{"id":516524,"date":"2026-03-03T18:45:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T18:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/516524\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T18:45:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T18:45:14","slug":"moree-and-rugby-league-the-big-winners-at-western-challenge-knock-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/516524\/","title":{"rendered":"Moree and rugby league the big winners at Western Challenge knock-out"},"content":{"rendered":"

The ABCARE Western Challenge knock-out at Moree\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

And while Galamaay Connexions sealed the men\u2019s 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\u2019s grand-final, the big winners were Moree and the game of rugby league.<\/p>\n

Moree Police Inspector Dwayne De Vries said the Western Challenge was delivered professionally and positively.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Western Challenge, hosted over the weekend by the Moree Boars Rugby League Football Club, was a very positive and well\u2011run event,\u201d Insp. De Vries said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPolice were pleased to see the community come together in such a respectful and supportive manner, with no significant issues reported across the weekend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thank the players, organisers, spectators, and the entire Moree community for contributing to a safe and enjoyable event for all,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The Western Challenge, an alcohol-free and smoke-free event, has grown enormously in three short years.<\/p>\n

Elder Darryl French praised organisers, led by Moree Boars club president Todd Mitchell, for again showcasing everything Moree has to offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis knock-out gives the community the opportunity to come together in a positive mode, and forget about the negatives,\u201d French said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s such a good promotion for Moree, and there is really good sportsmanship on show \u2013 everyone\u2019s working together.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

There were plenty of tries scored at the ABCARE Western Challenge, but the big winners were Moree and rugby league.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a chance to catch up with family and play a game of footy amongst mates,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSport always brings people together, and it really cements relationships. People tend to grow apart, but events like this brings them back together.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had a lot of sorry business in Moree this past week, but this knockout has pulled everyone together and helped them get through it,\u201d French said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur town is viewed rather negatively at times, and this knock-out brings people here to see what Moree is all about,\u201d Cr McGrady said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shows Moree in a different light, a positive light, and these visitors can see that with their own eyes \u2013 they\u2019re enjoying really good hospitality and great footy.<\/p>\n

\u201cSport is something that brings people together, and rugby league brings all cultures together,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe game puts our young people on the stage, and gives them something to watch and look up to. \u201cThey\u2019re watching their local idols and local heroes \u2013 it\u2019s something for them to aspire to in the limited opportunities they have.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople 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 \u2013 it\u2019s a fantastic event,\u201d Cr McGrady said.<\/p>\n

Terry Hie Hie Warriors\u2019 team manager Steve Cory, whose squad was beaten 26-10 by Galamaay Connexions in the senior men\u2019s grand-final on Saturday, said the knock-out was a trail-blazer for young, aspiring players.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Western Challenge is a great thing for Moree. I hope it gets bigger and better for the town and the community,\u201d Cory said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s great for the kids \u2013 they\u2019re here playing footy and having fun. A lot of these young fellas look up to the blokes playing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my team, I\u2019ve got a couple of pretty handy footballers who play in the Newcastle competiton \u2013 the Briggs Boys \u2013 and a few of these young blokes here today are in awe of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey want to see them and they want to watch them. They\u2019re heroes to these young kids and they give them something to aim towards.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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,\u201d Cory said.<\/p>\n

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