The Binalong Brahmans will return to playing in the George Tooke Shield Rugby League competition in 2017.
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The decision was made during the club’s ordinary meeting on Monday September 12.
The Brahman’s withdrawal from the Woodbridge Cup was based on the amount of travelling taking its toll on players, resulting in under-par performances.
In the 2016 Woodbridge Cup, the first-grade Brahmans team won only two out of 18 games.
The last time they won the Woodbridge Cup was back in 1991 (and 1971 previously), defeating Burrangong 22–10 before leaving the competition in 1997.
In comparison, the team won the George Tooke Shield in 2010, 2013 and 2014.
Committee member Richard Glover said the team had players withdrawing due to the travel distances required as part of the Woodbridge Cup.
The motion was also based on the observation that continuing in the Woodbridge Cup may attract insufficient players for the 2017 season.
“At one point, we had only one player on the bench.
“We put a callout to recruit more, but we had mainly older guys, 36-year-olds putting their hands up.
“The longevity in that didn’t last – these older guys are getting tackled by much stronger 24-year-olds,” Mr Glover said.
The drop in players meant Binalong imported the majority of players from elsewhere.
“We had players from all over the region – especially Harden.
“The girls’ team, I think there were only two from Binalong,” Glover said.
During the meeting, a majority decision carried the motion.
The Brahmans will submit its application to the Canberra Raiders Cup Committee for re-admission to their second division competition in 2017.
Several coaching-staff applications have been lodged with the Brahmans for the 2017 season.
However, none have been announced.
Glover said the results will be announced in the club’s annual general meeting in November.
“They already know who the coaches are but they’re just not prepared to announce yet,” he said.
The Brahmans will host their awards night at the Binalong Golf Club on Friday September 23.
Following that, the team will play their last first-grade Woodbridge Cup match in a charity event at Cowra on Saturday September 24.
Finally, the Brahmans U18s will play Manildra Rhinos in the Woodbridge Cup Youth League at Canowindra on Sunday September 18.
Kickoff is at 10:45am.