By Peter (Parra) Montgomery

The Thunder wrapped up its preseason trial series with an impressive 36-4 victory over Group 20 Club Griffith Waratah Tigers in the match played at Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Oval on Saturday.

By winning the first grade match, the Thunder was able to claim “Battlers for Bush Footy Trophy”, which has been donated by the well known promoter of ‘all things’ rugby league in the ‘bush’, Tallon Smith, for competition, annually, between his two ‘junior’ clubs.

The Thunder also recorded a 36-0 win in the Reserve Grade, and as a part of a trifecta of wins on the day, defeated the Tigers in the League Tag 14-4.

The Waratahs scored first points of the game with Shorne Ngu crossing for a try for his side to lead 4-0, but the Thunder got its attack in order and posted 36 unanswered points to win out comfortable winners.

The Thunder side scored seven tries to one, with veteran winger Lachlan Hampton scoring a double to go with the try he scored against Leeton the previous week.

The Thunder were missing several key members of the squad.

Backline players Jade Duroux, Sebastian Nelson, and Jake Olam took no part in the first grade trial, as well as several key forwards who are expected to figure in the Club’s fortunes during the season.

Thunder team that took part in the match was –

1 Lachlan Munro, 2 Lachlan Hampton, 3 Brodie Ford, 4 Vili Cerei, 5 Ty Tinderdale, 6 Paul Karaitiana, 7 Osika Kaufononga, 8 Junior (Tupou) Fifita, 9 Blake Grounds, 10 Fatafehi Fakatava, 11 Feleti Mahoni, 12 Clayton Coulay, 13 Joshua Sharp. Interchange: Keiran Ford, Fidow Vaa, Nathan Darby, Bailey Muras

As was the case in the win over Leeton the previous week, the Thunder defence was again a highlight, and the Thunder players were on a better fitness level than their opponents.

Lachie Munro at fullback led the Thunder by example. A mate involved with the Waratahs Club said to me “Your fullback is a bloody good player”.

Munro scored his ‘usual’ try, and when he has the ball in his hands, things happen.

Joshua Sharp had another good game at lock, while Clayton Couley was busy as an edge forward getting though plenty of work.

Joshua plays a similar style to Jeremy Wiscombe. ‘Sharpy’ ran the ball on nine occasions, while making thirteen tackles.

Joshua showed plenty of promise during the 2024 season, and his early season form has him in strong contention for a starting position in the top 17.

Recently signed half back Osika Kaufononga gave good service all day, and Paul Kariatiana looks to be set for a huge season.

The big forwards got stuck into the heavy work. Nathan Darby, coming off the bench, had ten hitups, and effected fifteen tackles, during his stint on the field.

However, the player who dominated for Albury in the forwards was Fatafehi (One) Fakatava. He is going to be a huge gain for the Thunder.

One is a nephew of Thunder coach Etu Uasaile who said after the game that “One” did everything he asked of him.

“He took the pack forward all day, and produced some heavy defence against a big Waratahs o

Waratah assistant coach Brett Goldspink, conceded that Thunder was too good on the day.

“We did not have the same fitness level as the Albury side” Brett said

“We are a work in progress. James Girdler, at fullback, was our best player, while Elvis Nauer was strong, and he will be one of the best forwards in Group 20.”

The Thunder will have its season launch at the Commercial Club next Friday Night, April 4 commencing at 6pm.

Thunder President, Rick O’Connell has asked for all who are intending to attend, signify their intentions by letting him know by Tuesday (for catering purposes).

Supporters will be given the opportunity to hear the Clubs plans for the 2025 season, and to meet and greet Club officials and players who will carry the Club hopes.

The popular ‘first try scorer’ jumper number auction will be conducted during the evening. The auction has always been an exciting part of a season launch.

Prospective bidders should have ‘syndicates’ prepared and ready to bid for their ‘favoured’ numbers.