewart on the charge. It’s been a long off season for the Boorowa Rovers, but they are primed and ready to begin their assault in this year’s George Tooke Shield. The team has been training since early January and are more than excited for round one on Saturday week. Their opening game will be against the UC Stars at the Boorowa Show-ground.
Joint Coaches Alex Stewart and Cooper Cross have worked hard in the pre season to put together a squad they believe will be very competitive. Last season was a lean year after the premiership glory in 2023.
Boorowa struggled after the loss of some players from the 2023 squad and were plagued by injuries as well. But now the hunger is back, and with it, several players have returned from the successful side of two years ago.
The backline has been given a big injection with the return of speedster Austin Power after a stint with Harden and the hard running Zac Paterson who terrorised the opposition two seasons ago. Both these players can blow a side off the park.
Jared Prosser makes a welcome return and will be valuable in the halves. Nic Stephens is another returning and can play anywhere on the park. His versatility will prove a handy asset. Will Fahey was one who had a stella 2023 and should be in for another big season.
In the forwards, there is plenty of muscle and speed to match opposing packs. Led by Alex Stewart and Cooper Cross, Boorowa boasts both youth and experience. Matt Batt will add plenty of sting in the pack whilst Matt Canellis will prove a handful on the edges. Hamish Scott and Josh Dean are both talented N0 9’s and both can slot into any position on the park. Trent Crawford returns to the fold for 2025 whilst rookie Joe Prosper looks more than ready to match it with the big boys after impressing in the recent trial game. Add in Ned Evans and the veteran super sub, Will Sullivan and there is much to like about the Rovers pack.
Their only trial game a fortnight ago saw the Rovers go down to Moruya 22-6 but coaches Stewart and Cross saw enough to suggest that the team would be a premiership threat in 2025.
With two new teams in the competition, a favourite for this year’s title is hard to pick. The Snowy River Bears have entered the competition and will be tough whilst new boys the Googong Goannas will also be looking to impress in the early rounds and will play the Rovers in round three.
Binalong and Harden have been active in off season signings and will be difficult propositions, particularly on their home grounds. Defending Premiers Bungendore will not relinquish the title easy but going back-to-back is tough as Boorowa found out last season.
The opening game for Boorowa on Saturday 26 April against the UC Stars should be a good hit out for the revamped Rovers. Boorowa should start favourites at home, but the Uni Students can be a handful at times and won’t make life easy. With just fourteen games in the regular season, early wins will be crucial.
As usual, there will be loads of social activities, theme days and nights and raffles for the supporters to take part in, so watch this space for more details and check out the Boorowa Rovers Facebook page.
Unfortunately, we haven’t got a league tag team going around this season but there will be plenty of action both on and off the park with the Rovers.
Enjoy your easter and as always, with Anzac Day upon us, Boorowa Rugby League pays respect to all those service men and women that have sacrificed so much to make our country great and allow us the freedom we have.
See you at the Boorowa Showground on April 26 for round one commencing at 2.30pm.
-Sanboy
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