Rugby comp set to kick off

The 2024 Central Coast Rugby Union season is set to kick off on Saturday, April 13.

The opening round will see three WLG Premier 1 matches with all teams keen to get on the paddock with the aim of reaching grand final day on August 24.

With Wyong Leagues Group becoming the major sponsor of Central Coast Rugby Union, the Premier 1 competition will be known as the WLG Premier 1 competition.

Match of the Day will see the Razorbacks meet Gosford at Ourimbah Rugby Park in what should prove an exciting clash.

Gosford had a pleasing year in 2023 and has had quite a good lead-up to the competition this year.

There have been many changes to last year with the formation of the Kariong Presidents Cup team drawing quite a few players that way.

Gosford will again be coached by Andrew Moseley and Adam Carlisle, whose experience will prove hugely beneficial to the young team.

The Razorbacks are at home which is a real plus for them, and they should go into the match as favourites.

They lost a very close grand final last year and will be most keen to build up to a position where they can go one step better this year.

The Razorbacks will once again be coached by Nick Meyer, with Club Coach Brett Cunningham close to the action all year.

The Haven will host an equally interesting clash between home team Terrigal and visitors Warnervale.

Terrigal are at home which is a huge plus for them but they meet a Warnervale side that has had a good build-up to the season.

Terrigal will again be coached by Michael Farrelly and Jonathan Bell.

These two are very experienced coaches and have been at the helm of the Terrigal 1st XV for several years.

Warnervale will have 1st XV Coach Mathew Piukala in charge, with Club Coach once again Glen Gallagher .

These two teams were very successful last year and will be keen to reach the big one at the end of the year.

It is difficult to predict a winner, but the home ground advantage for Terrigal may be an influencing factor.

Reigning Premiers Avoca Beach will travel to Woy Woy Oval to play Woy Woy.

The match will be a curtain-raiser for the Hunter Wildfires versus Southern Districts Shute Shield match.

Avoca Beach will go into the match as firm favourites based on performances from last year.

They are the reigning Premiers and will set the pace in the competition this year.

But the special occasion and the home advantage will see Woy Woy fully prepared.

Woy Woy will be headed by new coach Nigel Mainland this year, while Jake McPhie and Mitch Jacobs will once again be in charge of Avoca Beach.

The Bay Rugby Club, The Lakes Rugby Club and Kariong Rugby Club will be playing in the President’s Cup this year.

On Friday night, April 12, The Bay will play Avoca Beach at Joseph Banks Oval in their first match and the result of this match is very difficult to predict.

The Kariong Presidents Cup team will meet Avoca Beach at Ettalong Oval (two matches for Avoca Beach), while The Lakes will travel to Walters Park at Boolaroo to take on Lake Macquarie.

Saturday will also the commencement of the Central Coast Women’s 12s competition.

This year, the women’s competition will be 12-a-side rugby, a slight change from last year.

There will be seven teams in this year’s competition.

There are three matches this coming Saturday, April 13.

Woy Woy is at home to Avoca Beach at Ettalong Oval, Warnervale will travel to The Haven to play Terrigal and The Lakes will meet Lake Macquarie at Boolaroo.

The Razorbacks have the bye.