Cover Photo: Nambucca Roosters SRL Facebook

By Tallon Smith

Tyronne-Roberts Davis completed one of the fairytale stories of 2024 as he guided his Nambucca Heads Roosters to a drought breaking 31-12 win over Woolgoolga in the Group 2 Grand Final at Coffs Harbour on Sunday.

In capturing the title, Roberts-Davis followed in the footsteps of father Brett, who captained the Roosters to their last title in 1996.

The former Gold Coast Titans winger said that the win meant so much to himself, the team and the community, who had been waiting almost three decades between drinks.

“It was the stuff that dreams are made of, I can’t really put it into words,” he said.

“The feel of the crowd being there in a northern grandstand, it was something like I’ve never witnessed before in Country Rugby League.”

Runaway Minor Premiers in 2024, the Roosters beat Sawtell in the Major Semi to get the week off, with Roberts-Davis telling Battlers For Bush Footy that he was always confident that his side had what it took to win the title should they execute when crunch time came.

“We always knew no team could beat us, the only reason we’d get beaten was we’d beat ourselves, and it showed today, especially like we had some attacking opportunities in their half where [we made errors],” he said.

“But when we gave the ball to them in our 30 [metre zone], we defended that well and that’s where it goes to show on the scoreboard, they only scored two tries [in] 80 minutes.

“The hard work we put in for each other and always pushing for each other is the reason why we’ve been the best defensive team all year.

“I just can’t thank the boys and congratulate them enough.”

As for the return to his home region after his professional career, Roberts-Davis said that winning a premiership for the Roosters was always an ambition of his, and that he would encourage other NRL players to return to their home towns or sign with country clubs once their top-flight days are over.

“I’ve always wanted to come back and win a competition back home, and to do it so early is a surprise,” he said.

“I think it’s always good when NRL players return to their hometown, and I think it’s a buzz too for the town and the community, and it gives them that extra confidence and belief in the footy club, especially if they’re not going so well.

“[If] they get a big signing saying that a local is coming back from NRL and is signing with the club, everyone really wants to jump on board and be on that ride, obviously everyone hopes to win a premiership.”

In the lower grades, Coffs Harbour won the Reserves title 22-18 over Macksville, and Nambucca Heads won another trophy in the Under 18s 30-16 against the Sea Eagles, while in the Women’s Tackle decider, Sawtell were crowned 2024 Premiers after a 20-12 win over Woolgoolga.

Nambucca Heads 31 (Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Dane Saunders, Logan Jones, William Baker, Jay Melrose tries; Roberts-Davis 5 goals; Tyreece Sines field goal) defeated Woolgoolga 12 (Dane O’Hehir, Jack Elphick tries; Tyler Murden 2 goals) at Coffs Harbour International Stadium.