It was six years ago when Luke Humphreys took his son to a grassroots festival at the Mudgee rugby club and since then, the Bathurst native has immersed himself in the Wombats’ society.

Over the years, Luke’s been a selfless contributor, stepping in to play for any grade that’s needed him.

“I’ve played anywhere from thirds to firsts,” Humphreys said.

“Normally it depends on injuries but I’ll fill a spot wherever it’s needed.”

Despite having a down year in first grade last year, Luke has optimism for the Wombats’ senior group after the Blowes Clothing Cup restructure which was implemented to make the competition more evenly matched.

“They’ve totally revamped the competition,” Humphreys said.

“There was a massive disparity in scores last year and it’s an absolute win for us because it reduces our travel hugely.”

Humphreys highlighted the junior ranks as a shining light and a strong asset that needs to be maintained. 

“We’ve got a junior club that’s tremendous,” Humphreys said.

“We’re very fortunate there and we’ve got a lot of very good people who run that.

I think that’s something we don’t need to tinker with too much.”

It wasn’t a premeditated plan to be president but when Greg Bartrim announced he was going to step down, Humphreys put his hand up for the role.

“Barto’s been doing a great job for a long time,” Humphreys said.

“As long as he was happy to be there, we were grateful to have him.

He’s stepped aside this year after six years which is understandable and I thought it was a good time to get involved.”

Bartrim stepped down to give the club’s youthful committee a chance to implement some of their plans.

“We’ve got a good, young committee with some new ideas,” Bartrim said.

Bartrim, who’s a life member at the club and played 100 games during his career, will still be an integral part of the Wombats, just without the presidents’ label.

The Mudgee Wombats’ 2018 campaign will be in full swing as of April next year, with Luke Humphreys looking to play an influential role throughout the season.