Tallon Smith

Dubbo CYMS has secured another key member of its first grade side ahead of its Peter McDonald Premiership title defence after star fullback Jeremy Thurston committed to the club for the 2026 season.

After famously kicking the field goal that secured the Fishies the premiership in an extra-time thriller against Forbes last year, Thurston fielded offers from a number of interested clubs, both inside and outside the PMP competition.

However, with teammate and close friend Jarryn Powyer announced as the club’s first grade coach for the upcoming campaign, Thurston said that he is excited to remain with CYMS, and believes the side can go to another level in 2026.

“It’s very exciting, Jarryn’s taking over captain-coaching, one of my best mates, so I’m just excited to get back out with the boys,” he said.

“[We’ve] probably got a bit better team than last year, we lost a few players but we gained a few good ones as well.

“All the boys are keen, they’ve all been ripping in, so we’ll give it a good crack anyway.”

After an incredible personal season last year, which included his Grand Final feats as well as another impressive performance in the Koori Knockout on the way to another Grand Final with the Bourke Warriors, a plethora of clubs indicated their interest in the Dubbo fullback over the off-season.

Thurston said that while family reasons saw him contemplate moving clubs over the off-season, a change in circumstances helped to solidify his commitment to the Fishies for another year.

“There were a few [clubs] from the Newcastle comp I spoke with, and we were kind of debating whether we were going to move there next year,” he said.

“Our oldest girl is at boarding school in Sydney so we were just going to be closer to her.

“There was a couple in the PMP as well which we were contemplating, just being closer to Sydney, but it looks like she is going to come home, so I’ll just stay at Dubbo CYMS where we’re settled.

“It’s just easier to work and train in Dubbo, it’s a bit easier on the family and all the boys, we’re all pretty close, the kids are close, and everyone’s pretty keen on going back-to-back, so that’s probably the big drawcard I guess.”

From the club’s perspective, the signing of Thurston is a big one for many reasons as the Fishies look to become the first club to defend a PMP first grade title.

Dubbo CYMS President Nick Sykes said that re-signing of the talented fullback will have continued benefits for the club both on and off the field.

“It’s great to have Jeremy commit, he’s really good for the club,” he said.

“He’s a really good role model, a good family man and it’s good to have him and Tara and the kids involved with the club again.”

Sykes said that in addition to his on-field talents, his attitude towards preparation and contribution to club culture is a big reason as to why he remains such a popular member of the Fishies’ team.

“He’s obviously a fantastic player on the field, but the commitment to the training side of things and our culture and the outside of footy stuff is as much why we love having him at the club,” he said.

“Obviously on field, he kicked the winning field goal, and has been one of the best players in the competition since the PMP started, so I think the on-field stuff speaks for itself, but for us, it’s as much as the training side of things and the culture off the field which we love having him around.”

The new PMP season kicks off in April, with all twelve clubs set to field teams.

Cover Photo: Dubbo CYMS Footy Photos