A hugely successful junior rugby league season for the Giants was dealt a hefty blow this week when Moree Junior Rugby League Club’s Boughton Oval canteen and storage room was broken into for the second time this year.
Cooking and electrical equipment, an air compressor, training tees and clothing were stolen.
Display fridges loaded with stock and soft-drinks were emptied and dozens of jerseys, club uniforms and field equipment were taken.
Stock and property loss is estimated at more than $4000.
Club president Stephen Cory said two break-ins within a few months of each other was distressing, especially for the hundreds of children who play junior rugby league in Moree.
“We had nearly 300 kids signed up this year, and we expect that number and more next year, but it’s upsetting for the kids who put in so much effort throughout the season,” Cory said.
“It’s disappointing and heartbreaking to be broken into again for the second time this year.
“A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes, and to have a handful of people doing the wrong thing all the time gives our community a bad name.
“That in itself is sad, because Moree is such a great community, and a great sporting community – making so many grand-finals, and winning so many grand-finals across rugby league, rugby union and soccer is proof of that.”
Cory said thieves forced their way through a serving counter roller-door to gain entry.
He said the committee will clean up the mess caused by the thieves, who also deliberately unplugged a freezer full of bagged ice and stock.
“It’s not the end of the world and we’ll get over it, I suppose,” Cory said.
“We’re lucky to have such great sponsors helping us every year, and they’re another reason Moree is such a great community.
“But, again, it’s just so disappointing when thieves take stuff that belongs to the club, and the kids, basically.”
Cory said nothing could be taken away from the club’s incredible season, despite the break-ins.
“It’s been a great year for the Giants, with record numbers and registrations,” Cory said.
“We’ll just move forward and start building the foundation for a bigger and better season next year.
“These break-ins won’t stop us from helping the young kids in Moree and getting them down to Boughton Oval and playing rugby league on Saturday mornings.
“I’ll make sure of that – no matter what happens, a couple of break-ins won’t stop us,” he said.
Anyone with any information about the break-ins, can privately message the club’s FACEBOOK Page.
“If anyone has any information or knows anything, please let us know. It would be greatly appreciated if people can come forward, and all information will be dealt with confidentially,” Cory said.
