THE field with the tallest goalposts in the southern hemisphere will soon see more games with the start of the NSW Rugby League Sydney Shield competition.
Guildford Leagues, which calls McCredie Park home, will return to the higher ranks of the seniors competition in the Sydney Shield, a new competition described as reserve grade to the Bundaberg Red Cup.
Club president Graham Bonwick said the competition created more opportunities for their players, particularly those aiming to play for the Parramatta Eels or in the Toyota Cup.
“For those that don’t get up to Parramatta, it’s a pathway to go forward rather than stagnating in an A-grade competition,” he said. “We’re very confident at the moment we will be competitive.”
Lock Steven Robertson, 36, of Guildford, said he originally began playing with the club during the Metropolitan Cup days in 1996.
Due to cost restrictions the club was unable to continue competing at that level.
“It’s good to be back in one of the top competitions,” Robertson said.
“The club is building back to the highest competition we can play at. The Bundy Cup is the goal.
“They have seen their good local juniors progress to other clubs and districts; they want to give their kids who want to go somewhere in the league a place to play. There’s limited opportunities in 20s and NSW rugby league.”
Eels Tim and John Mannah originally played at Guildford.
The club started in 1955 and boasts one of the best rugby league fields in the district.
