Tallon Smith

A major re-alignment of the Hastings League is set to occur in 2025 after the addition of former Group 2 clubs Bellingen Valley-Dorrigo Magpies and Orara Valley Axemen to the competition this year was all but confirmed this week.

The league will split into two divisions from this season, with Bellingen Valley-Dorrigo, Orara Valley, Bowraville, Lower Macleay and South West Rocks to form the new Northern Division, while Beechwood, Comboyne, Kendall, Lake Cathie, Laurieton and Long Flat will comprise the Southern Division.

Orara Valley President Stevan Cetinich described the confirmation of the clubs being accepted into the competition as “very exciting” after the small town sides were left in the doldrums following their exit from the Group competition.

“We were obviously at a bit of a crossroads in that we weren’t able to continue in Group 2 and have the player numbers that you need to be able to participate in Group 2,” he said.

“Hastings League seemed like a really good opportunity for us to be able to continue playing rugby league in the Valley, and our supporter base really loves it. 

“We wanted to make sure that we still had some footy in the Valley.”

Cetinich said that the Axemen followed the trail blazed by the Magpies, who first raised the prospect of a return to footy via the second division competition last year, after the two sides were all but merged 12 months prior.

“If anything, we’re probably following Bellingen, they were the first to kind of announce that they were joining the Hastings League, and I think that probably sparked a lot locally within our club as well, so credit to them for taking that step,” he said.

“It’ll be really exciting to have them in that competition, obviously [they have] a lot of familiar faces that we’ll play against as well, so we’re looking forward to that. 

“Bowraville are already in the competition as well as Lower Macleay (based in Smithtown), which will be fielding a side in the competition as well.

“This northern division including South West Rocks as well is pretty exciting.”

As for having the senior side back on the paddock, Cetinich said that it will also provide a goal for the club’s junior base to achieve as they progress through the pathways into senior footy.

“It can only be positive to have some sort of senior representation supporting junior growth,” he said.

“Junior numbers haven’t been that strong so to be able to give those younger players something to aspire to, even if it’s not at that group level, I think it’s still a really important thing.”

Meanwhile, the Bellingen-Dorrigo club has already moved to secure a coach for their return, having done so over a month ago.

A statement released on the club’s Facebook page confirmed the appointment of Ryan Woods to the role for 2025.

“Bellingen Valley-Dorrigo Magpies are excited to announce the signing of Ryan Woods as our Captain Coach for the Magpies return to Senior Rugby League through entry into the Hastings District Rugby League 2025 Competition,” the statement read.

“Ryan comes to the position of Captain-Coach with a wealth of experience, starting his rugby league journey at the recognised and proud rugby league nursery of Farrer High School in Tamworth, [and going on to play for] North Tamworth Bears & Dungowan Cowboys in the Group 4 competition. 

“A move to Newcastle saw him lace up for Merewether Lions & Kotara Bears respectively before making the move to the Mid North Coast and joining up with the Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies for the back half of our 2023 season. 

“Ryan believes that the Magpies return to Senior football is a great opportunity for our young local up and coming talent and reserve graders to experience a taste of playing as the main game every Saturday afternoon and the perfect opportunity for former first graders looking to have a game to get involved.

“Ryan states his intent is to foster a positive team culture where everyone wearing Magpie colours enjoys each other’s company socially and have each other’s back on the field.”

Meanwhile, there have been unconfirmed reports that the Harrington Hurricanes will remain in recess for the 2025 season.

The club entered recess in April, and thus did not compete in the 2024 Hastings League competition, with no activity on the club’s social media since that date.