Bob Weir medalist Jake Grace says he’s not surprised by Dubbo CYMS’ ambition to play next season in the Group 10 competition.
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Grace guided the Forbes Magpies to a stunning victory in the 2016 Group 11 first grade premiership, earning man of the match honours after the black and whites snapped a 29-year title drought with a 26-22 win over the previously undefeated Fishies in the big dance.
In a stunning turn of pre-season events, CYMS made their desire to switch competitions public on Tuesday, confirming rumours they’re keen to join what many consider a stronger competition in the form of Group 10.
The reaction to the announcement has been mixed, but CYMS’ reference to the “other communities competing in Group 11 declining” struck a chord with Grace, a proud Forbes junior.
"Not at all,” Grace fired when asked if he was surprised by CYMS’ mooted shift in competition.
“Not with the attitude CYMS have. If they think they're superior to everyone else, they should just come out and say it.
“They didn’t win it last year.
“Look at last year, Nyngan was in the top three sides all season. We were up there too … I don’t think you can ever afford to feel comfortable in the competition you’re in.
“For us at the Forbes Magpies, we’ll just keep aiming to play our best and win the premiership, regardless of who is in the competition.”
The premiership-winning captain-coach says it’d be disappointing if CYMS left, especially given the enthralling battles the two clubs were, and still are if the move doesn’t come off, set to play throughout the 2017 Group 11 season.
“There’s a lot of history in Group 11. A lot of the rivalries established revolve around the Dubbo sides in the competition,” he added.
Grace is well aware of the ebbs and flows associated with rugby league.
Being a Forbes junior is testament to that, with the club’s last premiership win before their memorable 2016 victory way back in 1987.
He won three Group 9 premierships with the Albury Thunder before leaner periods in the mighty Riverina competition after that.
“I played in a team at Albury that won the comp three years in a row, then didn’t make the semi-finals,” he said.
“If that’s what Dubbo wants to do, then great. But we’ll be confident of doing well again with any side in the competition. We’ll play anyone.”
All clubs will get their chance to express their views on the proposed move at Sunday’s Group 11 annual general meeting in Dubbo.