News
19-01-2012
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club hopes of a better 2012 season received a boost with one of its favourite sons, Jamie Woods, returning to the Club after spending 2011 with Yenda Blueheelers.
16-01-2012
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club is on the move towards the Group 20 XXXX Gold 2012 season with training under way for all grades, with sessions held at Park Oval on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 6pm.
Coach Rene Woods has been pleased with the turnouts and the efforts being put in by all players.
“It is hard training this far out from the competition opener, but we are striving to be in the
02-01-2012
The Magpies commenced its 2012 season training at the Hay Park Oval on Monday January, 2 under new Coach, Rene Woods.
With the temperature expected to peak at 41 degrees today a water bottle is a must.
When the going gets tough the tough get going.
19-12-2011
As one football season finishes, and another is about to start, I find myself reminiscing about the times that have passed.
My mind wanders back to those wonderful stalwarts of the Magpies Rugby League Club and how proud they would be of seeing how the Club has developed and improved and how the seeds they helped plant have started to flourish and are starting to spread seeds of their own.
I imagine how the greats of the past would love to be over at the Park Oval on any given Sunday, offering their encouragement and always being supportive.
13-12-2011
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has finalised its coaching appointments for the 2012 season, reverting to a non-playing coach for the seniors, with Rene (Bomber) Woods named as First Grade coach.
Woods replaces Gareth Price, who the Club hopes to retain as a player for the new season. Price did not seek the coaching position and has fielded offer from several Clubs from as far away as Gladstone in Country Queensland.
Moe Clune will have control of the reserve grade, with 1995 premiership winning coach Jack Byrnes coming on board as mentor of the 18s, with Dean Whitehead coach of the 16s and Neil-John Nisbet again in charge of the LeagueTag.
23-11-2011
I recently caught up with Nick Edwards- a bloke who deserves recognition as one of the Magpies All Time Greats.
He played for NSW Under 19 in State of Origin curtain raiser against the great Darren Lockyer, played in lower grade premierships with Eastern Suburbs, had a full season with Western Suburbs, before becoming an 'all time great' with Ryde Eastwood Hawks in the strong Sydney Second Division.
At age 14, he set his sights on playing top level in the toughest Rugby League competition in the World, and just six years later he made it. This is the story of Hay boy, Nicholas Edwards..a credit to his family, his home town and the Hay Magpies Club.
30-10-2011
Don Payne has been re-elected unopposed to lead the Magpies Rugby League Club into the 2012 Group 20 season – as well as being endorsed as a Life Member of the Magpies Club for outstanding contribution as an administrator.
16-10-2011
Skilful back rower Craig Millan added his name to the list of outstanding Hay Magpies players in the Clubs' 75 year history by claiming the 2011 Player of the Year Award at the Presentation Night held at Hay Services Club on Friday night.
The former Bellingen player made it a double for the evening after receiving the nod from his peers as the Players Player of the Year. He was a stand-out the Magpies first season as a Senior Club in Group 20, and confirmed all the 'wraps' placed on him by a team mate at a previous Club.
06-10-2011
The Hay Shire Council has feted the Hay sporting heroes and champion winning teams with a Civic Reception at the War Memorial Hall this afternoon, Thursday, October 6.
The Civic Reception was attended by Members of the Holroyd City Council, a Council that has sister Council relationship with the Hay Shire.
Former Mayor John Perry, an ex Hay-ite and uncle of Former Australian Rugby League player Josh Perry, was instrumental in the two Councils forming an alliance after contacting former Mayor, and now Deputy Mayor, Mick Rutledge.
18-09-2011
Leeton Greens ended the Hay Magpies dream of a premiership in the Group 20 Grand Final at E W Moore Oval Griffith on Sunday.
The Greens team notched its fourth LeagueTag Title in succession defeating the Magpies team 10-6, with the winning margin of four points being the biggest between the two teams all season.
16-09-2011
The Leeton Irrigator and Area News have good features on the Group 20 Grand Final. The Irrigator had sold out this afternoon. Reprinted below is the article on the Hay V Leeton League Tag decider...
Scott Hazlewood (Area News) has interviewed Neil John Nisbet and has a comprehensive cover of the League Tag PLUS other Grand Final matches. Grab a copy at Hay Newsagency.
15-09-2011
Just how good is your memory? Can you remember all the good times you had being involved with the Hay Magpies. It doesn’t matter if you were a player in ANY grade, an official or just a supporter…Your memory of involvement with the Club will be a good one.
The Club has that special ‘aura’ about it. You only have to see the faces on the supporters at the Park Oval any given Sunday..or the former Magpies players and followers who live out of town, wanting to know of the Club’s current standing.
14-09-2011
This season, the Club’s 75th year in existence, and its first as a fully fledged member of Group 20 has been another successful season for the mighty Magpies. The Club secured a place in the final with its Under 16 team and a Grand Final spot, and hopefully a premiership, for the LeagueTag.
It could not have been possible however, if not for the constant and generous support of the Sponsors and business houses for 2011.
11-09-2011
Hay Magpies dynamo, Rachael Pearson, dominated the LeagueTag awards at the "Process Printers Group 20 Awards Night" held at Griffith Leagues Club last Friday Night.
Rachael made it two "Player of the Year" Awards in a row with an amazing 18 vote margin over Leeton Green champion Erin Bonetti…herself a past winner of the Award and a champion in her own right.
04-09-2011
The Magpies LeagueTag team is first into the Group 20 Grand Final following a 12-10 win over minor premiers and three times Champions Leeton, at Ron Crowe Oval West Wyalong on Sunday.
28-08-2011
The Magpies Leaguetag side shrugged aside the disappointment of letting the minor premiership slip through its fingers - when held to a draw in the last of the home and away series - to bounce back to record a 32-4 victory over Griffith Black and Whites on Sunday.
An outstanding team effort, spearheaded by a 24-point haul by superstar Rachael Pearson, was the catalyst for the victory.
28-08-2011
A season that promised so much for the Magpies Under 16 team, came to an end on Saturday when a well drilled Yanco-Wamoon combination proved just a little too strong in the elimination semi-final played at Darlington Point Sportsground
25-08-2011
The point scorers for the Magpies Club in each grade have been listed.
The Club used plenty of players this season - $170 per player registration, lot of money outlaid.
21-08-2011
Hay Magpies fans can look forward to the Group 20 XXXX Finals series with two of its teams – The Under 16 Grade and Leaguetag – qualify for spots at the completion of the ‘home and away’ series played on Sunday.
The Magpies travelled to Ron Crowe Oval West Wyalong for matches against the iconic Country Club celebrating its century of involvement in the code.
20-08-2011
Looking through the list of players who have turned out this season for the Magpies, I got to thinking what sides would I PICK, IF I was a selector for each grade, every player was available EVERY WEEK, and every player fulfilled their obligations to train twice a week.
The trend of players to choose IF AND WHEN they train is something the Club needs to address in future seasons if it is to progress.
18-08-2011
To say the new boys in 2011 have been good value for the Club would be a gross understatement. They have been fantastic.
17-08-2011
It seems like about a month ago - but it was actually four and a half years ago now - when the Magpies Club was running onto the Hay Park Oval to commence its Group 20 "adventure" against powerhouse Yenda Blueheelers way back in April 2007
16-08-2011
Dylan Whitehead, one of the best prospects to come through the Club’s ranks has played his last game for the Magpies. I hadn't realised until his Mum, Julie, mentioned it to me at the post match function at the Services Club last Sunday.
14-08-2011
Five excellent games of football, not a caution for foul play issued during the afternoon, several fantastic individual performances from players, good refereeing, an excellent crowd and beautiful playing conditions…what more could anyone ask for?
To quote the old cliché`, "Rugby League was the winner on the day"
The DPC Roosters won the four football matches played, the Magpies LeagueTag team put itself just a win away from the minor premiership with a good 52-4 victory over the Point girls.
11-08-2011
A long time ago, in another life when I was Sports Editor of the local newspaper, I was sent an interesting article written by Glenn Scott who was at the time, Marketing Manager of the Victorian Country Football League.
I came across the article again when looking for something else. The article was very good, and true to the point and with Finals football about to start up in all codes of Football – Senior and Junior grades, it is worth revisiting, just to get the message Glenn was trying to get across.
07-08-2011
Hay Magpies star Rachael Pearson has become the first Group 20 LeagueTag Player to pass the 150 point tally in the competition following her 20 point haul in the Magpies 44-4 win over Griffith Waratahs on Sunday.
Rachael crossed for two tries and added six conversions to take her season tally to 152 points in a performance that has the team on track to claim the minor premiership for 2011.
Rachael has crossed for 19 tries and landed 38 conversions in her thirteen games this year
31-07-2011
Yenda Blueheelers and the Hay Magpies Rugby League Clubs go back a long way.
The Blueheelers in the modern era, (post 2006) have been a great assistance to the Magpies smooth entry into the switch from a struggling Group 17 into the ‘big brother’ Group 20 competition.
24-07-2011
The Hay Magpies Club made the long trip to Lake Cargelligo on Sunday, fulfilling its obligations of fielding five teams on the day, but apart, from another outstanding win by the LeagueTag, came home with an empty bag.
All sides were without key personnel, with players either struck by illness, apathy, or unavailability.
21-07-2011
Are you a binge drinker?
Alcohol is the most common type of drug consumed in Australia, but so many people still don’t recognise the harm it can cause. As a result, they may drink too heavily at times, or binge drink.
The definition of binge drinking is simply drinking with the intention of getting drunk.
20-07-2011
The call is out for all Hay Magpies - past and present - to join up as a member of the Old Boys Association.
The Club boasts almost 80 members at the moment, but sadly most reside ‘out of town’.
The Old Boys Association is looking to past players and officials to come into the fold and show your support for the Magpies Club.
10-07-2011
Hay Magpies coach Gareth Price dragged himself out of his sick bed to lead the Magpies to a convincing 40-14 win over Griffith Black and Whites at the Park Oval on Sunday.
It was an inspirational display by the former Welsh International who was forced to leave training early on Friday night, and spent all day Saturday in bed with a stomach virus, that prevented him from keeping food down.
As late as Sunday morning he was in doubt, but after arriving at the ground declared himself ‘right’ to play.
And right he was.
03-07-2011
Hay Magpies coach Gareth Price is looking forward to the match when his side can put together two halves of quality football.
"That will be the day when we come together and show the rest of the Group that we can compete at this level.
"We need to come into games switched on and play what is in front of us, instead of getting ahead of ourselves.
"We need to concentrate on our ball handling, and eliminate the silly mistakes that have dogged our performance in the past couple of rounds", the coach said.
02-07-2011
The Magpies LeagueTag team bounced back from its narrow loss to Leeton at its previous start to put Yanco Wamoon to the sword winning the match 38-0.
30-06-2011
The Magpies Under 16 team found the Yanco-Wamoon Hawks just a lttle too good in an outstanding game played under lights at the Park Oval on Wednesday night.
A surprisingly huge crowd attended the match, with cars parked right around the perimeter of the Oval, and a grandstand full of enthusiastic Rugby League supporters to watch the up and coming stars in action. And what a great display of Rugby League they were treated to by both teams.
26-06-2011
If the Hay Magpies first grade team was to received its half yearly report card after the match against Leeton Greens at the Park Oval today, it would be pleased with what it contained.
