Jamie Parsons Not too long after the town of Rankins Springs upped and moved itself 10km down the road from its original location at the old pub near a freshwater spring to get itself closer to the new railway, the local townspeople and farmers decided they were here for good, so we better get something to do. In 1925 & 1926, the same time as … Continue reading Rankins Springs celebrates 100 years of rugby league
Bryson Luff No less than 14 clubs will take to the field in what will be an historic year for Castlereagh Rugby League, with the inaugural Castlereagh Community Cup competition kicking off the season in mid-March. As explained by Castlereagh League Chairman, Chris Deighton, the community “The Castlereagh Community Cup competition is designed to provide rugby league for our smaller communities who otherwise would have … Continue reading Castlereagh League’s growth continues with Community Cup expansion and 10-team first grade draw
Jamie Parsons After a couple of shake-ups in the last two years, with the inclusion of Deniliquin taking the competition to 7 teams and then the return of Narrandera to Group 20 late last year taking it back to 6 teams, the Proten Cup will go through it’s biggest change yet with the men’s competition confirmed to be playing under full international rules for the … Continue reading Changes on the way for Proten Cup this season after switch to full international rules
John Fitzgerald After overseeing his club’s historic 2025 Woodbridge Cup title win Oberon Tigers’ coach Nic Barlow joined the shortlist of Oberon’s premiership-winning coaches and returns this year to lead his club once again, with most of last year’s winning team committing to the new season. Barlow for a second year finds himself at the helm of one of the most decorated country rugby league … Continue reading Oberon set to kick start new era in 2026 with title defence on new home ground
John Fitzgerald – Opinion Marjorie Jackson is Lithgow’s international sporting hero, a world-acclaimed multiple Olympic gold medal athlete, and is honoured with her statue in Cook Street Plaza fronting Lithgow’s Main Street. Her feats are legendary, and her statue in the centre of town is an appreciation from the local community for one of their own. However, another local sports person now overdue for consideration … Continue reading The honour that legendary Lithgow international representative Barry Rushworth deserves
John Fitzgerald In the closing minutes of the 1996 Penrith A Grade rugby league grand final the final try was scored by five-eighth Brett Ranse and those four points secured the premiership for the upper Blue Mountains club Katoomba Devils. That 21-14 win over raging favourites Doonside was the culmination of the year’s input by the Katoomba club and coach Bruce Ranse, uncle of Brett, … Continue reading Mister Ten Premierships: The remarkable bush footy career of Brett Ranse
Jamie Parsons Last year’s grand finalists have now confirmed their coaches and committees for the 2026 season. The Rams had already locked in Noah Forbutt as coach for the fourth straight season, with co-coach Adam Thomas stepping down from the position this year. The Rams have also announced their women’s coaches, with four-time premiership winner Amie Fazekas joining with returning 2023 player Amanda Rourke to … Continue reading Proten Cup: Barellan, Ivanhoe and Deniliquin confirm 2026 coaches
John Fitzgerald With the dust now settled on most rugby league competitions in 2025, many clubs would be reflecting on their performances, and with an eye on next year, what can be done to improve their teams for 2026. The most eastern outpost of the combined Group 10/11 Peter McDonald Cup competition, Lithgow Workies Wolves have struggled over the last few years, and the club … Continue reading The only way is up: New coach and rising stars give Lithgow Workies hope despite tough campaign
Rugby league fans in Coolamon are being urged to attend a special formative meeting this weekend which aims to revive a senior team in the town. Organised by Battlers For Bush Footy and Coolamon Raiders JRLC President Tom Besgrove, the meeting aims to re-establish a senior rugby league presence in the town after three decades without a side. Battlers For Bush Footy founder and meeting … Continue reading Special meeting this weekend aiming to revive senior rugby league in Coolamon
Contributed – Mick McDonald SUPERSTAR South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell was one of the standout guests at the vibrant launch of the Taree City Panthers, held in conjunction with the Manning Valley Race Club meeting at the Bushland Drive Racecourse. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of around 500 people, all eager to celebrate a new era for Rugby League and sport in Taree. Mitchell, … Continue reading Latrell Mitchell gives back to bush footy as Taree City Panthers officially launch club
Battlers For Bush Footy 