They are the Goulburn Rugby Club’s most capped first-grade captains of the last 15 years. Between them they have captained 192 games for 147 wins and they’ve developed a close friendship on and off the field.

So obviously when they captain the Presidents and Invitational teams against each other at the Club’s 150^th reunion weekend, it will all be chummy, friendly and social.

Nope.

If their time on the paddock together showcased anything in was their dedication to win and to leave everything on the paddock. This match will be as keenly contested as any they’ve ever played.

They bring to the match impressive credentials.

Boyd Newby has won more games as captain with… 102 over Jackson Reardon’s 45. Reardon on the other hand has the better winning percentage, with a captaincy record of 78.95% over Newby’s 75.56%.

And for this weekend, the two have assembled two awesome squads.

“If you look at Jacko’s team, from one to six were all in this year’s first grade pack,” said Newby.

“I don’t want to throw around words like “stacked,” but it’s a pretty good side. But I think we’ve got a side that can give them a run.”

Reardon dismissed Newby’s comments as the mutterings of an aging former player.

“Boyd would have you think that he’s just assembled these guys out of the blue, but don’t think for a minute that he hasn’t picked the side he wants AND all of the first-grade off-field staff as well,” Reardon countered.

Newby does have a fairly distinguished sideline crew with Anthony White, Gary Stephens and Geoff Shepherd taking care of the squad and three-time premiership-winning coach Matt O’Rourke coaching the side.

Reardon’s team has the combination of Adam Lachlan, Abram Kara and Michael Cooke sharing coaching, managing and waterboy duties.

And spread across the teams will be a bunch of players who’ve rarely played against each other before. Sure, there’s a chance it will be hugs and cuddles, but there’s a far better chance points will be made and any grudges sorted.

It shapes to be an engrossing match, and adding to the sense of occasion will be the jumpers worn by the players.

The President’s XV, captained by Reardon will be wearing the 1957 Goulburn Rugby Jumper … White with a Blue V. The Invitational XV captained by Newby will wear the 1958 jumper… Black with a White collar. Neither replica jumpers have been struck since those times and are available to bid on at this link.

But back to the game, and who’s going to win.

“The best side,” said Newby.

“Agreed,” said Reardon.

The match starts at 2pm on 22 October at Poidevin Oval. Entry is free.

The President’s XV

Coaches: Adam Lachlan & Abram Kara
Water and hype man: Michael Cooke

1. Oscar Cunningham
2. Tim Moule
3. Henry Cooper
4. Will Mooney
5. Brad Clements
6. Matt Spratley
7. Jack Burke
8. Jayden Hunt
9. Jackson Reardon (c)
10. Mitch Cornish
11. Eric Brown
12. Dom Falk
13. Alec Palmer
14. Jacob Roberts
15. Jacob Kara
16. Josh Guymer
17. Michael McKillop
18. Lee Cargill
19. TBC
20. Josh Metz
21. Connor Minehan
22. Jeff Caldwell
23. Josh Hannan

Invitational XV

Coach – Matthew O’Rourke
Manager – Gary Stephens
Trainer/Strapper – Anthony White
Assistant Manager – Geoffrey Shepherd

1. Murray Dougall
2. Nick Tabner
3. David Hook
4. Boyd Newby (c)
5. Simon Hegarty
6. Ben Green
7. Harry Newby
8. Jordan Wilcox
9. Aiden Greaves
10. Ben Todkill
11. Josh Condylios
12. Mikael Webber
13. Nick Cornish
14. Jay Butler
15. Isaac Walker
16. Justin Benn
17. Toby White
18. Anthony Allport
19. Tyler Cornish
20. Robert Sheekey
21. Neil Gustafson
22. Anthony Yeo
23. Adam Tucker

Photos: Pete Oliver Imagery.

NOTE: No photoshopping was used to make Jackson look bigger.