'Never thought we'd have success': Rugby reunion highlights clubs 10-year run

It is a significant milestone for the Pioneers considering five-eighth Ben Damen, second-rower Matt Scott and winger James Vidler were part of that team and are still playing today.

It was also a turning point for the club with the grand final win breaking an 18-year premiership drought.

Since 2014, they have gone on to win another seven titles.

Coaches have come and gone, but they have managed to keep most of the playing group intact.

Front-rower Benji Tiatia, fullback Sam Kerry, Hooker Bill Johnston and lock Hamish Mould have played in most of them.

So has halfback Louis Hollman, front-rower Matt Wright and others.

Captain Ben Damen has only missed one year with injury while his brothers Daniel and Josh have also been part of the success.

The club won its first premiership in 1996 and had several lean years before a talented crop of juniors moved into first grade.

"We never thought we'd have the success," Ben said.

"We just wanted to emulate the 1996 team and win a premiership, but once you win one it becomes easier to repeat it and we just got on a run.

"2014 was special because it was all new for everyone.

"All the premierships are special in their own way, so it's tough to pinpoint one but it's probably the grand final I remember most. Players who have come in over the years have all bought in."

A closer look at the competition shows how dominant the Pioneers have been over the last decade.

Its win in 2014 came after making the two previous grand finals.

They won six straight before being dethroned by Lennox Head in a shortened season in 2020.

A chance to reclaim the title was spoiled in 2021 when the finals were abandoned due to COVID-19.

They won in 2022 and 2023 over Bangalow and the Byron Shire Rebels. The Rebels are a joint venture between Bangalow and Byron Bay.

"The best thing about the run is being able to share some of the special moments with close friends," Damen said.

"While I've been captain over the run, Matt Scott has been the real leader of the side.

"Fred (Vidler) is probably the best outside back we're had in the club's history, too.

The production line of players has continued at Wollongbar-Alstonville with winger Bodi Smith one of its emerging talents.

He was picked in the NSW Country team this year alongside Damen.

The pair will juggle representative commitments while attempting to bring more silverware to the plateau.

Smith scored a hat-trick in a 51-26 win over Ballina last weekend.

The Pioneers piled on 22 unanswered points after leading 29-26 at halftime.

"Winning a ninth premiership would be a wonderful feet, but I think when you get a bit older you realise it's more enjoying the journey than the destination," Damen said.

The anniversary game will played at Lyle Park with kick-off at 3.15pm.

In other games this weekend, Lismore is looking for back-to-back wins when it takes on Richmond Range at Mallanganee.

City is coming off a hard-fought 27-24 win over Casino and has enough strike power to challenge Range.

Ballina will look to get back on track when it hosts Evans River at Quays Reserve where a win could see them back on top of the ladder.

Casino is at home against the Southern Cross University Gold Rats at Albert Park, while Lennox Head travels to take on an improving Casuarina Beach.

Byron Shire 31, Ballina 31, Wollongbar 30, Casuarina 23, Richmond Range, 17, Casino 16, Evans 15, Lennox 11, Lismore 10, Southern Cross University 0