The Group 11 grand final is set to be played at Dubbo’s Caltex Park, unless the biggest game of the season is to be battled out out between the Parkes Spacemen and Forbes Magpies.
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While it’s not yet official, the decision was made at a Group 11 meeting at Narromine on Saturday morning and is expected to be ratified as the Group 11 regular season approaches its end.
Paul Loxley, Group 11’s Director of Operations, hailed the meeting as a positive one and stated the only way the decider will be played away from Dubbo, and what he feels is the best facility in the region, is if the two southern rivals meet in the decider.
“Basically, it will be in Dubbo unless it’s a Parkes versus Forbes grand final,” he said.
“We asked all the clubs to look at costs and possible crowds and that’s the blueprint, the final decision hasn’t been made.”
Loxley stated that even if Nyngan was to meet Parkes, Forbes or any other side outside of Dubbo the grand final would still be played at Caltex Park.
But with the geographical closeness between Parkes and Forbes, and the Spacemen’s track record of hosting big matches, Loxley said it would be possible for the decider to be played at Pioneer Oval while he and Group 11 would closely look at Forbes’ application and Spooner Oval’s ability to play host should the Magpies be the first side into the grand final.
The issue of grand final location, after Dubbo hosted all but one of the past 10 grand finals, was raised earlier this season when Loxley asked each club to look into the feasibility of hosting the match.
But at this stage Dubbo is the overwhelming favourite to host the match regardless due to CYMS currently sitting undefeated at the top of the ladder and all but certain to contest the major semi-final on August 27.
“Everyone’s feeling is that it (Caltex Park) is a great facility and at the end of the day, Mark Riley and Dubbo Regional Council appreciate the importance of having the grand final and they’ve helped us in any way they can in what is a tight economic climate,” Loxley said.
The grand final wasn’t the only issue on the agenda on Saturday, with the September 8 presentation night also discussed.
Loxley said he remained hopeful of NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley attending as a special guest.
New awards will be on offer at the Dubbo RSL that night, with Group 11 creating player of the year awards for reserve grade, under 18s and league tag.
The issue of player insurance was also raised at Saturday’s meeting, with the Group 11 board set to to contact the Country Rugby League and insurance provider SLE for clarification on matters relating to payouts and claim percentages.
In terms of the coming weeks before finals, Loxley stated he was keen to see how it all played out with Nyngan, Parkes and Forbes seemingly battling it out for second through to fourth while Macquarie holds fifth at the moment, just one point ahead of both Wellington and Narromine.