A new book about the history of rugby league in western and southern NSW holds a treasure trove of information – and Narromine is included!
Stories from Narromine’s footy history spanning 50 years feature in the new book “Rugby League History: Western and Southern NSW 1920-1976” by Sydney author Greg Riach.
Local rugby league legend, the late Bob Weir, and others who went on to representative honours during Narromine’s golden years, winning the Group 11 premiership six times between 1953 and 1976, find their way into the recently published book.
The Parkes-born author and TAFE teacher grew up playing rugby league at school but turned his attention to hockey, playing and coaching until the age of 31 and gaining the NSW State Hockey Umpires Badge.
Mr Riach describes his journey to write a book about rugby league as “a labour of love” that began from exploring a relative’s personal connection with the game.
“I researched the rugby league history of my brother-in-law, Dennis Finn, who played rugby league as a five-eighth in Group XI during the mid-60s through to the mid-70s,” Mr Riach told the Narromine Star.
“[Dennis] played for Parkes, Canowindra and represented Group XI and Western Division, and was a gifted footballer who remained in the bush despite offers from Sydney rugby league clubs.
“Once I started delving into the game, it was an eye-opener to find out just how important it was to rural communities and how widespread it was. Almost every town in Western and Southern NSW had their own football team.”
Rugby league has been an important part of the social fabric of rural communities including Forbes, Parkes, Eugowra, Oberon, Dubbo Macquarie, Cobar, Narromine, Cootamundra, Temora and more, Mr Riach said.
“I realised I had started a journey which made me feel I was there in the moment,” he added.
“Bob Weir was one of the greatest country rugby league players who was selected to represent Western Division, Country Firsts and NSW teams,” he said, indicating the full stories of Narromine spanning 50 years of country rugby league can be found in his book.

Copies of Mr Riach’s book, “Rugby League History Western and Southern NSW 1