A combined Gunnedah-Kootingal team is set to compete at this Saturday’s Group 4 ladies tackle gala day at the Boggabri-based Jubilee Oval, following a recent gala day at Scully Park in Tamworth.

With both gala days being part of an initiative to have women’s rugby league introduced to Group 4, the Moree Boars were undefeated at Scully Park on October 19 while Gunnedah-Kootingal had a loss, a win, and a draw.

The games lasted 25 minutes each with no change of ends and no half-time break, as tries were worth the regulation four points while there were no goal-kicks.

Moree defeated Gunnedah-Kootingal 24-12 before the combined team defeated Wee Waa 12-4 and drew Werris Creek 16-all.

Playing in the centres, Kootingal’s Nikki Berryman was the leading scorer on the day with six tries while Gunnedah’s Piper Rankmore scored four tries as she played at halfback.

The players in the combined team hadn’t trained together as the squad comprised nine Gunnedah players and 11 Kootingal players.

Some of the players had not played rugby league for years while some had played rugby union.

Gunnedah committee member David McCann said the Gunnedah and Kootingal players “met up and joined forces on the day” while there wasn’t a lot of cohesion among them.

“They worked very well defensively,” he said.

“They all played exceptionally well.”

McCann described Moree as a very well-drilled side, with the Boars and Gunnedah-Kootingal being level at 12-all before the former scored three late tries.

McCann said the combined team always seemed to be in control of its second game, before there were some injuries in the team’s third contest.

McCann said “without a doubt” he was keen to see Gunnedah have a women’s rugby league team in Group 4, and that this could happen as early as next year.

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