19-06-2011
One of the most basic requirements in Rugby League football is to understand that the most crucial periods in the game are the five minutes before and after half time - and that concentration is needed to fulfil the first set of six after a try has been posted by the attacking team.
Failure of the Hay Magpies to pay heed to those unwritten laws of the game cost the team dearly in its 52-16 loss to unbeaten competition leaders West Wyalong, at the Park Oval on Sunday.
The Magpies were well in the contest up until a minute before half time, trailing by just two points with Craig Millan scoring a terrific try to bring the score to 12-10.
06-06-2011
The Hay Magpies team managed to out fumble the Darlington Point Coleambally Roosters at Coleambally Sportsground on Sunday, and, as a result, dropped any chance of taking the competition points on offer.
Roosters won the match 26-16 after the scores had been locked at 6 all at half time
01-06-2011
Rugby League in Hay has always been a sport that has relied on community and family support. Same as any sport in Hay.
Without such support, sport as we know it - could not happen. The passion and pride we have for our sporting teams would be non existant.
Don’t ever under estimate the input and sacrifices families make to encourage the kids to be active participants.
29-05-2011
The Hay Magpies created further history for the Club with a 40-26 win over Griffith Waratah Tigers in the Group 20 Rugby League match played at the Park Oval on Sunday.
It was the Magpies first win of the season, and to make it all the more special, it came over the defending Premier, Griffith Waratahs.
Admittedly, the Premiers were without star players Ben Jeffrey, Danny Graham and coach Kodie Charles, who were on the sideline injured, and lost tough as teak prop Enoch Tia during the course of the game.
26-05-2011
Jessie Jackson has always been good at LeagueTag. Her ‘bloodlines’ indicate that she has that competitive Jackson spirit.
The spirit that enables her to keep going when the odds seem stacked against her. The spirit that made her father, her grandfather, her Uncles and her cousins such high profile sports personalities in the Hay area.
Her dad, Neil, was a champion cricketer and Australian Rules player, and now he is close to being the best golfer in Hay.
Her mother Julie was a champion swimmer. Julie could rip through the water like a fish. She was the holder of school championship records and titles during her time at Hay War Memorial High School.
Competitive because she disciplined herself in her training regime.
26-05-2011
Casting an eye over the Magpies playing squad, it is easy to come up with a group of young players who are destined to be "Stars of the Future" in Rugby League circles for many years to come.
In the current Under 16 squad, Shaun Aylett is displaying ability and vision way beyond his experience.
An added bonus for Shaun is that he is a leader – a player of vision who can inspire his team mates with a dazzling piece of attacking play, or a thundering hit in defence.
AND probably the most important quality - he is a team player.
22-05-2011
The Yenda Blueheers, a Club that has been built on success and professionalism over the past decade or so produced a powerful performance to blitz the Hay Magpies 54-0 at Wade Park Yenda on Sunday.
The Blueheelers had pace all over the Park, and a huge pack of forwards that bent the Hay defensive line every time it ran the ball.
15-05-2011
The Jayden Kelly coached TLU Sharks again showed a liking to the Hay Park Oval to dish out a 44-14 hiding to the Hay Magpies in the Group 20 Rugby League match on Sunday.
Kelly confirmed his status as one of the best players in the Group with a dominant performance helping himself to 28 points with four tries and six goals from eight attempts.
His 28 point haul comes on top of the 32 points he scored against the Magpies in the opening match of the 2010, giving him an amazing tally of 60 points in his two appearances on the Park Oval.
09-05-2011
Hay Magpies players and supporters will have the first taste of Sunday football this weekend with the locals taking on the highly rated Tullibigeal Lakes United Sharks at the Hay Park Oval.
Five games of football will be contested with the first game, the Under 16s, to kick off at 11 am.
TLU are strong right through the grades, with each side figuring in the top section of the competitions.
30-04-2011
Hay Magpies went close to recording its first victory in First Grade in Group 20, but failed to overhaul Griffith Black and White at Griffith Rugby Oval under lights on Saturday night.
The home side won the game 36-32 after the Magpies had led 16-14 at half time.Griffith bounced out of the blocks in the second half to move out to a 30-16 lead before a Magpie fightback that narrowed the gap to 30-26 going into the final ten minutes.
Luke Farmer crossed late in the match for the Griffith side and converted which took the score out to 36-26, before Magpies rookie half back Mitchell Rosser scooted over under the sticks and converted to give his side a glimmer of a chance, trailing 36-32.
17-04-2011
Another sizzling performance by an experienced half back was the catalyst for Yanco-Wamoon Hawks 52-20 victory over the Magpies in the Group 20 Rugby League match played at the Park Oval on Saturday.
The Hawks highly skilled Willie Newton had a ball against Magpie rookie No 7 Mitch Rosser, and, apart from organising the play around the rucks, bombed the Magpie outside backs with well placed kicks, which led to several tries. or gained much ground position..
10-04-2011
Leeton Greens, the pre-season competition favourites, showed Hay Magpies the standard it has to achieve to be competitive in the Group 20 First Grade competition.
The Greens handed out a shellacking in the opening round posting 92 points to the Magpies 12 in the Round One match played at Leeton Sportsground on Saturday night.
It was the biggest tally of points scored against the Magpies since the late 1990s when the Club was struggling in Group 17.
07-04-2011
With the 2011 season due to kick off on Saturday, interest in the Magpies preparations is reaching fever pitch.
In the the six months since the end of last season, this website has had 29,282 hits...AND that's before a ball has been kicked.
06-04-2011
The Magpies entry into Group 20 was not welcomed by all Group 20 Clubs with West Wyalong and Griffith Waratahs speaking out and voting strongly against it.
BUT most Clubs could see the need for an injection of new blood into the competition, and the history proud Hay Magpies was seen as a Club the Group could persevere with, and in the long run, Rugby League would be the winner.
06-04-2011
History of the Magpies (Part two) Continuation of the establishment of the Hay Magpies into a proud proud Club, with a proud proud record and tradition
06-04-2011
For the people of hot, dusty Hay in southwestern NSW, Rugby League is not just a game; its part of folklore.
The people who have built their homes on the parched, treeless plains around Hay are a unique breed tough, resilient and fiercely proud, yet good humoured and quick witted.
Hay is justifiably proud of its Rugby League Club the Mighty Magpies. Proud of what it had done in Group 17, and proud of its step forward into Group 20 at the start of the 2007 season.
06-04-2011
The Hay Magpies entry into the Group 20 season as a fully fledged Club, co-incides with the 75th year of formation of the Hay Rugby League Club.
The 2011 players and supporters enter the new era backed up by great success and the strength of the resilient community of Hay providing encouragement at every opportunity.
05-04-2011
The Magpies Rugby League Club is urgently in need of furniture to furnish a flat set aside for the pending arrival of two (quality) players to the Club.
03-04-2011
From this Saturday April 9, to commemorate the Clubs entry into Group 20 as a ‘fully fledged’ organisation with a ‘full hand of teams’, the Magpies are offering a TWO FOR ONE deal with the Pie in the Sky Tee Shirts.
03-04-2011
The Magpies season in Group 20 as a fully fledged Club commences in earnest on Saturday when the Club takes FIVE senior teams to Leeton Sportsground to meet the Leeton Greens, a Club that has dominated the Championship over the past decade.
The Greens have been in great pre-season form under non playing coach Simon Watson, winning the West Wyalong Knock Out, and performing very well in the recent Group 20 Paul Kelly Knockout competition.
29-03-2011
The Hay Magpies Club will be represented by eight players at the Riverina Selection trials to be held at Griffith Rugby Oval next Saturday, April 2nd.
Matt Miller and Daniel Booth have been named in the Group 20 Under 16 side, Mitchell Rosser and Dylan Whitehead in the Under 18, with Rachael and Megan Pearson, Luci Lugsdin and Jessie Jackson selected in the League Tag team to be coached by Neil John Nisbet.
29-03-2011
The Group 20 XXXX 2011 season commences on the weekend of 9-10 April, with the Hay Magpies travelling to Leeton Showground for the opening round.
27-03-2011
The Hay Magpies Leaguetag team has raised the bar for the 2011 season with a thrilling 14-12 victory over the champion Leeton Greens team in the final of the Group 20 Knockout competition played at Darlington Point on Sunday.
The win was the Magpies first victory over the Greens, the Club that has dominated the LeagueTag competition for the past three seasons.
21-03-2011
The Magpies LeagueTag team will be playing for places in the Group 20 representative team when it contest the 2011 Knockout competition at Darlington Point Oval on Sunday.
20-03-2011
The Hay Magpies Senior and Under 16 teams failed to make it into the second round of the XXXX Group 20 Knockout Carnival after defeats in the preliminary rounds played at Wade Park Yenda on Sunday.
14-03-2011
With the hype of the Pie in the Sky now behind us, the time has come for the Club and its players to get their minds and bodies into focus into what is going to be a very difficult, but exciting year as a full Club in Group 20.
The standard of football in FIRST GRADE is going to be a lot higher than what the Club has experienced over the past four years.
07-03-2011
The community of Hay, the sporting public of Riverina, the fans of the Hay Magpies and the kids of the Murrumbidgee Rugby League "Catchment Area" were give memories that will remain with them forever as they recall the weekend when the ALL STARS came to down.
The events were all well attended and everyone in attendance would have left the functions thinking "Wow, how good was that".
07-03-2011
The man who introduced Pie in the Sky football into Hay Magpies Rugby League Club, and brought a lot of the greats back into the game in the bush, Ken Beissel has been inducted into the Hay Magpies Rugby League Hall of Fame.
Ken becomes the 17th member of the exclusive Club and fittingly, was inducted into the Club in front of a crowd of over 400 Rugby League supporters which included some of the greatest names in the game.
The Magpies also took the opportunity to present Michael Johnston with his induction, anbd both these greats of the Club were acknowledged with standing ovations.
27-02-2011
Hay Magpies champion, Neil-John Nisbet has become the sixth member of the Hay Sporting Hall of Fame with his induction made at the Sportsperson of the Year Awards held at the Hay Bowling Club on Saturday night.
He joins the late John B Lugsdin (Golf), Robert Howard (Australian Rules) Jack Headon (Down the Line Clay Target Shooting) Lurleen Mitchell (Equestrian) and Jack Bisset (Soccer) as members of this exclusive Club.
Neil-John’s contribution both on and off the field make him a worthy additionIn a Rugby League career that spanned four decades - and is still going - his contribution has never been less than 100%
26-02-2011
A week out from the ‘Pie in the Sky VI – Rubbing Shoulders with Champions’ match, the Magpies Club fielded probably its biggest training session in decades.
Over 40 players were put through their paces by coaches Gareth Price and Shayne Kennedy, the regular trainers joined by an impressive of forwards who have signed on to play from the Robinvale area.
23-02-2011
The Magpies have submitted three nominations for consideration by the Judges of the Hay Sportsperson of the Year Award. Jermaine Dixon, Rachael Pearson have been nominated for the Senior and Junior Sections, with the Under 18 premiership team put forward for consideration as the HAY SPORTING TEAM of the Year.
