The ABCARE Western Challenge knock-out at Moree’s Boughton Oval at the weekend again brought thousands of people together from across New South Wales, with players and spectators arriving days ahead of the carnival.

And while Galamaay Connexions sealed the men’s grand-final 26-10 against a gallant Terry Hie Hie Warriors and Ed John Saunders Memorial beating Gamilaroi Sisters United 26-14 in the women’s grand-final, the big winners were Moree and the game of rugby league.

Moree Police Inspector Dwayne De Vries said the Western Challenge was delivered professionally and positively.

“The Western Challenge, hosted over the weekend by the Moree Boars Rugby League Football Club, was a very positive and well‑run event,” Insp. De Vries said.

“Police were pleased to see the community come together in such a respectful and supportive manner, with no significant issues reported across the weekend.

“We thank the players, organisers, spectators, and the entire Moree community for contributing to a safe and enjoyable event for all,” he said.

The Western Challenge, an alcohol-free and smoke-free event, has grown enormously in three short years.

Elder Darryl French praised organisers, led by Moree Boars club president Todd Mitchell, for again showcasing everything Moree has to offer.

“This knock-out gives the community the opportunity to come together in a positive mode, and forget about the negatives,” French said.

“It’s such a good promotion for Moree, and there is really good sportsmanship on show – everyone’s working together.

There were plenty of tries scored at the ABCARE Western Challenge, but the big winners were Moree and rugby league.

“It’s a chance to catch up with family and play a game of footy amongst mates,” he said.

“Sport always brings people together, and it really cements relationships. People tend to grow apart, but events like this brings them back together.

“We’ve had a lot of sorry business in Moree this past week, but this knockout has pulled everyone together and helped them get through it,” French said.

Moree Plains Shire councillor Fred McGrady said the knock-out, which brings at least 3000 visitors to Moree, is a great way to introduce people to the town and district.

“Our town is viewed rather negatively at times, and this knock-out brings people here to see what Moree is all about,” Cr McGrady said.

“It shows Moree in a different light, a positive light, and these visitors can see that with their own eyes – they’re enjoying really good hospitality and great footy.

“Sport is something that brings people together, and rugby league brings all cultures together,” he said.

“The game puts our young people on the stage, and gives them something to watch and look up to. “They’re watching their local idols and local heroes – it’s something for them to aspire to in the limited opportunities they have.

“People have come from everywhere to play and watch. This knock-out has brought people from as far away as Cabbage Tree Island near Lismore as well as other areas of the north coast and down south – it’s a fantastic event,” Cr McGrady said.

Terry Hie Hie Warriors’ team manager Steve Cory, whose squad was beaten 26-10 by Galamaay Connexions in the senior men’s grand-final on Saturday, said the knock-out was a trail-blazer for young, aspiring players.

“The Western Challenge is a great thing for Moree. I hope it gets bigger and better for the town and the community,” Cory said.

“And it’s great for the kids – they’re here playing footy and having fun. A lot of these young fellas look up to the blokes playing.

“In my team, I’ve got a couple of pretty handy footballers who play in the Newcastle competiton – the Briggs Boys – and a few of these young blokes here today are in awe of them.

“They want to see them and they want to watch them. They’re heroes to these young kids and they give them something to aim towards.

“I hope the knock-out keeps happening, and gets bigger and bigger. We need things like this in Moree and this is a good starting point,” Cory said.