About Us – Orara Valley Axemen

Club Profile

Welcome to Orara Valley Axemen

The Orara Valley Axemen can trace their roots back to when Rugby League was first played in the area. While the History of the earlier times is somewhat fragmented, moving forward to more recent times the people of the area demonstrated the resilient nature of their fore fathers(and Mothers) to reform and re-enter the Current Group 2 Competition back in 1983. From that, point on, the Club has developed a proud history including eight Grand Final appearances with three first Grade Premierships (1994, 1997, 2008). The Orara Valley Axemen are a family orientated community based club, where we believe in opportunities. In 2022 we again have a great opportunity to develop the skills of local players at the club through the appointment of Sam Burgess. A dual international, Premiership winner, Clive Churchill medallist and Club Captain of South Sydney to finish off his NRL career. In 2022 The Axemen have decided that you, our supporters, deserve to have your own number. Number 18 is the number given to those ready to take part at a moment’s notice, those that are on standby always ready to do their bit for the team. Number 18 is now the Axemen supporter’s number. We have available for purchase ( pre order until…) a Supporter Jersey. This jersey will be a lightweight material that lets you enjoy it year round not just through the cooler months. We hope you take the opportunity to purchase on and were to our game to show your support. We hope you, our beloved supporters, both previous and new are ready to enjoy a great season. See you in 2022!

First Grade Coach

Sam Burgess

A former NRL and Rugby Union player, Sam has represented his homeland, England in both codes. Sam is a Premiership winning player and a Clive Churchill Medallist, who also captained both club and country. He was known as one of rugby leagues most elite players until a shoulder injury forced him to retire at the end of 2019.

Arriving to the Orara Valley Axemen as Head Coach in 2022, his aim is not only to motivate and coach a successful team to victory, but to inspire the return of grass roots footy within the community. Sam hopes to enrich the valley with the spirit he has for the game and to make the sporting club a base for the community, to not only embrace but be proud of.

Reserve Grade Coach

Sam Hepi

Ladies League Tag Coach

Loretta Donovan

Meet Ladies League Tag Coach Loretta Donovan

In 2017, along- side my partner John Thaiday, I began my first year of involvement with the Macksville Sea Eagles RLFC as the Reserve Grade Manager; the opportunity allowed me to apply my vision and knowledge of the game to young inspiring Men. As the first Women to be part of the Group 2 Coaching Staff, it has given me confidence and have inspired other women to follow. Not only to give to others but to learn from the players and coaches themselves.

The game of Rugby League is growing at the grass-roots level, and the talent we have in the Coffs Region, is fantastic. To observe and nurture our own players and mould them into amazing Athletes is a passion of mine; mentoring young women to better themselves, to supporting and creating a positive environment for these women in particular, is a goal I intend to achieve.

This position will allow me to pass on my knowledge of sportsmanship and be a role model for these young inspiring women for the future.

Former Achievements:

• 2019- 2022 Orara League Tag Coach
• 2018 Sawtell Women’s League Tag Coach Finalists
• 2018 Assistant Coach Bulldogs Rep Team Grand Finalist
• 2108 Group 2 Coach Women’s Tackle
• 2018 Sawtell Women’s Rugby League Coach – Undefeated Winners
• 2017 Junior League Tag Manager – Finalists

• 2018 League Safe Certificate
• 2017 Macksville RLFC – Reserve Grade Manager
• 1987- 1993 Northern Eagles Touch Football Representative 4 years
• 1993 Australian School Girls Touch Football Team
• 1992-1993 NSW School Girls Touch Football Team
• Macksville High School 6 year Champions of NSW Touch Football

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Orara Valley Axemen Rugby League Football Club acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land in which we work, live and learn, The Gumbaynnggirr People. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. We acknowledge that this land is, was and always will be Aboriginal land.