16-02-2011
Injury to halfback Ricky Stuart, and the unavailability of David Peachey and Darren Smith has forced selectors to make a few changes to the DRH All Stars line-up for the Pie in the Sky VI - Rubbing shoulders with champions" clash against the Hay Magpies on Saturday March 5.
Former Raiders premiership winger Ken Nagas has been drafted into the team, whilst the selectors have sounded out a couple of greats of the games as replacements for Stuart and Smith.
08-02-2011
During the Hay Magpies Pie in the Sky program over the past five seasons, one of the most popular players with fans and team mates has been Shane (Billy) Millard.
08-02-2011
Danny Nutley had a well-earned reputation as a hardworking prop during his Rugby League career.
When the curtain came down on his 11 year career, “Nuts’ had racked up an incredible 273 senior games, playing in the toughest position, in the toughest competition in the world – a tribute to his durability and fitness levels.
04-02-2011
The Rugby League Pie in the Sky 'super weekend' planned for 3-4-5-6 March, has captured the imagination of the National Media, and will provide great exposure not only for the Magpies Club, but also for the town of Hay
The Magpies Club is pleased to announce National Sports broadcaster, ABC Grandstand, has signed on to call the match live throughout NSW and Queensland from the Hay Park Oval.
01-02-2011
The kids of the Hay Under 16 team in the early part of this century – the players officials saw as the future of the Club – will help realise ‘the dream’ when the Magpies make the huge step up to First grade football in 2011.
22-01-2011
When I first lobbed into town in 1966, looking for a game of football, among the first two blokes I met were Wally McGufficke and Vince Fagan. They were from ‘the outback’, the little Village of Oxley.
Oxley was a community a lot like Maude and Booligal. Oxley boasted a Pub, a school and maybe even a general store.
22-01-2011
Hay Magpies pocket rocket Lloyd Schulz is ready to burst on the scene to make his mark in senior football.
Lloydie has wowed Hay supporters with his skills and toughness over his Junior career, and now he is ready to take those skills into the top grade
15-01-2011
The Pie in the Sky Rugby League matches have become an integral part of the Magpies season since Raiders players put their ‘hearts and souls’ in the success of the idea.
14-01-2011
When one of the All time greats of Rugby League puts his hands up to come out and promote the game of Rugby League, you know you have a very special occasion on your hands.
Laurie Daley took about five minutes to agree to play in the David Reid All Stars game – and that was five minutes to check his diary to see if the date fitted into his busy schedule.
13-01-2011
I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. Six degrees of separation..it's a profound thought....How every person is a new door, opening up into other worlds.
Two past Hay Magpies coaches, Geoff Snowdon (1966-1969) and Ken Beissel (1979) had a lot to do with two of the David Reid Homes All Stars members, well, before they became All Stars.
10-01-2011
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has announced the signing of former Welsh International prop, Gareth Price as Captain Coach of its Senior side for the entry into Group 20 First Grade in 2011.
Price has agreed to terms for the Club's entry into First Grade and will move to Hay next weekend, and with co-coach Shayne Kennedy and conditioner Robe Anderson, will oversee the Clubs preparation.
07-01-2011
When I was a young bloke growing up in the western suburbs of Sydney, one of my neighbours and best mates was a bloke named Keven Geyer.
We did all the things kids did, we played Soccer together on Saturdays, we engaged in street cricket every opportunity, using a garbage tin as a wicket, a pick handle for a cricket bat, and a cork cricket ball.
We had the other kids in the street take sides, and used our sisters as ‘fetchers’ of the ball.The house across the street was a dangerous place to live.
05-01-2011
The Magpies Club is in full training for the start of the 2011 season, with conditioner Rob (Fruity) Anderson putting the boys through torrid sessions.
The senior players led by Jermaine Dixon, Simon Parr, Danny Byrnes, Shayne and Damien Kennedy and David King have been very impressive with their fitness work,
But, it has been the new crop of players who have really taken the eye.If early season training is any guide, the younger grades will be very strong again this season.
05-01-2011
The appearance of Melbourne Storm legends, Marcus Bai and Matty Geyer on the flanks of the David Reid All Stars team to play in the Pie in the Sky match at the Park Oval on March 5, is sure to revive plenty of memories of just how great these players were in their ‘heyday’.
Tickets are moving fast. They are available at several outlets around town - Commonwealth Bank, Lugsdin Toyota, Mackers Meats and others - as well as on line www.haymagpies.com.au (Use Internet Explorer browser)
03-01-2011
Has there ever been a more graceful sight on a Rugby League field than the mercurial David Peachey in full flight?
The former Dubbo product delighted fans all over the Rugby League world with his pace, deceptive running and ability to sniff out a try.
03-01-2011
What a coup for the Hay Magpies and David Reid Homes CEO Ken Beissel to snare both 2011 State of Origin coaches Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart, the Indigenous All Stars and Country Coach Laurie Daley, Rugby League Immortal and former Australian and Queensland Origin coach Arthur Beetson, and current Canberra Raider and assistant Australian Kangaroo coach David Furner, to PLAY on the Hay Park Oval.
Big Mal said to Ken "why don't you put together a All Stars team to play Hay, I'll play and captain the team, but I want to play five eight"
How could you say "No" to that ?
31-12-2010
Over the next couple of weeks, I will publish stories on the David Reid Homes All Stars team that has been assembled to allow Rugby League fans out here in the bush the opportunity to re-live old memories.
The All Stars team is the greatest collection of champions in one place, giving up their time freely to promote the code, assist Rugby League in attaining a high profile, and providing lasting memories for the older and newer sports supporter.
The interest from all over NSW and Interstate has been incredible.
The First Release of Package tickets (400) - Game/Sportsmans Night were snapped up in record time, forcing the Club to make arrangements for a further 250 available by providing a Marquee to make the function even bigger.
30-12-2010
The Magpies Rugby League Club is lucky to have a bloke like Rob (Fruity) Anderson in its ranks as a fitness, conditioning, strength and wrestling coach.
He is regarded as the fitness guru in town, and his work with the players, especially the Under 18s in 2010, played a big part in the success that came the Club’s way over the past couple of seasons.
29-12-2010
The outstanding talent that has risen to the top in local Rugby League represents the future of the Magpies Club.
The Under 18 premiership win in 2010 revealed that many of the outstanding junior footballers are ready to achieve their full potential in the next two and three years.A major part of the premiership team will made progression into Reserve Grade in 2010, and a lot of those young men, will get a taste of First Grade football this season.
20-12-2010
I have been on to most of the David Reid Homes All Stars players enquiring about their training schedules for the Pie in the Sky Festival of Football in March.
Canberra Raiders and Australian Kangaroos Assistant coach David Furner sent me a copy of his training routine
19-12-2010
The history of the Hay Magpies is littered with many players who were not only outstanding footballers, but characters in their own right.
Blokes who helped create a Club that is famous for its spirit, proud of its past, and confident about its future.
18-12-2010
Ken Beissel has switched Corporate teams to join housing franchisor David Reid Homes Australia as CEO, after more than a decade with Cavalier Homes.
Mr Beissel takes the reins with a game plan to expand the David Reid Homes Australian franchise network from its current line-up of six to "70 or 80 within three to four years."
Hs track record in both the business and sporting arenas suggests this objective is no ‘Pie in the Sky’.
15-12-2010
Tickets to the David Reid All Stars Hay Magpies Sportsman's Dinner to be held at the Hay Services Club after the 'big match' at the Park Oval on Saturday March 5, have almost been completely sold, and, as expected, a capacity crowd will be in attendance.
Club Treasurer, Jenny Payne said on Wednesday morning, that fewer that 50 package tickets remained, and that, unfortunately, due to the size of the venue, no more tickets could be made available.
10-12-2010
Ever wonder how coaching a team to glory in the State of Origin or at a National level would feel?
Have you ever wondered how winning a NRL premiership, scoring the winning try, or landing the winning goal would rate in your memory?
The Sportsman's Dinner will give you the opportunity to hear the players who have been there, done that, give their views.
05-12-2010
Package Tickets for the David Reid Homes All Stars match v Hay Magpies to be held on Saturday March 5 and the Sportsman’s Dinner to follow will go on sale in the next seven days, and are expected to sell faster than Tickets to a Beatles Concert.
28-11-2010
Former Hay Magpie juniors, Levi Freeman-Quay, Zac Redfern and Solo Alone have been in the Rugby League news in recent weeks.
17-11-2010
The appointment of Ricky Stuart as coach of the NSW State of Origin team for the next two seasons adds the "X Factor" to the 'David Reid Homes' All Stars v Hay Magpies Pie in the Sky match to be played at the Hay Park Oval on March 5.
more
08-11-2010
The Magpies Club is seeking players and coaches for its team in the 2011 season.
more
24-10-2010
The Hay Magpies conducted its Annual General Meeting at the Hay Services Club on Sunday with sixty-three members providing the Club’s 2010 executive with a ringing endorsement, by voting for their re-election.
Don Payne
more
12-10-2010
Three 'stars' of the Hay Magpies Under 18 Premiership winning side, have been presented with great opportunities to further their football careers. Dylan Whitehead and Hola Fitekefu recently trialled for a place in the Melbourne Storm S G Ball Cup squad (Under 18) and Mitch Rosser has gained a place in the Riverina Academy team to train in the off season under elite coaches as a member of the Academy squad for the 2010/2011 season.
08-10-2010
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has lost a star player from its ranks with the transfer of star lock Phil (Bullet) Bastow with his employment
as a Highway Patrol Officer to Sydney.
more
02-10-2010
The week is being dubbed the AllStars Rugby League Festival.
It will all happen in Hay on 3-4-5-6 March, and the town will become the focus of the sporting media and publicity, with the event assured of attracting maximum exposure for the Rugby League fraternity, Hay Magpies. Group 20 Riverina Division and the community of town.
more
01-10-2010
GROUP 20 has sent a strong message regarding violent conduct in its competition with nine Waratahs under 18s players banned from the game for an incredible 140 weeks combined this week.
The massive suspension was handed down after a specially convened two-night judicial sitting, which saw 10 Tigers players charged with varying incidents from the violent on-field brawl at the end of their grand final against Hay on September 12
more
23-09-2010
The AllStars greats who will be travelling to Hay for the Pie in the Sky match to be held on March 5, 2011 have all expressed the same sentiment..."Can't Wait"...
more
19-09-2010
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club wrapped up another big season with a successful Presentation Night held at the home of its major sponsor, Hay Service Club on Saturday evening.
The evening attracted a ‘full house’ with over 220 Players, officials and supporters attending to pay tribute to the athletes of the Club who provided the followers of the code with many memorable on field occasions.
more
19-09-2010
Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has acknowledged the outstanding contribution Michael Johnston made to Rugby League in this community, by inductee him into the Club's Hall of Fame.
The induction was announced by Club President Donald Payne before a packed house at the Annual Presentation Night last Saturday.
more
17-09-2010
The Legends keep lining up for the David Reid All Stars match to be played at Hay Park Oval against the Hay Magpies on March 5.
It has now been confirmed that former Australian Coach Ricky (Sticky) Stuart has agreed to be part of the Football Festival which is set to attract record crowds to Hay, and be the perfect springboard for the Club's entry into Group 20 as a fully fledged body.
more
12-09-2010
The Magpies LeagueTag team was beaten by the champion Leeton Greens team by 6 tries to 3, in a match that featured the silky skills of Leeton’s Erin Bonetti and Magpies Rachael Pearson, the pace of Hay’s Luci Lugsdin and the Greens Gabe Hurst, and the will to win by both teams as they turned on a great exhibition for the large crowd.
