NT Rugby Union season kicks off this week with a clash between last season’s grand finalists

THE 2020 NT Rugby Union season kicks off this weekend with a grand final rematch between last year’s premier Darwin Dragons and South Darwin at Rugby Park

Premiership coach Puru Westrupp will again be in charge of the powerful Darwin Dragons’ pursuit of back-to-back NTRU A-grade titles.

THE 2020 NT Rugby Union season kicks off this weekend with a grand final rematch between last year’s premier Darwin Dragons and South Darwin at Rugby Park.

Casuarina and Pirates will also open their accounts against each other with both finishing as semi-finalists last season.

Palmerston will have a bye in the A-grade but play the Swampdogs in the Reserve grade competition.

NTRU CEO Tamie Needham is particularly excited with the season to come, noting changes to the season structure and commitment to the clubs.

“We are kicking off this season with a grand final rematch, so we should see how the teams stack up against each other after that,” Needham told the NT News.

“We’ve made a few changes to when games will be played this season to make rugby more accessible, missing long weekends and adding the occasional Thursday game.’’

A series of coaching clinics for each club will commence this week with the NTRU committing to not only develop its player base, but also its coaches.

This year has seen a number of changes in coaches among the senior clubs with only Puru Westrupp at Dragons and Joe Albert at Casuarina remaining from last season.

Swampdogs have dropped back to B-grade this season to grow in playing numbers and provide a pathway for its strong youth contingent.

“They requested to drop down to consolidate their numbers, they felt that they needed to give their juniors time to come through,” Needham said.

“Their junior’s numbers are quite strong and they want to create that depth where they can eventually play at both levels.”

Needham is also looking forward to welcoming back the junior focused sides from Jabiru and Mackillop for another season as both clubs continue to flourish.

Mackillop will be expanding to include an under-12 side in just its second year in the rugby system.

Recent hits to the national game in the last 12 months, such as the Israel Folau controversy and the broadcast rights debacle, have had little to no effect on the grassroots game in the Top End.

“What happens nationally has not had any impact on the game here besides being a topic of conversation,’’ Needham said.

“Our participation numbers have increased over the last two years and continue to do so.’’