Maroochydore Swans re-enter 2023 A-grade competition

In a stunning turn of events the Maroochydore Swans rugby league club will now defend its 2022 senior title after re-entering the 2023 Sunshine Coast A-grade competition.

Maroochydore Swans announce 2023 A-grade return.

The Maroochydore Swans have risen from the ashes and announced they will now compete in the 2023 Sunshine Coast Rugby League A-grade division following a deadline day meeting.

The good news comes one week after the Daily reported the 2022 A-grade premiers had withdrawn their division one side from the upcoming season.

Swans senior president Simon Graye said it had been a rollercoaster few days.

“Ultimately no one wanted to see the A-grade side fold or have to withdraw from the season so it inspired a lot of club spirit among current and previous players,” he said.

“It’s all been led by Tom Geraghty and he deserves a special mention because we’ve now got the numbers to field a competitive A-grade side.”

Maroochydore Swans player Tom Geraghty (left) has been integral in reviving the club’s A-grade team.

Former Queensland Cup player and Swans junior Tom Geraghty said he was proud of his club’s efforts.

“We read the news that the A-grade side had folded and that realisation of how devastating it would be to the club caused myself and a lot of current and former people involved to say ‘we can’t have this’,” he said.

“We had a meeting because the decision needed to come from the players and although we might not have that typical A-grade squad a few of the boys put their hands up and said we’ll get it done no matter what team we have out there.

“It’s a big moment for the club because we know it’s going to be a tough year but we know it’s for the best of the club.

“I think the spirit we all have for the Swans is massive and it’s really nice to know that it’s still there with the boys ready to dig deep.”

Maroochydore Swans celebrate winning the 2022 Sunshine Coast rugby league A-grade premiership. Picture: Facebook

Graye said a majority of the clubs under-19s would remain in that division with the A-grade squad a makeup of aspiring reserve grade players.

“There will be a few under-19s come up at times but the team isn’t reliant on them which is a decision we made previously and led us to having no division one team originally,” he said.

“We didn’t want to just throw those boys into A-grade so they’ll still compete in the under 19s division as they aim for back-to-back premierships and at times the appropriate players may come up to seniors but it won’t be a huge number.

“The A-grade side is probably made up of guys who have just missed out in recent years because our first team was so good.”

The side would be coached by Bart Hold and the competition will feature eight teams after the Coolum Colts confirmed they would compete in the A-grade division for the first time in their club’s 34-year history.