The Leeton side has played in all LeagueTag Grand Finals contested in Group 20, and Sunday’s premiership win was the Greens third in succession.
more
12-09-2010
The Magpies are the Group 20 Under 18 Premiers following a well executed win over minor Premiers Griffith Waratah Tigers at Griffith Rugby Oval on Sunday.
The Magpies team was sent onto the paddock with a plan involving “Defence, Discipline and Determination” and running their bigger opponents around.
more
10-09-2010
Press coverage of the LeagueTag Grand Final between Hay Magpies and Leeton Greens indicate what we all know. This is going to be a match to be seen.
Leeton looking for a Three-peat of LeagueTag success in Group 20.
more
08-09-2010
The Magpies are chasing a premiership double when its Under 18 and League Tag girls compete in the XXXX Group 20 Grand Finals at Griffith Rugby Oval (opposite the Leagues Club) on Sunday.
Both teams are in with good chances. The Under 18s play Griffith Waratah Tigers, LeagueTag up against the champion Leeton Greens.
more
05-09-2010
The Hay Magpies Under 18 and LeagueTag team recorded memorable victories in the preliminary finals played at Wade Park Yenda on Sunday.
The Senior side was eliminated by minor Premiers Yenda in a match where the full time score of 34-18 did not tell the full story,
more
03-09-2010
The Hay Magpies stocks have received a huge boost on the eve of the preliminary finals with four of the Club’s champions achieving recognition at the Group 20 Awards Night held at Griffith Leagues Club on Friday Night.
The Club had four players invited to the function, and the four were each acknowledged as the best in their competitions.
more
29-08-2010
The three Magpie team secured wins in the elimination semi finals at Ron Crowe Oval West Wyalong on Saturday to win spots in the Grand Final Qualifiers at Wade Park Yenda next Sunday.
The Magpies – Yenda Under 18 match produced another epic encounter between two evenly matched teams before the young Magpies snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a thrilling try in the dying moments.
In LeagueTag, the Magpies turned in what coach Neil Nisbet described as ‘their best effort of the season’ with a 4-0 shut out of the very good Yenda team, in a physical match.
In the seniors match, the Magpies produced a courageous effort to thump Leeton 34-12 after leading 18-12 at half time.
more
22-08-2010
The Magpies teams suffered defeats in the Qualifying semi finals at Leeton Sportsground on Sunday, and will join the LeagueTag girls in elimination semifinals matches at West Wyalong next Saturday, in an effort to keep their season alive.
more
18-08-2010
Rachael Pearson and Beau Dunne topped the list of point scorers in the League Tag and Under 16 competitions
Rachael crossed for 22 tries for 88 points in just 13 games, and Beau managed to score 20 points from 3 tries and 4 goals.
more
18-08-2010
Ryan Gash, the goal kicking centre in the Under 18 team, finished as the Club's top point scorer with a neat 100 points recorded in the home and away series.
Jamie Woods and Jermaine Dixon both scored 96 in Seniors, with Jermaine crossing for 24 tries.
more
15-08-2010
The Hay Magpies had a mixed day when it hosted Griffith Waratah Tigers at the Park Oval on Sunday.
The match was the final game in the home and away series and the Club will be represented by three teams in the final series. The Senior team finished in third position despite the loss, the Under 18 side was runner-up to Waratah Tigers, while the League Tag, finished third on competition points with Yenda, but fourth on the ladder with a worse percentage.
more
12-08-2010
MARK Tookey admits he can't say no.
That's why when he was asked by Underwood businessman, Ken Beissel the former National Rugby League star to play in his Cavalier All Stars team, he couldn't say no.
more
11-08-2010
The Kapooka Military Band will March at the Hay Park Oval on Sunday, before the start of the Under 18 'top of the table' clash between Griffith Waratah Tigers and Hay Magpies, entering the Oval at 12.30 pm, and doing a lap before moving on to a concert at the Hay War Memorial High School "Spirit of Anzac' Hay for a concert.
more
08-08-2010
The Hay Magpies Senior and Under 18 teams have moved into the ‘top three’ of the respective competitions with solid, but very hard fought wins over Leeton Greens at Leeton Oval on Sunday.
The Under 18 team was strong against a committed Leeton side and ran out winners 14-4, while the Senior side, despite slackening off at the closing section of the match took out the points of offer to win the game 24-22.
more
03-08-2010
Just when you thought you wouldn’t hear another big name committing to the 2011 Pie in the Sky trial match between David Reid Homes All Stars and the Hay Magpies Invitational team…along comes another.
D R H General Manager Ken Beissel has organised the doyen of referees, Billy Harrigan to officiate in the match.
more
01-08-2010
Hay Magpies bounced back from the loss to West Wyalong last Sunday to record a 50-14 victory over Darlington Point Roosters at the Park Oval last Sunday.
It was the first time the Magpies have hit the half century in Group 20, and it came on a day that was windy and cold – ideal for hot pies, and hot football.
more
31-07-2010
Following quickly upon the securing of Big Mal Meninga as captain of the Cavalier All Stars team, Ken Beissel has confirmed the availability of All Time great Laurie Daley for the Pie in the Sky match to be played at the Hay Park Oval on March 5, 2011 against a Hay Magpies Invitational team.
more
28-07-2010
David Reid Homes CEO, Ken Beissel, has advised that Australian Rugby League great and current coach of the Queensland Maroons record breaking State of Origin team, Mal Meninga has made himself available to captain the Cavalier AllStars team to play at Hay Park Oval on March 5, 2011.
The availability of Mal adds to the growing list of players who will be travelling to the town for the match against a Hay Magpies Invitational side in the Pie in the Sky match for 2011.
more
26-07-2010
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club "Pie in the Sky" is starting to take flight. What a huge weekend for sport in the bush, the economy of Hay, the game of Rugby League. The 'Who's who of the code" will be attending. Mark it down, March 5.. Ken Beissel's David Reid Homes All Stars (coached by Arthur Beetson) against the Hay MAGPIES Invitational side...
25-07-2010
The sin-binning of Hay Magpies captain and star player, Jamie Woods, in the closing ten minutes proved to be the turning point in the teams fortunes against West Wyalong Mallee Men at Ron Crowe Oval on Sunday.
The Magpies had fought back from a 10-6 half time deficit to hold an 18-10 lead coming into the back end of the match before Woods raised the ire of referee match officials and was sent to the sin bin to cool his heels.
It was the Hay captain’s fourth stint in the cooler this season for dissent, and on twice of those occasions the team has sacrificed winning positions to end up losing the match.
more
18-07-2010
The Pie in the Sky clash between Hay Magpies and Yenda Blueheelers is to be telecast on The Barefoot Rugby League Show next Wednesday night at 7.30 pm on NITV (Austar) and Imparja.
The Barefoot Rugby League Show was most impressed with the excitement and interest the day generated.
more
18-07-2010
Hay Magpies made heavy work of defeating Griffith Black and Whites in a lack lustre game played at the Park Oval on Sunday.
The game lacked the normal atmosphere of a "Sunday in the Park", with the Griffith Club not fielding teams in the Junior Grades (18s and 16s), and as a result crowd figures were down.
The match never rose to great heights, with the Magpies failing to go on with the job when they had the visitors at their mercy.
more
11-07-2010
The cream of talent within the Hay Magpies ranks rose to the top on Sunday, with the Magpies fighting hard to score a 36-32 win over last placed Yanco Wamoon at Berri Oval Yanco.
The unavailability of the players forced the Magpies to deep into its Under 18 ranks for replacements. Dig deep, and the Club dug well. The bench at kick off time would have been lucky to have a player who has yet started shaving.
more
04-07-2010
The Hay Magpies ‘Pie in the Sky Weekend’ proved, once again, to be one of the town’s premier Sporting events,
A huge crowd defied the cold conditions at the Park Oval on Saturday evening to watch the Magpies fight back from a 14-0 deficit to defeat the competition leaders Yenda, 36-24.
more
01-07-2010
The Hay Magpie family is sad this week, sad and shocked at the news that one of its mates, one of its ex-players, Luke Willis, was gunned downed, along with his younger brother Sam, in a double murder in Newcastle.
The newspaper reports on the murder indicate that Luke and Sam had been in dispute with a neighbour about noise coming from a Party some time ago.
more
01-07-2010
There would not be any Rugby League player in the Magpies Club over the past 50 years who does not know Billy Baird, and his remarkable achievements for the community of Hay Bill, has been honoured by the Australian Government, with an announcement in the Queen's Birthday Honours list that he has been awarded the Order of Australia.
26-06-2010
Pie in the Sky weekends have become a feature of the Hay Sporting scene, much anticipated by sports followers and the community of Hay.
The way the fans - and the Clubs of Group 20 - have embraced the concept
has ensured it success.
The Club in Hay is as strong as it has ever been.
more
25-06-2010
1972 was a great year for the Hay Magpies Rugby League Club – one of its most successful years on record, and it co-incided with the Centenary Celebrations of the Hay Shire.
The Magpie Club was booming. Under the direction of one of the all time greats, Billy (Bunter) Curtis, the Hay Club bristled with talent, both experienced and up and coming. Some of the most sensational players to pull on the Black and Whites.
The Club had special talent, with a fantastic reserve grade squad, and enough depth to field a third grade team on Grand Final day for another ‘unofficial title’.
more
22-06-2010
The Club, through its major Promotions co-ordinator Ken Beissel, is looking at bringing a team sponsored by Cavalier Developments to Hay to play against either a Hay Magpies team – or a Group 20 representative team in a pre-season trial.
The date proposed is the weekend prior to the commencement of the NRL season (late February).
more
20-06-2010
The Hay Magpies had its opportunities, but failed to put a strong TLU team away when it had the chance and paid the price, going down 40-30 at Hillston Stan Peters Oval on Sunday.
The Magpies once again came up against a Shark team laden with the stars that has the TLU team holding an equal share of the competition lead in First Grade.
more
06-06-2010
Griffith Waratah Tigers ended the Magpies sequence of six straight wins with a convincing 36-26 victory at Griffith ExServicemen’s Oval on Sunday.
The loss has elevated the Tigers over Hay in the close competition, with the Magpies dropping back to third position on the ladder.
The match was played tough - but fair - a huge contrast to the disgraceful exhibition put on in the Under 18 match
more
30-05-2010
The Hay Magpies moved to the top of the ladder with a hard fought 20-10 victory over Leeton Greens on a heavy Hay Park Oval on Sunday.
The win topped off a great day at the Park Oval, where, to use a well worn cliché` - Rugby League was the winner.
From the start of the sixteens match until full time of the seniors, spectators were kept enthralled by the toughness of each game and the skills on display.
more
23-05-2010
The Hay Magpies Senior team put a 'testy' week behind it score a come from behind 32-18 win over Darlington Point/Coleambally Roosters at Darlington Poit Sportsground on Sunday.
