The Group 11 grand final is set to be played at Dubbo’s Caltex Park, unless the biggest game of the season is battled 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 and Caltex Park 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 decider 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.
Loxley added we was keen for the final three rounds of the season with the battle for second and fifth spots well and truly alive.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
