By Ron Wood

It’s only days now to the 2024 Caldwell Cup Carnival in Tamworth. Sean Barrett has been able to name a strong squad for this years outing. The Illawarriors have maintained their third spot rating over the last two years of Sean Barrett’s latest term as Illawarriors Coach.  

Sean's time of coaching Illawarra Rep sides goes way back to the year 1999 when he was involved with the IDRU 2nd Division Side beside the legendary Len Diggins. Sean took the Illawarra Under 19 Squad to the Country title in Wagga Wagga in 2001 and over a period of years won Country Championship Titles in every Junior age group. In a couple of stints with the top grade he has taken the Illawarriors to two Caldwell Cup Finals only to finish second to the strong Hunter Zone.

Over the last 12 years the Illawarriors have appeared in seven Caldwell Cup Finals, winning three Titles. Current IDRU Development Officer Shaun McCreedy, took the side to three titles in four Caldwell Cup Finals over a four-year period between 2015 and 2018. Our last Final appearance was in 2019 when we went down to Central West in Tamworth under Head Coach Richard Thompson by 45 – 21. 

Tamworth is somewhat of a happy hunting ground for Illawarra Sides over the years. In 2004 we took out the Caldwell Cup and Colts titles in Finals played in Tamworth. Exactly ten years prior to that we won with another Coaching legend, Val Tyson at the helm, to bring home the Caldwell Cup. Let’s hope that given we are in a year ending in 4, that we will be in good company this time around. 

Check out the photos from yesteryear, you might see a few familiar faces. 

There’s a Schoupp and a Clark here amongst the 2004 Front Rowers who have sons making the trip this year.

A shot of the combined Senior and Colts winners of 2004.