Tallon Smith
After being left off the calendar and all but forgotten, the Kelly Cup may yet have a stunning resurrection after Group 20 confirmed it is in discussions with Group 9 about the return of the event later this year.
The surprise media release posted to the Group 20 Facebook page on Wednesday night comes just nine months after Battlers For Bush Footy amplified the calls of budding representative stars and coaches to reinstate the annual event.
“We are currently in discussions with Group 9 surrounding the resurrection of the Kelly Cup in 2025,” the statement read.
“Together we are looking at the following grades: under 15 male, under 17 male, under 16 female tackle, open female tackle and open mens.”
“These age groups are aligned with Andrew Johns, Laurie Daley & Lisa Fiaola Cups and aim to create and promote pathways to these competitions.
“Dates, Venues and further details will become clearer in the coming weeks, however moving forward we would like to firstly gauge interest in coaching and team staff.”
The match was once the jewel in the crown of Riverina Rugby League, but has been left off the calendar for the last two years, much to the disappointment of potential representative stars.
Although dominated by Group 9 in recent years, formed a crucial part of the local football season and helped to pick the Riverina side during some of the division’s golden years in the Country Championships.
The fixture was controversially axed after a 52-6 triumph by Group 9 in 2022, after years of contests between the two competitions labelled uncompetitive and one-sided.
However, calls grew louder to bring back the concept and reignite one of the most passionate country footballing rivalries in the state, with players and representative coaches leading the push.
It is unknown whether the re-booted contest will be played under the old Under 23s format, or as an Open Age contest between each competition’s best 17.
Battlers For Bush Footy 