Tallon Smith

The 2025 Group Nine season is officially underway after club volunteers, players and distinguished guests gathered at the Group 9 season launch at Geohex Park in Wagga Wagga on Sunday afternoon.

Keynote speakers and guests included NSW Blues Coach Laurie Daley, NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden and Federal Member for Riverina The Hon. Michael McCormack MP.

Group Nine Board Member and MC Peter Hurst held a Q&A session with Daley, before coaches were interviewed and club jerseys were displayed to the audience on stage.

Later, the first Group 9 Challenge Cup matchup was drawn, with South City to host Junee.

The $1000 challenge fee for this game and all challenges in 2025 will be generously covered by the NSWRL, which was another key announcement on the day.

Under the points start system, a panel of experts (including former NRL players Aaron Gorrell, Adam Perry and Steve Reardon), determined that the Diesels will be given a +10.5 start on the Bulls next Sunday at Harris Park.

BarTV was also announced as Group Nine’s new match streaming partner at the event, with more details to follow in the coming days.