Jamie Parsons

The Proten Cup’s eighth season begins at Ivanhoe once again this year, with the competition back to six games for both men’s and women’s competitions.

After missing the knockout, defending premiers Barellan will have their first hit-out for the season in both grades, coming up against Deniliquin in the early games. Rankins Springs’ men’s side will also return to the field for the first time since their trial against Forbes in early April.

The women’s competition will remain under safeplay rules, which means 2 in the tackle, 5 metres and 1 marker across the field, with sidelines now in 10 metres compared to the mens’ field, and the new addition of 3-person scrums.

The men’s teams will play their first full games under international rules, after most sides had their first taste of it last weekend.

Women’s Previews

Barellan v Deniliquin

Deniliquin will play their first competition game in the women’s comp on Saturday, and though the draw might look tough for them, Barellan’s womens team won’t be as strong as in previous years. With the new Group 20 women’s competition, the eligibility rules have been changed so many of Barellan’s rep players are no longer able to play, such as Brittany Everett, Madison Morris and Tommi Booth. Deniliquin had a great first run against Hillston at the knockout, drawing the game 6-all.

Head-to-Head: First Meeting

Record at Ivanhoe:

Barellan Won 3, Lost 0

Deniliquin – First Apperance

Goolgowi v Rankins Springs

The old rivals get the first game of the season, meeting for the first time at Ivanhoe since 2022. Goolgowi had the better numbers at the knockout but didn’t manage to get the results, while the Dragonettes only had 7 show up but those who did play played out of their skin. Last meeting was a 10-0 win to Rankins Springs in Round 2 last year.

Head-to-Head: Goolgowi 6, Rankins Springs 2

Record at Ivanhoe:

Goolgowi Won 2, Lost 3

Rankins Springs Won 2, Lost 4

Ivanhoe v Hillston

Fresh off a close finals game where the Hens came away 4-0 winners, Ivanhoe will be favourites to start off the season on the front foot. The Bluebirds managed a much improved performance in the knockout compared to their 2025 season and with great numbers at training look to certainly give this season a shake-up. Last time they met in competition it was a 18-4 win to Ivanhoe in the last round at Rankins Springs.

Head-to-Head: Hillston 4, Ivanhoe 2

Record at Ivanhoe:

Ivanhoe Won 3, Lost 3

Hillston Won 2, Lost 3

Men’s Previews

Barellan v Deniliquin

Last year’s premiers get their first hit-out of the year up against Deniliquin starting their second season. Now with a full year’s experience under their belt the Blueheelers will need to improve a lot on their last game, in which they went down to Barellan 60-0. The Rams are an unknown with not enough players to get a side in the knockout last week and no other trials to their name in the pre-season. Coach Noah Forbutt is the reigning player of the year and with a premiership to his name along with leading the rep side he will go into the new season as the competition’s most dangerous player.

Head-to-Head: Barellan 1, Deniliquin 0

Record at Ivanhoe:

Barellan Won 2, Lost 3, Drawn 1

Deniliquin Won 0, Lost 1

Goolgowi v Rankins Springs

Never a dull game between the Rabbitohs and Dragons and at 5 wins a piece head-to-head it will undoubtedly be another close win between the red-and-green and red-and-white. Goolgowi were unlucky not to progress in the knockout with a drawn game against Ivanhoe and a 4 point loss to eventual winners Hillston. Their numbers are much improved on last year and with the addition of Trey Woodland and Tom Sellars along with a few returning faces from previous years they look set to improve on 2025 and recapture their old form. Rankins Springs haven’t played since early April with a dominant loss to Forbes and will need their players back on deck this week after missing the knockout. They need to turn around their poor record at Ivanhoe, with their last and only win here back in 2022. Last match-up was a 22-0 win to the Dragons at Deniliquin.

Head-to-Head: Goolgowi 5, Rankins Springs 5

Record at Ivanhoe:

Goolgowi Won 4, Lost 3

Rankins Springs Won 1, Lost 5, Drawn 1

Ivanhoe v Hillston

Playing each other twice and hosting the other at home, the old Bluebirds v Roosters rivalry is set for another chapter in 2026, having already faced off in the knockout final. They last played here in 2021 which saw the Roosters come away with a 14-12 win. Ivanhoe have good numbers again with most of their 2025 grand final side retained, and are notoriously strong at home having only lost the one game here to Narrandera in the major semi back in 2022. Hillston also have a winning record here, and their last game at the Sahara ended in a 62-0 win over Deni. They last played in the last round last season, with Ivanhoe coming away 28-10 winners.

Head-to-Head:

Record at Ivanhoe:

Ivanhoe Won 6, Lost 1, Drawn 1

Hillston Won 4, Lost 3