Barbecue heightens league experience

Will Johnston

Western Suburbs Rugby League Club’s much-anticipated barbecue will be cranking on Saturday when the club hosts the second round of the premier competition.

While the two premier matches will be played on Ngamotu Domain’s fields, life member Marty Halls said nothing beat the club’s barbecue

“They do a pretty good patty and egg sandwich that’s worth getting down and having a go at. They’re quite renowned for it.”

Spectators should expect to bring some small change, $4, to buy the famous sandwich and maybe some more for Vibe coffee, which will be on site.

Halls said it’s been a while since the club hosted a premier match and there was a positive sense in and around the league community.

“Previously that was our backbone of the club and now the juniors have really held things together. We just need the prems to get back up and into some good footy.”

Two years ago, Suburbs fielded numbers for a team but without a local competition, it couldn’t play.
New coach Andrew Fryer has networked and recruited numbers for the team, a process that has carried on into the season.

Will Johnston

Western Suburbs will play Bell Block Marist Dragons at 3pm after Hawera Hawks and Coastal Cobras kick-off at midday.

Halls hopes the good crowds continue from last weekend and is looking forward to watching Caleb Ritai play if he’s not injured.

“He’s been within the club for quite some time now. He’s very deceptive and got a good kick on him. He’s got some good chat on him too.”

While Halls didn’t watch last week’s first-round at Hickford Park, he’s looking to make an effort to see the rest of the season.

“I’m just happy to watch some footy where we’ve got some local league playing.”

While union and league always competed for players, Halls said he’s pleased players now don’t have to choose.

Ultimately, he would like to see new faces in the game, revived after nearly three years of absence in Taranaki.