MCHUGH HOPING TO GO ONE BETTER NEXT SEASON
FOR most coaches, featuring in two grand finals on the trot would be a pass mark. But for Grafton Redmen Women’s captain-coach Tamar McHugh, winning a premiership would be the ultimate glory and something she has set as the number one goal next season.
Grafton Redmen went agonisingly close to being crowned Mid North Coast major premiers the last two seasons and McHugh would like nothing better than to shed the bridesmaid tag.
The pain and anguish of lasts year’s grand final loss to Coffs Snappers still resonates, but for the Redmen coach, the team will use their finals heartbreak as motivation for 2025.
“To feature in the grand final two years in a row and go so close to winning is something the whole team feels deeply about,” McHugh said.
“But in saying that, to get to the grand final two years in a row speaks volumes about how strong and competitive the team is.
“You don’t see too many sides make back-to-back grand finals and unfortunately there has to be a loser.
“We are very humble in the sense we know we have a grand final victory in us. It’s a case of keep showing up and putting in more than we did the previous years.”
McHugh admits taking on the role of captain-coach can take its toll, but added the support she receives makes her job that little bit easier.
“It’s a very tough gig and I don’t think I would have been able to do it without the support of all the coaching staff from both the women’s and men’s,” she said.
The talented play-maker added she was excited about where her side is at and where they’re heading.
“I really think the best is yet to come. We have analysed last season and looked to areas where we can improve as a playing group,” McHugh revealed.
“There are also talks of the competition moving away from ten’s rugby in the future so we must keep an open mind.
“I will be working alongside Craig Howe and Hacks (Steve Hackett) who are both experienced coaches that bring a lot of knowledge to the team.”
The Grafton Women’s side have been building on numbers the past few years and 2025 will be no exception according to McHugh.
“There will be a few changes especially if we move away from tens,” she said.
“We have a few players departing but mostly we will have the same core group of players.
“Jasmine Gilroy is still learning the game, but I am expecting big things from her next season. Jess McPherson was at her peak last season in the trials but unfortunately sustained a season ending injury, but she will be back, and Darcy Spurr is also someone who gives her all and never takes a backward step.
“One player who is set for a huge year is Maddi Pigg who excelled at junior level. She is an incredible runner of the ball, and I can’t wait to see her grow and develop as a rugby player.”
The competition is still months away but already all the talk is around competition heavyweights Coffs Snappers and Grafton. It should be a mouth-watering contest as both sides ooze plenty of talent.
“Snappers are always a danger. They have exceptional pathways and a very strong core group,” McHugh admitted.
“They have the likes of Greta Smith, a fantastic leader who has a wealth of knowledge and knows what it takes to win a premiership.
“Both sides are evenly matched and when we come up against each other it’s always a case of which team can execute the best. There’s very little between the two sides.”
Nico
