THE COFFS Coast’s best junior Oztag players have once again taken on the state’s finest.
Coffs Harbour Cavaliers teams took on players from across the state in their own backyard, during the 2026 NSW Junior State Oztag Championships in Coffs Harbour.
The championships ran over three chock-a-block days at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium and surrounding fields.
The Coffs Harbour Cavaliers 13s Boys were one of six local teams to take on the state’s best.
Their coach Luke Wenban praised his side’s performance at this year’s State Championships.
“We had an 8-0 win against Tamworth which was a good way to finish the first day, then a win first up on Saturday morning against Heathcote Engadine which was 4-1,” he said.
“We also had three close losses by two points which could have gone either way.
“What impressed me the most was just the growth of them.
“They’ve been doing this for a couple of years now and just the change in age and speed as well – they’re one of the better sides we’ve had, they just never gave up, they kept pushing to the end.
“Two wins and three close losses, I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Wenban said playing at home had its advantages.
“To be honest, yes, because I feel they know the speed of these fields.”
The current state of Coffs Oztag was promising according to Wenban.
“It’s definitely come a long way over the years.
“We’ve got the six teams this year in the biggest ever state titles, and our 15s Boys team had two good wins as well.”
Coffs Harbour now hosts the NSW Senior State Championships on 20-22 March.
By Aiden BURGESS
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