SOUTH West Rocks Marlins have been accepted into the Hastings League competition.
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The newly-formed rugby league club got word on Wednesday afternoon that Country Rugby League had sanctioned the Marlins’ inclusion in the Saturday competition.
Club president Geoff Ball, who got a text message confirming the decision, said it was great news for the town.
”Everyone’s ecstatic about the club,” he said.
“A lot are saying ‘it’s about time’.”
Ball paid tribute to the efforts of player and committee member Corey Robinson and his wife Sarah – the club secretary – in helping to form the new club.
“We’re all leaguies,” he said.
“The town’s growing and we want to grow with it.
“There’s never been an opportunity to play rugby league in our town and a lot of our boys were at other clubs.
“We want to be a family-orientated club, something the town’s proud of.”
Former SWR Gaoler, Corey Robinson said:
“This gives us a team to play for this year.”
Ball confirmed former Bulldog lower grade player Craig Smith would be the coach.
The team is likely to sport similar colours to NRL’s Cronulla Sharks, with the original first-choice colours of the Gold Coast Titans clashing with one of the other sides’ uniforms.
Hastings League president Geoff Connor was pleased the Marlins had approached the competition’s committee.
“We always try to expand and foster the league,” he said.
“It wasn’t an easy decision for some.”
A secret ballot was held among the other eight clubs on the Rocks club’s admission.
The draw for the 2013 season had not yet been made, but would start in March with a sevens competition and the Bain Cup, before the league season proper, Connor said.
The new club had been approached already by potential sponsors, Ball said and he encouraged other businesses to get on board.
For more information on the new club, email swrmarlins@btinternet.com
