Old players and committee members are set to return to Inverell on Saturday for the 2008 Highlanders first grade grand final reunion.

The boys are set to kick off celebrations at the Tatts Hotel on the Friday evening before heading down to Rugby Park on Saturday ready to cheer on all three grades.

Organiser Heath Roberts, who was vice-president in 2008, was happy to report most team members will be in town for the event.

“Three players, two of which play for Port Macquarie and one for Coffs Harbour, are playing against one another this Saturday for the grand final so they’re definitely out,” he said.

However, 2008 first grade coach Ron Walters is making the trip from New Zealand to Inverell just for the special reunion.

Roberts said the Pirates-Highlanders match up was fitting as the Pirates faced the Highlanders during the grand final clash back in ‘08.

And although he wasn’t there to witness the premiership win due to work commitments, Roberts still got the all important play-by-play.

“I was on the phone to the president at the time who relayed the last 20 minutes of the game to me. Our boys were trailing up to the last minute of the game.

“Then in the last 30 seconds they managed to score putting them in front to seal the victory. It was a hard-fought game,” he said.

A day of catching up, cheering and reminiscing with old mates will continue in the clubhouse, along with entertainment, after first grade where all are invited to attend.

“We only ever won two premierships; ‘06 and 08’ so it’s a pretty special occasion for the club,” he said.

Highlanders’ women will take the field first, followed by reserves and first grade. Both the women’s and reserves have already secured a spot in the finals.

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