With a new president at the helm, a brand new clubhouse under construction and a plan in place to diversify and strengthen teams and club facilities, there's a buzz of excitement around the Marauders camp and what the new year will bring.
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The Medowie and Districts Rugby Union Club has elected what is believed to be its first female president in Renee Selby who has outlined a five year plan that aims to increase community and female participation in the club, elevate the senior men in the Hunter competition's divisional ranks and upgrade even more facilities at Boyd Oval.
"We're looking at all aspects of the club, what we have, what we can work towards, our strengths and how to build on them," Selby said.
"The new clubhouse will be a real asset. We're really excited for it to be complete and open in the new year. We're looking to have our second oval, Boyd Oval, fitted with lights and down the track, a grandstand installed at Elaine Hurst Oval.
"The club has been working hard to increase the numbers of girls and women. We have been working with other footy codes such as AFL, soccer and cricket to increase participation."
Junior participation, particularly for girls, is a focus, Selby said. The aim is to create the next generation of senior players by involving children in the club and the game at a young age, which will also encourage more families and members of the community to support the Marauders.
The rugby union club is working on putting together a full 15s side in the new year and attract more senior women players for a roster with a bench.
The Marauders will step back from its agreement with the Nelson Bay Gropers to act as its third premier team, which it has done for the past three years. Instead the Medowie club is working towards fielding three of its own teams in the divisional competition.
The Marauders men won the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union Rams Cup divisional premiership in 2020 - Medowie's first major title in 20 years which was achieved in the club's 40th anniversary season.
Selby said the goal was to win another divisional premiership within the next three years.
The new rugby season will begin in April but the Marauders are already preparing for the 2022 season. The Marauders' touch football competition and pre-season training is underway.
Four Marauders teams, two men and two women, have begun preparing for the popular beach rugby tournament which is due to return to Newcastle on January 22-23 and 26..
Following this, the Marauders will launch into its Summer 7s competition.
The Marauders will hold a colour run to celebrate the opening of its $1.3 million clubhouse in March.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
