UPDATE: The Oberon Tigers are poised for a historic moment as they gear up to face the Manildra Rhinos in the grand final at Tom Clyburn Oval on August 31, 2023. Just a year after stepping into the coaching position, Barlow has led the team to this pivotal match, promising a thrilling showdown.
In an exciting twist, Barlow initially fell into the coaching role after just one season as a player with the Tigers. His unexpected transition has proven fruitful as Oberon finished at the top of the ladder, defeating Manildra 22-16 earlier in the season. With their only loss coming from the Cowra Magpies, the team is riding a wave of momentum heading into the final.
Barlow, who admits he never envisioned himself as a senior coach, expressed his enthusiasm for the role. “I’ve loved every minute of it,” he stated. “When I took on coaching at the start of the year, I told the boys I would give them the tools to build the side into whatever they wanted. It’s a credit to them and their hard work.”
Sunday’s clash will be a rematch of the 2022 grand final where the Rhinos emerged victorious with a score of 34-16. This time, however, the stakes are even higher as the Tigers aim to secure their first Woodbridge Cup premiership and their first title since winning the Midwest Cup in 2020.
The team is already feeling the “grand final butterflies,” but Barlow remains optimistic. “There’s a lot of nerves there, but that’s rugby league,” he said. “If we just turn up and play our football, we should be right.”
The Tigers’ recent victory against the Molong Bulls in the preliminary final has set the stage for this historic match. With a supportive community behind them, Barlow believes that the emotional journey of the season has prepared the team for this crucial moment.
As the anticipation builds for the final, fans are encouraged to come out and support the Tigers, marking a significant chapter in the club’s rich history. “I’m sure they’ll all follow over on Sunday,” Barlow added, highlighting the strong community presence at their last game at the old home ground.
With the grand final just days away, all eyes will be on Oberon as they aim to make history. Will the Tigers emerge victorious and claim the coveted premiership? Fans and players alike are ready for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