The team was rocked by the sudden ‘retirement’ of captain Jamie Woods on Friday night, and the omission of prized recruit Kevin Lyons from the starting line-up after he failed to attend training last week.
more
19-05-2010
Former internationals Jason Croker and Quentin Pongia are fired up and ready to play for the Magpies in the 5th Annual Pie in the Sky match to be played against Yenda Blueheelers at the Park Oval on Saturday July 3.
Both players agree that the Pie in the Sky concept, first conceived by former Magpie coach Ken Beissel and the Cavalier Developments organisation, is a tremendous boost for Country Rugby League.
more
16-05-2010
The Hay Magpies Senior team overcame a huge penalty count, and playing 50 minutes of the game a man short - to record its fourth straight victory with a convincing 22-8 win over West Wyalong Mallee Men at the Park Oval.
more
12-05-2010
The Magpies senior side recorded its third straight victory in the 2010 competition with a comfortable 32-20 victory over Grand Finalist Griffith Black and White at the Griffith Rugby Oval last Sunday.
The Magpies went into the match without inspirational captain Jamie Woods who was out injured, but scored six tries to three in a dominant display.
Dynamic half back Jermaine Dixon continued on his try scoring way, notching his fourth double in as many games and turning in another "Man of the Match" performance.
more
02-05-2010
The round of matches at the Park Oval on Sunday against Yanco Wamoon provided the Hay Magpies Club with its first clean-sweep at home in Group 20, with success in the four matches contested.
The games were played in very warm unseasonal conditions, and before another good crowd. Hay fans love their Magpies through thick and thin, but especially when they are winning, and Sunday's matches had them providing plenty of smiles.
more
25-04-2010
A quicker - and smarter - Hay Magpies Rugby League team bounced back from the 68-16 shellacking handed out by TLU in the opening round of Group 20, to record a strong 38-24 victory over Yenda Blueheelers at Wade Park Yenda on Saturday.
more
19-04-2010
Nathan Beissel, the 15 year-old-son of former Hay Magpies coach Ken Beissel, has signed a three year contract with NRL Club Wests Tigers with the Club holding an option for the fourth.
Nathan is regarded as hot prospect in Queensland Junior circles, having been on a scholarship with the Canberra Raiders for the past two seasons, and under the scrutiny of talent scouts who have watched him play and train, and generally taken notice of his personality and the way he conducts himself.
more
19-04-2010
The Magpies will be in action on Saturday, travelling to Wade Park Yenda for four games against the strong Yenda Blueheelers Club.
The Hay team had the bye last weekend, giving the players time to reflect on their efforts in the opening round of the XXXX Group 20 Rugby League competition against TLU at the Park Oval.
more
11-04-2010
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club got a taste of what life will be like in first Grade in Group 20 when its senior team was on the end of a 68-16 walloping at the hands of Tullibigeal/Lake Cargelligo Sharks at the Park on Sunday.
The Sharks fielded a side full of first graders and the slickness of the team, couple with aggression in both attack and defence was too much for the Magpies to overcome.
more
05-04-2010
Sunbury Tigers retained the Ben Roarty Cup with a convincing win over the Hay Magpies in a trial match played in Sunbury on Saturday afternoon, however the Magpies LeagueTag girls confirmed what everyone has been saying about them - they will be big improvers in 2010.
The LeagueTag girls scored a 14-0 victory (eight tries) over Sunbury, displaying a crisp brand of running Tag, and backing it up with strong defence.
more
31-03-2010
For the football fans and players, the long off season is over. The Magpies take on TLU Sharks at the Park Oval on Sunday in the Group 20 opening round of matches.
It seems like an eon since John Payne plunged over for the score equaling try in the Group 20 Reserve Grade Grand Final, and the surreal moment when Jamie Woods coolly potted the conversion to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and bring the Toby Blunt Premiership Trophy to Hay.
more
28-03-2010
Former Canberra Raider and New Zealand Test star, Quentin Pongia, is set to join with Jason Croker, and another yet unconfirmed "big name" in the Hay Magpies Annual Pie in the Sky match against Yenda at the Hay Park Oval on Saturday, July 3.
more
04-03-2010
Group 20 season will commence on April 11, with the Magpies drawn to meet Tullibigeal/Lake Cargelligo United at the Park Oval in the opening round.
Pie in the Sky weekend will be held on Saturday July 3. The Magpies AWAY games against Yenda will also be played on a Saturday (April 24).
A general bye will be held on the Queen's Birthday weekend - June 13
more
02-03-2010
Wendell Sailor has made himself unavailable for the Magpies Pie in the Sky match after being rated a 99.9% certainty to play.
The dual international said his media duties will prevent him for playing and expressed disappointment at not being available.
more
28-02-2010
The old saying "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noon day sun", has nothing on the love the Hay sporting public has for its Magpie Rugby League Club.
Not even 40mm of rain in about three and a half hours could stop them from flocking to the Park Oval on Saturday night for the team's first hit out of the season.
The Magpies came up against Narrandera Lizard team which gave a good account of itself in an impressive display.
more
27-02-2010
Former Magpie coach and CEO of Cavalier Developments, Ken Beissel has been the driving force behind the Hay Magpies Annual Pie in the Sky promotions, but this year he set to pull off the big one.
Ken is in final discussions with two of the highest profile names in Rugby League to wear the Magpies colours against 2009 Clayton Cup champions Yenda on Saturday July 3.
It will be "Welcome to Hay Magpies – superstars Wendell Sailor and Jason Croker.
more
23-02-2010
Keep up-to-date with the news from the Junior Rugby League Club by clicking onto the website Rugby League Club by clicking on to the Clubs website
http://www.haymagpiesjrl.leaguenet.com.au
The Junior Club is a wonderful nursery for the Senior Club with teams ranging from Under 7 up to Under 14s with the addition of Leaguetag for 2010.
22-02-2010
Hay Branch of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia has sponsored training shirts for the Magpies Under 16 and LeagueTag teams for the 2010 season
more
20-02-2010
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club will have its first hit out of the season when it takes on Narrandera Lizards at the Park Oval on Saturday night.
The match is set down to kick off at 7 pm, and will be preceded by a LeagueTag game with the Magpies Ladies squad up against a mixture of the Magpies Under 16 and Under 18 squads.
more
10-02-2010
Hay Magpies Rugby League Club defence of the premiership it won in 2009, is starting to take shape. The Club has been in training since the end of October, and most of the senior players will play the first round of matches in good condition.
The Club held its Sponsors and Registration Night at the Park Oval Complex last Friday night (February 13) with a great roll up of players, supporters, officials and sponsors.
more
09-02-2010
The Small Change for a Big Change Money Box stickers have arrived - prepared for the Club, free of charge, by Magpies Old Boy, Ian Fraser.
more
31-01-2010
The Hay players who took part of the Riverina Rugby League Academy a trial against Melbourne Storm at Greenfield Park Albury on Saturday, sweltered in the heatwave conditions.
In weather more suited for a day at the beach with the temperature gauge hitting 39 degrees, players from both sides put in strong display, and the quality of play was outstanding.
The Magpies had three players in the Riverina squads.
more
28-01-2010
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club's tradition of attracting outstanding players to play in the Annual Pie in the Sky matches will continue in 2010 with former international Jason (Toots) Croker confirming his availabilty for the match - to be played against Yenda Blueheelers on Saturday July 3..
more
25-01-2010
Promising Hay forwards Corey Harrison and Hola Fitekefu will be part of the Riverina Academy of Sport team which will take on the Melbourne Storm SG Ball Squad in a trial match to be played at Greenfield Park, Albury on Saturday January 30 commencing at 12.30 pm.
more
24-01-2010
Wow!, what a response to the call to join the "Small Change for Big Change" fund raising drive to prop up the Club's Future Fund as it prepares for the 2011 season.
more
24-01-2010
The Hay Magpies Leaguetag team has worked very hard during the off-season under coaches Mark Payne and Neil John Nisbet in an effort to improve fitness and skills and reach another level in the Group 20 competition.
more
18-01-2010
The Magpies Rugby League Club is asking the community of Hay to get behind the organisations plans to step up into First Grade Group 20 next season, by making a commitment of pledging just two dollars per week to the Club.
Interested persons will be provided with a money box in which to deposit just $2 every week for the next 12 months in the Club's 'Small Change for Big Change' program.
more
17-01-2010
The Magpies build up towards the 2011 entry into Group 20 first grade moved a step forward with the Club holding a ‘brain storming’ session last Sunday discussing ideas to give the organisation a solid foundation on which to build its future.
Twenty interested hand picked Magpie supporters attend the meeting, and split into four groups to put forward ideas for consideration by the 2010 committee.
Magpie President Donald Payne said the meeting was very fruitful and some great ideas for fundraising and promoting the Club came to the fore.
more
15-01-2010
by Peter (Parra) Montgomery
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has taken its first steps towards its move to First Grade in Group 20 in season 2011 by signing former Leeton centre Kevin Lyons to a two year contract.
more
26-12-2009
The Hay Junior Rugby League Club status as an "Everyday Legend" organisation, has been confirmed after it has been named as one of the top five winners of the NRMA/Rebel Sports Everyday Legends" competition.
A further bonus was announced during the past week with NRMA confirming the Club's entry attracted the most 'registered supporters'.
more
13-12-2009
Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has confirmed its coaching arrangements for the 2010 season, and has announced the continuation of the Hay Services Club as its major sponsor.
The early finalisation of the important posts enables the Club to focus on preparation on its defence of the
Premiership won in the Group 20 Reserve Grade competition last season.
more
01-11-2009
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has re-signed Ian Woods, as its coach for the 2009 season.
In making the announcement, Club President Don Payne said Woods had done a great job with the team in winning the Club’s first Group 20 premiership, and he was a popular choice for the players.
more
27-10-2009
Don Payne was appointed President of the Hay Magpies Rugby League Club for the 2010 season, replacing retiring President Ron Gash who did not seek re-election.
Gash was later elected as Junior Vice President after Tom Bush gained the Senior Vice President’s job after a ballot with Gash.
It will be Payne's eighth term as President, having previously served in the position in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004, 2005 2006, 2007, 2008.
more
16-10-2009
H E L P the Junior Magpies in its quest for a sports grant from NRMA and Rebel Sports.
The two organisations have made $150,000 available to sporting bodies (Clubs, Schools and Individuals) to apply. The Hay Junior Magpies were one of the first to lodge an application, but the application needs the support of everyone to make it succeed.
more
12-10-2009
The Junior Rugby League Club has applied to NRMA for a grant to assist it in the purchase of sporting equipment to assist it to continue to survive.
Please look up the webpage, and join up as a supporter of the application.
http://www.nrmalegends.com.au/index.html?
30-09-2009
It always happen. Someone who has given his all to the Club usually slips under the guard, and when the compliments are being handed out, that person is forgotten.
It happened this year to a bloke who has given his all in 2009 - Arnie Deacon. But let me assure Arnie, that neither his work for the Club, and his passion for Rugby League was under estimated by the Committee, the players or the supporters.
For them Arnie will always be the bloke who is 'there' when he is wanted.
more
29-09-2009
The Hay Junior Rugby League Club had a fantastic conclusion to its 2009 season with a jam packed crowd at the Annual Presentation Night held at the Hay Services Club.
Highlight of the evening was the bestowing of Life Membership of the organisation on Donna and Dean Whitehead.
more
20-09-2009
Ben Roarty was a fantastic achiever for Rugby League in a career that spanned over 200 games in the NRL and English Super League, and the past season as a playing member of the Hay Magpies first ever premiership winning team in Group 20.
