Cover Photo: Deniliquin Blueheelers President Kurt Longford (left) during his days at the Narrandera Lizards

By Tallon Smith

Rugby league will return to Deniliquin for the first time in a quarter of a century after the Deniliquin Blueheelers elected a committee at their AGM on Sunday afternoon.

The club elected an extensive committee in the meeting at the Railway Hotel, with all executive positions filled.

Club founder and 2024 Battler of the Year nominee Kurt Longford will lead the club as President next year, while his mother Pauline will fulfil the role of Secretary.

Andrew Scott was elected to the post of Vice-President, while Kelly Scott and Angie Lewis-Kelly will serve as Co-Treasurers.

Rugby league has not had a presence in the region since the Deniliquin Raiders competed in the Victorian Country Rugby League in the 1990s, with the Blueheelers club itself last competing in Group 17 50 years ago in 1975.

The Blueheelers famously won three Group 17 titles in a row from 1969-71, the latter two of which came under the coaching of Barry Cottam, before they lost the 1972 decider to Hay and folded three years later.

The club is holding its first raffle of a State of Origin Game III signed jersey, with more details on their Facebook page.

Their next meeting will be at the Railway Hotel on August 24.