The Boomerangs beat the Redfern All Blacks and then Port City in the finals to win the title, with coach Chris Binge claiming it was the ideal way to start their 90th season, despite being a little unexpected.

“We only really had two regular first graders in the squad but still had a very well-balanced side,” Binge said.

“We brought up some young blokes and rewarded some of the older guys who have been doing a lot of pre-season work.

“As a club we are really focused on becoming the first club to go three straight.”

Binge was impressed by the Port City squad out of Group 3 who they had to beat twice on their way to the title.

The only side that took the Rangs down were the Wests Lions, who popped an 18-14 upset on them in the pool games before missing out on a spot in the finals by two for and against points.

The Lions and Rangs had to watch Port play Guyra to see where they would all finish after all three finished with two wins.

Port needed to beat Guyra by 24 points to qualify first, although a win by less than 10 points would spell the end of their carnival.

As it was, they won 16-4 and the Lions missed out.

Despite a few rumours of player movement and some lost stars, Binge said that, if anything, the club and first grade had gained players.

“I think we have managed to maintain everyone from the first grade squad from last year,” he said.

“That has made the club really excited to get the season underway and do something special.” The coach tried to deflect speculation they were early-season favourites.

“I know that Glen (Innes) have added a lot of players.

“They are probably favourites in my book but we are going to give ourselves the best possible chance.”

Binge was impressed by the work and physicality of pint- sized halfback Caleb McGrady.

The 17-year-old nephew of former Canterbury NRL star Ewan McGrady is already drawing similarities from the coach.

“I bet at the same age they more than just looked the same. The way he plays is a lot like his uncle.”

Veterans Craig McKenzie and Mundarrah Weldon were also impressive during the day.