Ben has completed the double of a premiership with the Storm - a victory secured in the last minute, and a Magpies win also secured in the final moments.
He has penned a story on his experiences - it is well worth the read.
more
20-09-2009
Hay Magpies premiership winning captain Jamie Woods capped of a sensational season by being named the Club's Player of the Year for 2009.
It was one of six awards collected by Jamie with the outstanding five eight name Outstanding back, Seniors Player of the Finals, Players Player and Leading Point Scorer.
Dylan Whitehead (Under 16), Keira McCarthy (LeagueTag) and Lloyd Schulz were winners of the Player of the Year Awards in other grades.
more
20-09-2009
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has inducted 1959 Premiership Captain/coach Laurie Foley into its Hall of Fame.
Laurie becomes the fifteenth member of the Hall of Fame which was instituted after the Player of the Century Night in 2004.
more
16-09-2009
See the Grand Final shots in the photo gallery
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13-09-2009
The 2009 Magpies team exhibited it fantastic Club spirit and work ethic to snatch victory in the dying stages of the Group 20 Grand Final on Sunday. A sensational sideline conversion by team skipper Jamie Woods enabled the Magpies to snare its first premiership victory in Group 20
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12-09-2009
As Grand Final fever hits Hay and the Magpies Club, it is time to reflect on what has enabled the team to get into a position where it can emulate the feats of the past twelve premiership teams, and notch another one up for the Proud Magpies Club.
The 19 players who play in the Grand Final will be representing the huge effort from everyone associated with the Club in getting the chance.
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12-09-2009
Do you think a Magpies Team of the Decade would be well received and create interest.
Who would be the Player of this decade (2000-2009). Cast you vote in the Poll Question located in the right sidebar.
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12-09-2009
Hay Junior Rugby League President DONNA LEE WHITEHEAD has been nominated for a Country Rugby League "Women in League Award" with the One Community....
Donna has been President of the Hay Junior Rugby League Club since 2001.
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11-09-2009
Hay Magpies selectors have named a squad of 19 players to take on Griffith Black and Whites at the Rugby Oval Griffith on Sunday in the Grand Final
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09-09-2009
The Grand Final Program notes have been submitted.
They have been posted on the Full Page....see right hand side bar...
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08-09-2009
Messages of good will and best wishes to the team have been received.
Email "Good Luck" messages to me
parapete@aapt.net.au and I will put them on the webpage.
04-09-2009
Hay Magpies coach Ian Woods can lay claim to be the 'quiet achiever' behind the teams on field success in 2009.
He has built up a good side, using his connections to attract outstanding players to pull on the Magpies jumper, and he has managed to keep the side together and concentrating on winning.
The side has surpassed everyone's expectations - i.e apart from the true believers.
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03-09-2009
The selectors face a tough task of naming the Grand Final team for the match at the Griffith Rugby Oval on Sunday September 13.
The expected return of Semisi Bale adds further pressure to the tasks. Bale is, or should be, an automatic selection if he is given a medical clearance. He has trained solidly with the team since injuring his hand five weeks ago.
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03-09-2009
If you are looking for inspiration in life, look no further than the Magpies President Ron Gash.
It is amazing that he still alive, let alone being a fantastic worker for the Club and the code of Rugby League.
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31-08-2009
Hay Magpies amazing veteran Danny Byrnes has won the Country Rugby League Player of the Week,and the Magpies Club is the recipient of a $1000 grant, courtesy of AAMI for being the Country Rugby League Club of the Week.
The announcements were made by Ray Hadley during his broadcast of the NRL match last Sunday.
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31-08-2009
The Hay Magpies first appearance in a Group 20 Grand Final at Griffith Rugby Oval on Sunday September 13 is an event NOT to be MISSED.
It is a history making day for Rugby League in Hay and YOUR vocal support can help the team get over the line.
It is going to be TOUGH, but we wouldn't want it any other way.
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30-08-2009
The Hay Magpies senior side is on the verge of creating another page in the history of Hay Rugby League following its strong 30-20 win over minor Premiers Yenda in the major semi final played at Wade Park Yenda on Sunday.
The news wasn't so hot for the Under 18 team which struggled under the weight of injuries but was gallant in defeat, going down 28-16 to a hot Yanco Wamoon team at Leeton on Saturday, ending its premiership aspirations.
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25-08-2009
The Program notes for the major semi final at Wade Park Yenda on Sunday, and the elimination semi final for the 18s at Leeton on Saturday have been posted on FULL PAGE. Just click on full page in the right side bar to open the article.
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23-08-2009
The Magpies senior side moved a step closer to a Grand Final spot with a solid 32-22 win over second placed Leeton at Berri Oval Yanco on Sunday.
The win has moved the Magpies into the major semi final to be played against minor Premiers Yenda, at Wade Park Yenda next Sunday.
Meanwhile the Under 18 side was thrashed 40-10 by arch rivals Leeton in the early game, and now must beat Yanco Wamoon at Darlington Point Sportsground on Saturday to stay in the race.
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22-08-2009
Hay sporting teams know they have the whole sporting community behind them.
'Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone.
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22-08-2009
An interesting article written by Mick from Girralang appeared in an internet sports blog "The Roar". It is well worth the read - it refers to a Group 16 elimination match between Cooma Stallions and Eden...guess who gets a rap, that's right, our own Jake Whitehead who has been in great form for the Stallions, since moving to Cooma early June.
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18-08-2009
The Program notes for the Qualifying semi final against Leeton Greenies are in the FULL PAGE section...Click on Full Page in the right side bar...
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16-08-2009
The Magpies senior and Under 18 teams have finished their competitions in third place, and have booked places in the Qualifying semi finals against Leeton Greenies, at Berri Oval Yanco next Sunday.
The League Tag team finished with an honorable 1 all draw against the Yanco team, whilst the small Under 16 team crashed out to a 50-0 drubbing by a well drilled Hawks team.
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11-08-2009
See the Magpies Program notes for the last match against Yanco Wamoon at Berri Oval Yanco on Sunday on FULL PAGE ...Click on FULL PAGE on the right side bar...
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09-08-2009
The Yenda Blueheelers team stamped itself as the side to beat in the Group 20 reserve grade competition with a thumping 44-26 win over the Magpies at the Park Oval on Sunday.
Another big crowd was entertained by a great days football with tough and good skills exhibited in each of the four grades.
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08-08-2009
New photos of the Magpie Cheersquad, and photos from the Country Energy Pie in the Sky match against Darlington Point Coleambally have been placed in the photo gallery.
Thanks to Sharon Hicks, Dave Shea, Christine Huntly and Julie Matthews for the photographs.
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02-08-2009
Another five star performance by Magpie five eighth Jamie Woods highlighted the team's hard fought win over the West Wyalong Malleemen at Ron Crowe Oval on Sunday. The win topped off another good day for the Club which added wins to the Under 18 side, and the first win of the season to the battling sixteens. The League Tag girls put in another strong effort before going down 5-1 to third placed WestWyalong team.
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30-07-2009
Sharon Hicks has put together a fantastic CD capturing all the action of the Country Energy Pie in the Sky Weekend and has them for sale for just $10.
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27-07-2009
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club's fourth Pie in the Sky match was another resounding success with the game Sunday attracting an almost record 'home game' crowd to the Park Oval to see the team bolstered by former NRL stars post a 38-24 victory over a committed Darlington Point/Coleambally Roosters team.
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19-07-2009
The Hay Magpies survived what coach Ian Woods described as a test of character to score a last minute, 36-32 win over a very physical Griffith Black and Whites at the Rugby Oval Griffith on Sunday.
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09-07-2009
It has been said Deniliquin has the Ute Muster, Coffs Harbour the Big Banana, Tamworth the Country Music Festival, Parkes the Elvis Weekend, and now Hay has the Country Energy/ Pie in the Sky weekend.
Former NRL and English Super League stars will be part of the Country Energy/Hay Magpies Pie in the Sky weekend on Sunday, when Simon Woolford, Shane Millard and current Magpies star Ben Roarty join with their team mates to take on 2008 Premiers Darlington Point/Coleambally at the Park Oval.
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09-07-2009
The Hay Magpies website has attracted over 71,671 hits over the past year, giving an indication of the popularity of the Club in sporting circles.
Make sure you tell your friends about the site, and if you have any feedback on how to improve the site or further suggestions, drop me an email at
parapete@aapt.net.au
15,890 hits for the Month of August...AMAZING
05-07-2009
Another fantastic day of Rugby League at the Park Oval which saw the Hay Magpies winning run of seven, come to an end with competition leaders Leeton Greenies equalising the scores with 25 seconds left on the clock, and a conversion by Gerard Stevens to seal the victory.
The Greenies, competition leaders in all four grades, scooped the pool with four victories on the day, but Magpie supporters left the ground knowing the players had given each game their best shot.
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28-06-2009
Hay Magpies made the long trip to Lake Cargelligo for matches againt TLU and returned home with wins in each grade.
The Senior side had to fight every inch of the way before coming out 26-22 victors with centre Peni Bakinausori scoring the match winner with just three minutes of play remaining.
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21-06-2009
The Hay Magpies Rugby League team made it six wins on the trot in the XXXX Group 20 competition with another exciting display to blow away Griffith Waratah Tigers at the Park Oval on Saturday night.
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14-06-2009
To quote an old cliche` Rugby League was the winner after the XXXX Group 20 matches at the Park Oval on Sunday between Hay Magpies and Yanco Wamoon Hawks.
The Magpies emerged victorious in Under 18, League Tag and the Senior match - but not after all three games were played out to the fullest.
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14-06-2009
New photographs are regularly added to this webpage. Check out the new photos by clicking on "Gallery" in the Right hand sidebar.
Hundreds of Pie in the Sky weekend photos have been posted....
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07-06-2009
The Hay Magpies Senior and Under 18 teams confirmed they are the 'real deals' in the XXXX Gold Group 20 competition with wins over Yeanda Blueheelers at Wade Park Yenda on Sunday.
The Under 16 team extended the competition leaders before going down 26-6 and the League Tag girls were well on their way to an upset victory holding a 2-0 lead at half time before a second half surge by the home team got it out to a 5-2 victory.
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31-05-2009
The Hay Magpies had one of its best ever 'home games' since its elevation into the Group 20 competition at the start of the 2007 season.
The Senior team consolidated its position in the 'top four' with a convincing win over fourth placed West Wyalong, taking the match 36-18 after holding a 24-6 loead at half time. The Under 18 team had a thumping 34-22 win over competition leaders, and defending Premiers West Wyalong, the League Tag team hung on grimly to defeat third placed Mallemen team 2-1 and record its second victory of the season.
The Under 16 team lost its match in a high scoring game 42-34 after fighting back from an 18-6 deficit to actually hit the lead 22-18 early in the second half, before the visitors skipped away with an intercept try.
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26-05-2009
Country Energy has secured the naming rights for the Pie in the Sky Rugby League weekend to be held in Hay on 25/26th July.
The 2009 Pie in the Sky promotion will be the Club's fourth - and organisers are predicting crowd figures will surpass the previous record of $4190 set in 2007.
