AFTER weeks of gruelling training sessions in the summer heat, the Dungog Warriors men’s and ladies season commences this weekend with scheduled trial games.

Following a successful 2024 which saw the men’s side narrowly defeated in the grand final, football starts in 2025 with a trial game against the Singleton reserve grade side at Singleton on Saturday.

Returning coach Jackson Partridge is confident of a successful season, with the majority of players from the previous season retained and a sprinkling of new blood aiming to help the Warriors go one better in 2025.

The Dungog ladies league tag side, following their major and minor premiership victories in 2024, kick off the season with a trial game against Aberglasslyn on Saturday.

Following last year’s success, new coach Mia Henderson is working hard to make sure the high standards and performance of the team are maintained.

With a number of 2024 players indicating they will not be participating in 2025, Mia has indicated that there are opportunities for new players to become part of this year’s team. “With training being undertaken on Tuesday and Thursday evenings all new prospective players are welcome and encouraged to attend,” said Jason Townsend, Dungog RLFC Secretary.

President Carl Schubert is excited for another successful year and is hoping for the continued support of the loyal Dungog Warrior supporters throughout the season.

The 2025 season commences on the weekend of 5 April with the draw to be released shortly.