The Darwin rugby union season recommences this weekend with the competition moving back to a wet season schedule

DARWIN Dragons captain Hirini Murfitt is eager for another big season for his unit as it eyes a three-peat in the Darwin A-grade rugby union competition, with the competition returning to a wet-season schedule.

The Darwin Rugby Union season is set to launch on October 24. Pictured, from left, are Zac Burge (South Darwin Rabbitohs), Mark Ross (Casuarina Cougars), Kendall Quakawoot (Palmerston Crocs), Dennis Hill (University Pirates), Hirini Murfitt (Darwin Dragons) and Mark Gillam (Swampdogs). Picture: Che Chorley

DARWIN Dragons captain Hirini Murfitt is eager for another big season for his unit, as it eyes a three-peat in the Darwin A-grade rugby union competition, with the competition returning to a wet-season schedule.

The Dragons’ last outing was their 17-15 grand final triumph over Casuarina Cougars on August 15, courtesy of an after-the-siren penalty scored by Nigel Maher.

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That gave them their second premiership in as many seasons,
and now they will have their eyes
on their third.

“All the clubs are probably feeling the same, knowing it’s going to be a hot season, but we’re really excited
at the same time,” Murfitt told the
NT News.

“Fitness has been a big focus for us so far. We didn’t have that long of a stand down, so we aren’t that far below where we were fitness-wise and then we’re just relaxing into
our structures.

“We’ve had the conversation of a three-peat, but our main focus has been playing our game. We need to play each week without that expectation.

“As long as we’re competitive and we can look back and be proud of our performance, then we will be happy.”

First up for the two-time premiers is a grand final rematch against Casuarina, which will be raring to avenge last season’s loss.

The Cougars were another side with a strong recent season, never falling behind by more than five points against any team.

The Darwin Rugby Union season is set to launch on October 24. Picture are, from left, Zac Burge (South Darwin Rabbitohs), Mark Ross (Casuarina Cougars), Hirini Murfitt (Darwin Dragons), Mark Gillam (Swampdogs), Dennis Hill (University Pirates) and Kendall Quakawoot (Palmerston Crocs). Picture: Che Chorley

But three-time Eric Johnston medallist Murfitt was already relishing the challenge, which would see the forward power of both sides up against each other.

The return of Drew Tobin after a season-long injury will bolster the side, while Aaron Smith and Greg Smith will also be expected to put out big performances.

“I’m looking forward to some more wet-weather rugby – being from New Zealand it is something I’m used to, so I am looking forward to seeing how that will go here,” Murfitt said.

“We have Casuarina first, so we’re expecting it to be a really fast, hard-fought game full of big hits from both forward packs.

“It was a great feeling for us to get that win against them and it’s a win we think of all the time. It was a win full of emotion and we will be looking for another like that this season.”

The move to the wet season has already paid dividends for many of the clubs, who are seeing increased numbers in training due to a lack of clash with the NRL NT season.

NTRU president Denys Stedman hoped the 45th senior competition would produce some great rugby as the teams adjust to a hotter and wetter time of year to play in.

“Playing in the wet season is something new that’s not so new and I’m looking forward to seeing how these young blokes cope playing in the wet,” Stedman said.

“Hopefully we can produce some really good rugby this year and also increase participation numbers, having moved the season away from the dry season.”

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“One of the good things about rugby is the opportunity for anyone to play. Doesn’t matter whether you’re big, small, male or female there’s always an opportunity to get in there and have a go.

“We look forward to a really positive season although a bit hotter than normal with a bit more rain it should come good and I reckon we’re going to have a fantastic year.”