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25-05-2009
Hay Magpies announced its arrival into the Group 20 'top four' with a thumping 38-16 win over 2008 Premiers Darlington Point/Coleambally at Coleambally Sportsground on Sunday. The match provided the Magpies with 'back to back wins, and its best 'away from home' victory since entering Group 20 at the start of the 2007 season.
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18-05-2009
Peter Leonard, a Magpie premiership player in 1972 with the Billy Curtis coached team nicknamed The Machine, tells of what being a member of the Club meant to him.
Bill Curtis rates Peter Leonard and John Ball as two of his vital components in the sides success that season.
He turned them into 'tackling machines' who racked up big tallies in every match they played.
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17-05-2009
The Hay Magpies posted a big win over Griffith Black and Whites at the Park Oval on Sunday, taking the points 46-26 after leading 28-0 at the break.
The League Tag girls put in s super effort, pushing the very good Griffith side all the way before going down 6-2, with the visitors scoring its last try after the full time siren had sounded.
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12-05-2009
Hay Magpies officials are urging supporters to come along to the matches at the Park Oval next Sunday against Griffith Black and whites, dressed in Magpie colours, and to bring along black and white streamers.
The Magpies should be at full strength for both the Senior match and LeagueTag contest.
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10-05-2009
Former Magpie Laurie Edwards gives an account of his days with the Hay Magpies.
He started out as an under 9 player, and finished up with three senior premierships to his credit
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08-05-2009
The recently formed Old Boys Association has been a tremendous asset to the Magpies Club. Several of the members have expressed their thoughts on what it means to be a member of the Hay Rugby League Football Club.
The Magpies Club has a history all can be proud of. It has a history that goes back to the 1930s. Through the Clubs' veteran hooker Danny Byrnes and former coach Jamie (Jack) Byrnes we can see the formation of the Rugby League Club.
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05-05-2009
Leeton gave the Hay Magpies a lessons in composure and how to take advantage of opposition errors when the team met in the Group 20 Rugby League match played at Leeton Sportsground on Sunday.
In a game that was much closer than the scoreline suggests, Leeton ran out comfortable winners 52-21 over a Magpies team that punished itself with poor ball handling and silly penalties at crucial times.
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29-04-2009
A phone call from Simon Woolford this week confirmed that he and fellow Pie in the Sky players, Bryan Fletcher and Shane Millard are set to go for the Magpies in the match against Darlington Point on July 26.
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27-04-2009
The Hay LeagueTag team recorded a convincing win over TLU in the match played on the Park Oval on Sunday taking the match 8-1, but, like the previous week, faded badly in the second half.
The Magpies had established a convincing 6-0 lead by half time, but failed to go on with the job in the second half.
The team, however is still developing its structure, and coaches Dean Whitehead and Mark Payne would have been pleased with what they saw in the first half.
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26-04-2009
The Hay Magpies senior side went so close to victory over Tullibigeal Lake Cargelligo United in a torrid match in Group 20 fixture at the Park Oval on Sunday, but fell two points short of snatching a draw losing 32-30.
Another big crowd was on hand to support the Magpies, with the curtain raiser matches providing great entertainment. Anyone who went home disappointed with the value the gate entrance fee provided is hard to please.
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25-04-2009
The Old Boys Badges have been received and have been forwarded out to members who have paid their 'one off' subscription. The badges are of the same valuation. Numbers allocated do not mean anything apart from keep a track of membership.
25-04-2009
The recruitment of former NRL premiership player Ben Roarty could be the catalyst of a successful season by the Hay Magpies in Group 20 in 2009.
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23-04-2009
Over the years, the Magpies Rugby League Club has had many sets of siblings turn out for it.
Many at the same time, and some years apart. We have even had a father and son in the same team at the same time.
That achievement happened in 2008 when veteran Ronny Gash was joined by his son, Ryan, the point scoring centre from the sixteens, in the Pie in the Sky fixture at the Park Oval against Lake Cargelligo.
Other brothers who come to mind are the Andrews boys, George and Laurie, the Carvers, Philip, Ray and Paul, the Snowdens Geoff and Robert (Red), the Byrnes, Danny and Jack, the Nisbets Neil-John, Wayne and Robbie, and more recently, the Thomson boys Jesse and Caleb.
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22-04-2009
2009 represents 50 years since the great Laurie Foley led the Hay Magpies to its first Group 17 premiership win.
Laurie is regarded as the Magpies greatest ever recruit, brought to the town by the Club's astute President J V (Johnno) Johnson.
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21-04-2009
A strong desire to see their talented son John get involved in Rugby League drove Ron Hunt and his wife Ivy to set up the Hay Junior Rugby League Club in the mid sixties.
Big Ron, (not only a bloke with a big frame, but a heart to match) had made his mark as a player with the Carrathool Rugby League Club, and as an administrator with Group 17 and Country Rugby League.
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19-04-2009
Hay Magpies have opened the 2009 Group 20 Rugby League season with an impressive 24 all draw with the strong Griffith Waratah Tigers at Griffith ExServicemen Oval on Saturday.
The Magpies fielded a depleted team after the coaching staff was forced to reshuffle its selected line up with match day withdrawals due to injury, sickness and work commitments.
David King, a recruit from the Hay Cutters, was forced out of the match with a poisoned heel which resulted in him being placed in Hay Hospital on a drip; Nicholas Harrison was struck down with illness; and John Payne with a back injury
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17-04-2009
Rugby League Week 'The Mole' segement carried an item about the appearance of Bryan Fletcher and Simon Woolford for the Hay Magpies in the Pie in the Sky promotion.
The Mole said it was part of a bush initiative to get recently retired players back to the bush. I have forwarded a letter to The Mole letting it know the true facts.
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16-04-2009
Ken Beissel, who coached the Hay Magpies in 1979 - the year Club "Superstars" Neil John Nisbet and Danny Byrnes were introduced to Hay fans, has issued a challenge to the the business community to support the Magpies "Pie in the Sky" weekend.
15-04-2009
That marvellous Club man Danny Byrnes has decided to have another season with the Magpies.
He started playing for Hay 1n 1979.
Check out the photo tribute, plus other photos by clicking on photos on the right side bar.
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13-04-2009
Check out the NEW improvements made to the Website.. The Remote content and new Photo Gallery.
If you have any Magpie photos forward them to Parra -
parapete@aapt.net.au...Any photos....
09-04-2009
The Hay Magpies will commence the Group 20 Rugby League season with an away match against the strong Griffith Waratah Tigers at the Griffith ExServicemen's Oval on Saturday.
The Magpies will be competing in four grades;ÃÂÃÂ Seniors, Under 18 and Under 16 as well as LeagueTag (formerly OzTag).
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08-04-2009
Hay Magpies 'new boy' Leon Cama has been named in the Bidgee Bulls Under 18 squad to contest the Country Divisional Championships in Parkes on the weekend of April 18/19.
Leon had a great debut for Group 20 in a tri match series in Canberra last weekend to capture the attention of the representative selectors.
Cama showed Hay fans what he is capable of with a scintillating display against Sunbury in the recent trial under lights at the Hay Park Oval. Leon has pace, vision, a good step and a massive kick. Magpie fans wish him well at the Country Championships.
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05-04-2009
In one of the Hay Junior Rugby League Club's proudest days, sixteen of its players have been rewarded with selection in the Group 20 representative teams following outstanding displays at the Knockout Carnival at Hillston on Saturday.
The selection of the players provides the Club with a huge boost in its confidence as it prepares for the coming season, and confirms the quality of players coming through the ranks.
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04-04-2009
The sporting Clubs of Hay have a lot to be thankful to the Hay Shire Council for the tremendous support it provides to Hay Sport.
The Clubs and sporting bodies are provided with facilities and sporting grounds which are hard to beat in a town of comparative size.
The Hay Park Ovals No 1, 2, 3 and beyond - are in magnificient condition, maintained by the Council Parks and Garden staff.
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31-03-2009
Hay Magpie officials could hardly believe their luck when, way back in the early start of season 1969 Michael "Gooska" Johnston decided to give this game he called "Rugby" a go.
Mick had just returned to Hay after spending time in Melbourne, and overseas and had made his name as a top flight Australian Rules footballer with the famous Xavier College, a top GPS School in Melbourne.
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29-03-2009
Visiting Sunbury Rugby League team won the inaugral Ben Roarty Shield in the trial match played under lights at the Park Oval on Saturday night, but there was plenty to like from the Hay Magpies display.
The game attracted another huge crowd to the Park Oval, spectators taking advantage of a balmy autumn evening, and again demonstrating that no other sporting Club in Hay can match the drawing power of the Magpies.
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25-03-2009
On a cold, wet and miserable day in July 2007, the appearance of two of Queensland's finest, former Raiders fullback Gary Badger and Bulldogs and Bronco utility Darren Smith, warmed the hearts of the Hay Magpies faithful.
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23-03-2009
The Hay Junior Rugby League Club is looking forward to the 2009 season with much enthusiasm.
Club President Donna Whitehead said the influx of new players into the sport has introduced new families to the Club, and the social aspect of following the fortunes of their children has everyone around the place excited.
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21-03-2009
The Magpies Junior Rugby League production line is in full swing with the Club to field teams in the Under 14, Under 13, Under 12, Under 9 and Under 7 grades in the Group 20 Junior competition.
Junior club officials are delighted with the response of players to the game, and to the coaches who have put their hands up to mentor the boys in the coming season.
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10-03-2009
Group 20 Rugby League has released its draw for the 2009 season.
The Magpies start the season with a Saturday away game - versus Griffith Waratah Tigers on April 18, followed up with a home match against Tullibigeal Lakes United on April 26.
The Magpies have been allocated a Saturday match against Leeton in Round 3 on May 3rd against Leeton Greenies at Leeton Showground
The Grand Final is set down for September 13.
The Magpies bye weekends will be on May 10 and July 12.
The Pie in the Sky weekend will be against reigning Premiers Darlington Point Coleambally on July 26.
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10-03-2009
The Magpies Under 16 and Under 18 teams will play in the "WIN TV" Paul Kelly Memorial Knockout Carnival at Wade Park Yenda next Sunday.
Representative teams will be selected at the conclusion of the knockout Carnival to represent Group 20 against Group 9 in Riverina selection trials
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09-03-2009
Congratulations to John Payne on his selection as the Hay Magpies Rugby League Club nomination for the 2008 Sportsperson of the Year.
John had a great 2008 season, captaining the Under 16 team into the preliminary final of the Group 20 competition.
Early in the season he gained representative selection in the Group 20 Team, playing at 5/8th, lock and second row.
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04-03-2009
Are you interested in joining the Men of League Foundation, an outstanding organisation for ALL players, referees, coaches etc..
If you need an application form, contact Parra.
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28-02-2009
The Club has had a good response, so far, in its quest to find 20 sponsors at $300 each for the Pie in the Sky weekend. Six of the spots have been taken up in the first 24 hours of their availability.
The Club needs another 14 sponsors to commit to ensure the weekend will be another huge success, not only for the Hay Magpies Football Club, but for Group 20 Rugby League and the community of Hay.
The players, Simon Woolford, Bryan Fletcher and Shane Millard have been confirmed as starters, and there is a good chance the trio will be joined by Shaun Timmins who has expressed an interest in turning out also.
