By 1990, the writing was on the wall for Grafton Rugby Club. Population growth in centres like Ballina and Lismore provided a steady influx of new players to those towns that far outstripped the modest population changes in static inland towns economies like Grafton and Casino.
The biggest change in 1990 was the departure of long-term rivals Coffs Harbour to the Mid North Coast Zone.
The early to mid 90’s saw the Club have limited success, although still competitive Grafton struggled against the powerhouse teams in the competition.
It was not until 1998, after defecting to the Mid North Coast competition that Grafton tasted premiership success defeating premiership favourites Port Macquarie in the Grand Final.
