By Tara Murray
Melton Broncos have taken on a new challenge, with the club fielding a side in the NRL Vic men’s first grade competition for the first time.
The Broncos have had a side in division 2 for the past four years and decided it was time to make the next step in the club’s history.
Broncos’ vice-president Brad Baker said the feedback from the club members encouraged them to take the next step.
“We had a reasonable year last year and thought this was the right direction for the club to head in,” Baker said.
“We had more numbers than we can have for one men’s team, so we decided to have a second men’s team and have a first grade team.”
It was a tough initiation to life in the first division, with the Broncos losing 30-10 to the Truganina Rabbitohs.
Baker admitted that they struggled at times during the game.
“It was a new experience for the boys and it will take some time to work out some teething problems They’re still getting a sense and feeling of playing with other.”
Photo Gallery: Melton Broncos vs Truganina Hornets
Baker said while he was unsure what the expectations were of coach Peni Amato, he said the first and main thing was to gain experience and get better each week.
“Hopefully if we play well enough we can get a finals spot.”
Baker said the development in the men’s program was reflected across all the grades. The club has players from under-6s through to senior men’s and women’s teams.
He said there had been a jump in numbers across all the grades and they were looking to add more girls teams this year.
“We’ve got a real family vibe at the club and there’s a good feeling around.”
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