At the AGM of the Binalong Brahmans Rugby League Club held on November 17th the Committee voted unanimously to leave George Tooke Shield after two undefeated seasons and join the Woodbridge Cup in 2015.

President Michael Brayshaw said: “I think the move will offer more of a challenge for us as a club, and the players. I am a little nervous about the change of competition but I am looking forward to the coming season.”

The meeting also decided to move its banking facilities over to the Bendigo Bank branch in Boorowa as the Binalong Post Office acts as an agency for Bendigo Bank. The Brahmans finished the year with a small surplus to be used in 2015, enough to pay for player insurance/public liability in 2015.

The move will see a lot more travel in 2015 as there are teams as far away as Peak Hill, Trundle and Condobolin. However, the benefits will include the possibility of some players being selected for representative football during the season.

The draw for next season will make allowances which limit the travel between remote clubs and will be available in late February for the 11 teams. Also, a youth league and league-tag are features of the Woodbridge Cup Competition which provides a platform for women and those juniors making the transition from junior to senior rugby league. Neither of these formats is offered in George Tooke Shield.

Not all Clubs have a junior squad but there will be at least 6 teams next year. Although not all clubs have league tag teams for the girls, there will probably be 8 teams in this competition for 2015. The Binalong Jersey Girls were 2014 Touch Premiers in George Tooke, but it is not clear if this touch football competition will go ahead next year.

Having coached his side to 32 consecutive undefeated games, Coach Chris Rawlinson was asked how many players Binalong could expect to retain.

“I think a large number will stay, certainly a couple will go, but the boys want another challenge. If we went back to George Tooke there would be more who would leave and we might not field a team at all” Chris replied.

“The possibility of representative footy is also a big incentive to move to Woodbridge”, he added.

The Brahmans major sponsor Stan Waldren of Waldren Constructions was at the meeting and was asked about his response to the move.

“I am fully in favour of this, it is a bold challenge and I would like you to approach Harden Hawks to see if they would come with us. These two clubs draw very big gates and I, for one, would like to see them (the Hawks) in Woodbridge Cup”.

Waldren has also offered to sponsor the 2015 Brahmans Youth League through his Ultra Fine Merino brand. This offer was later accepted and a new coach for the Brahmans Juniors is being sought. Interested applicants should contact Michael Brayshaw on 0427 688 803 before early December 2014.

Michael Brayshaw thanked all the Brahmans sponsors, congratulated the players and complimented his committee for 2 great years of Binalong League.

“I felt rugby league was dying a slow death to the east over the past couple of years, so although nervous, I am confident we have all made the right decision in re-joining Woodbridge Cup, after all, we have won it twice before in 1971 and 1991.”

Bos Indicus.

Harden Hawks President Jason Pollard said, “The Hawks will have to make a decision soon but at this stage we are leaning towards staying in the George Tooke There are a few matches that require a lot of travel and some of those matches are played on Sundays. It might be too much to ask the boys to travel such long distances for a game of footy. Many of our players are Harden boys who are living in Canberra for work committments. We will have to discuss what is best for them and the club.”

Stan Waldren pictured with Captain/Coach Chris Rawlinson.