Border Boars keeping spirits high

GOONDIWINDI is in a tricky location, but the TRL side is staying positive amidst the pandemic.

WAITING GAME: The Goondiwindi Boars are hoping they will see TRL action in 2020. Photo: File

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Goondiwindi Boars find themselves in the trickiest of positions among Toowoomba Rugby League clubs throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Sitting right on the Queensland-New South Wales border, the Boars have a number of players situated on either side.

Not that it matters too much at the moment according to coach Mark Offerdahl, with clubs suspended from being able to train or meet.

It has presented a number of challenges for all teams to stay as close to match fitness as possible, and it’s something Offerdahl said the side is trying to navigate.

“Everything is pretty quiet at the moment,” Offerdahl said.

“We’ve sent out running programs for the boys to do, and we’ve got a heap of different groups set up on social media.

“It’s all a bit weird and crazy right now. We can’t even meet up at the field so there’s not much you can do about it.

“We have a fair few blokes over the border. We can’t catch up with them at the moment and everything is a waiting game.”

Offerdahl said that the Boars were primed for a big season following their breakout year in 2019 and strong pre-season form.

“I run a crossfit gym out here so I’ve sending out body weight exercises and sessions,” he said.

“There’s no shortage of stuff for us to do, it’s just a matter of doing it.

“It’s very disappointing what has happened. We were looking really good, fit and healthy. It’s just how it goes and there’s not much you can do.”

The question marks of whether community football will be given the green light to go ahead in Queensland have put doubts over one of the TRL’s premier signings.

Papua New Guinea international Garry Lo was signed by Goondiwindi to come to Australia following the conclusion of Elite One Championship season in France.

However current border restrictions put in place by the Australian government make it difficult at the present time.

Offerdahl said they aren’t giving up hope on the situation changing.

“Garry still wants to come,” he said.

“It just depends on whether the competition starts up again or not.

“I honestly don’t know what to think. I hope it does start up but it’s a crazy time. It’s never been like this before.

“He’ll try and get over with the two week quarantine if he’s allowed.”

QRL BEGINS SEARCHING FOR BEST TEAM OF THE QUARTER CENTURY

While things remain quiet on the football front, the QRL is putting the call-out to try and name its best team of the 25-year history of the Intrust Super Cup.

Former Toowoomba Clydesdale Nick Parfitt collected 17 per cent of the vote for fullback, narrowly behind winner Shannon Walker.

They’re currently up to centres, with Donald Malone, who has previously played with Toowoomba, in the running.

To vote, head to qrl.com.au.

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