Photo: SPA Images

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Northern New South Wales is the place to be this weekend if you love your rugby and want to see some of the stars of the past lacing up their boots again, as the town of Moree prepares to host both the Classic Wallabies and Classic Wallaroos.

Weebolla Oval is the venue on Saturday as both sides face off against some tough local opposition, and they will also be doing their bit to promote the game by running free junior clinics for hundreds of kids aged 8 to 13.

Gates open at midday and the junior clinics kick-off at 1pm, before a curtain raiser to the main events, which get underway at 4.15pm. First up are the Classic Wallaroos, who will be taking on the Central North Women’s side in a Rugby 10’s contest.

The squad contains 13 former Wallaroos, including Selena Worsley, Vanessa Bradley, and Pearl Palaialii.

“We’ve heard the Central North girls are a strong team and we’re very excited to play a part in showcasing the strength of women’s country footy,” said an excited Worsley.

Next up are the Classic Wallabies, led by recently appointed General Manager Justin Harrison. He will be in tandem with fellow former internationals and Waratahs legends Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers, and former Brumby and Queensland Red, Radike Samo.

They will be coming up against the Central North Barbarians, whose star turn is Moree local and former Wallaby Brian Mansfield, who last pulled on the green and gold back in 1975.

“The Central North boys are widely recognised as a very strong side so we’re expecting a good show from them,” said Harrison. ‘”The matches are always a lot of fun, but those competitive instincts tend to come back pretty hard, no matter how long you’ve been out of the game.”

Stick around after the match to meet some of the Classics, say hello and get an autograph, enjoy the live music, and take part in the fundraising auctions to support the local clubs. There will also be a live broadcast of the Waratahs vs Crusaders Super Rugby clash on the field, ko 7.45pm. Bars and canteen will be operating until 15 minutes before full-time.

Limited parking is available at the ground, but a FREE shuttle bus will be running from Moree Tourist Information Centre and Moree Golf Club to Weebolla Oval every half hour, from 1pm to 3.30pm. Pre-booked tickets are just $15 each with concessions, or pay $20 at the gate.

Running Order:

12:00pm: Gates open

1:00pm: Junior clinics commence

1:20pm: Curtain raiser match

4:15pm: Classic Wallaroos v Central North Womens

5:10pm: Classic Wallabies v Central North Barbarians

Live music and fundraising auctions

7.45pm Waratahs v Crusaders on the big screen

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CLASSIC WALLAROOS SQUAD:
Vanessa Bradley; Alana Elisaia; Annette Finch; Debbie Grylls; Shannon Mato; Bronwen McArthur; Pearl Palailii; Naomi Roberts; Shirley Russell; Se’ei Sa’u; Selena Worsley; Kirra Burke (mentee position); Rhianna Burke (mentee position)

CLASSIC WALLABIES SQUAD:
Mitchell Adams; Nathan Ashley; Jeremy Austin; Mark Chisholm; David Croft; Frankie Fainifo; Nick Gregorski; Sean Hardman; Justin Harrison; Michael Hayes; James Holbeck; Brian Mansfield; Patrick McCutcheon; Doug McNicholl; Sam Payne; Mat Rogers (c); DeWet Roos; Radike Samo; Lote Tuqiri; Josh Walker; Laurie Weeks; Finn Wright; Mitchell Adams (mentee position); Josh Walker (mentee position)