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12-02-2009
Geoff Snowdon's 1967 Premiership team heads the list of former Magpies players to join the Old Boys Association.
Ten members of the premiership squad - Snowdon, half back Derek Moriarty, five eighth Geoff Heaton, second rowers Peter Montgomery and George Andrews and hookers Mick Rutledge,centre Laurie Andrews, wingers Philip and Ray Carver had joined up.
In hearing of the intention to get the Club's Old Boys involved again, Geoff, a Magpies Hall of Fame member, said it is a great idea.
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10-02-2009
Are you an ex Magpie player? If so the Club NEEDS you to become a card carrying member. You will be added to the mailing list and kept up to date with the Clubs activities..
06-01-2009
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has nominated the weekend of 24-25-26 July as the date for the Annual Pie in the Sky Gala weekend.
Simon Woolford, Bryan Fletcher and Shane Millard with a total of over 600 senior matches in the NRL and English Super League have been confirmed as the 'guest players'.
The match will be against current Group 20 Reserve Grade Premiers Darlington Point/Coleambally.
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22-10-2008
The contribution Eddie (The Rabbit) Redfern made to football has been remarkable.
It carried him from one end of the State to the other, has involved three codes and twelve different clubs.
His football life covered 450 games - and it may surprise many that it featured more games of Rugby League than his first love Australian Rules.
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22-10-2008
The love of Rugby League and a keen desire to promote sport as a healthy community activity are just some of the attributes that have made Mossgielâs favourite son, Mick Huntly, a legend in his own lifetime.
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22-10-2008
Hay Magpies stalwart Danny Byrnes has been named as a finalist in the AAMI Service to the Community Award with the winner to be announced at a function to be held at Luna Park, Sydney on November 13.
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22-10-2008
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club has named Neil-John Nisbet as its Director of Coaching for the 2009 Group 20 season.
Neil-John will formulate the coaching strategies of the Club with his staff of Ian Woods (senior Coach), Jamie and Rene Woods (Under 18) Kevin Rosser (Under 16) with Shayne Kennedy/Sharon Kennedy having the position of OzTag coaches.
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10-10-2008
Every successful Club has them. The real characters who helped create a sporting Club, the memories and the laughs - and tears - that endear the Clubs into the hearts of the players and supporters who pass through.
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09-10-2008
I arrived in Hay on June 20, 1966 to take up a clerical appointment at the Hay Lands Department and it did not take long to make new friends in Hay.
On my first at the Land Board Office, I took the office banking to the Bank of NSW (Westpac) and met Fred Hobbs, who was heavily involved with the Hay Magpies, having coached the team in 1965.
That meeting with Fred proved to be a big turning point in my life, and the key to what was to become a strong connection with Rugby League in the Bush
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08-10-2008
Robert (Bert) Matthews had a mighty career with the Magpies,a career that saw him named thrice as the Club Player of the Year and make it a 'daily double' by winning the Group 17 Player of the Year on the same occasion in the seasons 1982, 1985 and 1988
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08-10-2008
The Rugby League Clubs in Hay - the Senior and Junior Clubs - are being well managed due to the dedication of the many young families who are keen to see the sport thrive.
Donna and Dean Whitehead, and Liz and Bert Matthews, are just two such families who are putting back to ensure the Magpies succeed.
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07-10-2008
This section contains correspondence on articles appearing on this website.
Feel free to provide any feedback on Rugby League matters. Email items to me at
parapete@aapt.net.au..
06-10-2008
John Curtis, like older brother Bill, played a big part in helping to mold the Hay Magpies Rugby League Club into one of the great Clubs in Country Rugby League.
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03-10-2008
It seems like it happened just yesterday, but, did you know, it is over 18 years since Andrew Mabon suffered a football injury that turned his whole world upside down.
On April 7, 1991, Andrew was badly injured at Sahara Oval Ivanhoe, competing for the Hay Magpies in the Group 17 Knockout Carnival.
Whilst effecting a tackle on a Goolgowi opponent , he fell the wrong way and ended up an incomplete quadriplegic.
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01-10-2008
A major injury worry to a mate, rather than a football incident stands out as a memorable happening in the football careers of the Nisbet brothers, Neil-John and Wayne who gave the Magpies wonderful service over a couple of decades
01-10-2008
Bill and John Curtis - the remarkable brothers - helped create a dynasty with the Hay Magpies Rugby League Club.
Their ability and knowledge of the game went a long way to developing some of the greatest players who have ever played for the Club.
This is the Bill Curtis story, with John Curtis chapter to follow next week.
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30-09-2008
The Hay Magpies Legends Hall of Fame inductees two new members each year, the induction is conducted at the Presentation Night each year.
So far, 14 ex players have been included. The first inductions were made at the 2004 "Team of the Century" function.
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28-09-2008
Hall of Fame inductee Geoff Snowdon has sent the Club an email saying how much he was impressed with the Presentation Night and the community spirit that is alive and well in the Club.
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28-09-2008
If you ever wonder why the Hay Magpies Rugby League Club is doing so well, don't look past its leadership.
What a great asset Donald Payne is for the Hay Magpies Rugby League Club.
To use an Australianism - "A Bloody Gem".
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28-09-2008
Champion second row forward, Will Sullivan, capped another dominant Rugby League season for the Hay Magpies by being named its Player of the Year for the second successive year.
Sullivan (120 votes) finished 15 clear of Shayne Kennedy (105), with rookie half back Jermain Dixon (79) in third position.
The Senior Player Vote Count was just one of the many highlights at the function held at the Hay Services Club on Friday night attended by 150 players and supporters.
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27-09-2008
The Hay Magpies Rugby League Club inducted two new members into its Hall of Fame, with Danny Byrnes and Geoff Snowdon becoming the 13th and 14th members of the exclusive Club.
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20-09-2008
The Hay Junior Club conducted a very well attended Presentation Night at the Services Club on Friday Night to pay tribute to the future champions of the Hay Magpies.
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18-09-2008
The Hay Magpies Club has submitted a nomination for consideration as the Telstra NRL "One Community" Grass Roots Club of the Year Award.
Nominations have also been made for Juniors President, Donna Whitehead for Women in League (Amateur), and Danny Byrnes for the AAMI
Community Achiever" Award.
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10-09-2008
Email received concerning barracking at matches.
Keep the emails coming if you have any comment to make on any aspect of the game.
Send to
parapete@aapt.net.au.
08-09-2008
Hay Magpies players efforts during the 2008 season were acknowledged at the Group 20 Awards Night held at Griffith Leagues Club on Friday, September 5.
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08-09-2008
Hay Magpies Under 16 team attempt to become a Grand Finalist in Group 20 came to an end on Sunday when the side was comfortably beaten 34-12 by Leeton at Ron Crowe Oval West Wyalong.
Leeton scored six tries to the Magpies three, with fullback Damian Roden converting five from his six shots,whilst the normally reliable Ryan Gash was off target for the Magpies missing with his three shots
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04-09-2008
Interested in posting a comment. Send your email to me and I will look at putting them on the board.
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02-09-2008
When you think about people achieving plenty for their Community, Hay Magpies amazing veteran Danny Byrnes would be one of the first to come to mind.
Danny is achieving great things for the Community, firstly in his role as a Drought Support Worker with the Department of Primary Industries, and secondly with his appearances with the Magpies Rugby League Club.
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02-09-2008
Interested in enjoying real country hospitality, mixing with great people and being a part of one of the truly terrific Clubs in Country NSW.
Consider coming to Hay. A place where sport is sport, fun is fun, and great people.
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31-08-2008
The Hay Magpie U16 Rugby League team continued its march towards a Group 20 premiership by defeating Yenda 22/16 in the minor semi final played at Wade Park, Yenda on Saturday.
The young Magpies will play Leeton Greens at Ron Crowe Oval, West Wyalong next Sunday for the right to meet undefeated minor Premiers Griffith Waratah Tigers in the Grand Final.
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27-08-2008
Let's dream big, let's dream positive, let's be determined and committed.
Let's not forget our values and ethics, Let's be firmly grounded to our roots, and let success follow us.
Let the Magpies continue to be an important part in the Hay community by always doing its best both on and off the field, adhering to the true ideals of sport.
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26-08-2008
Magpies history from 1978 up until 2007. Dare to Dream"..the Club is on the cusp of an new and promising era.
25-08-2008
Dynamic Under 16 pivot John Payne has lifted the bar on try scoring for the Magpies, scoring a hat trick for the fourth time this season to lift his tally to 27, eclipsing the record of 25 scored by former Magpies winger Fred (Former Frog) Scott during the 1972 season.
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25-08-2008
A late try scored by lively hooker Mitchell Rosser has enabled the Magpie Under 16 team to create its own piece of history, by becoming the first Hay side to contest a Group 20 semi final match.
The try enabled the Magpies to snatch the lead in the final five minutes of play and go on an record a 29/24 victory in the qualifying final.
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22-08-2008
It has been talked about for years, and everyone is keen to get it off the ground that is an Old Boys Association to show support to the Club we have all loved to have been a part of.
What's that old saying - "Once a Magpies, Always a Magpie
22-08-2008
By Peter (Parra) Montgomery
The Magpies had good service from its experienced players. Co-Captains Will Sullivan and Matt Price were consistent performers throughout 2008.
All players were improved on 2007 efforts, and the future looks very bright.
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21-08-2008
By Peter (Parra) Montgomery.
There can be no doubt that the Magpies team in 2008 improved greatly on the results the Club achieved in 2007 in the Group 20 competition.
Even though the team won just one more game than it managed in its inaugural season, it was competitive in most games.
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18-08-2008
The Hay Magpies Rugby League team concluded its 2008 Group 20 season with a 46-16 loss to Yenda Blueheelers at Wade Park Yenda on Sunday, with the full time score not a true indication of the closeness of play.
The Magpies were well in the game at half time at 16 all, before Yenda opened up a match winning break midway through the second half, scoring five unanswered tries.
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10-08-2008
By Peter (Parra) Montgomery.
A five try haul by the Hay Magpies champion forward Will Sullivan highlighted the teamâs 58-26 victory over West Wyalong in the Clubâs final âhome matchâ of the 2008 season.
He led the way in a one-sided match against an under strength West Wyalong team at the Park Oval on Sunday
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04-08-2008
An injury in the last game of the season probably cost Matt Price the chance to become the first Magpie senior player to score 100 points in a season. Price was not able to add further to his season tally of 94, missing with his only shot at goal, before going off injured.
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04-08-2008
MAGPIES CALL TO ARMS DAY
The Magpies Club will be supporting the Cancer Australia's "CALL TO ARMS" highlighting "Men with Cancer" in the match against West Wyalong Mallee Men at the Park Oval on Sunday.
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04-08-2008
by Peter (Parra) Montgomery
Hay Magpies bounced back from the disappointing last minute loss to Griffith Black and Whites at its previous start to hang on for a hard fought 30-28 victory over Darlington Point Coleambally at Coleambally Sportsground on Sunday.
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15-05-2008
For the people of hot, dusty Hay in southwestern NSW, Rugby League is not just a game; its part of folklore. The people who have built their homes on the parched, treeless plains around Hay are a unique breed tough, resilient and fiercely proud, yet good humoured and quick witted. By Peter Montgomery/ John Anderson
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