Author: Battlers For Bush Footy

Regular Contributors: John Fitzgerald - Woodbridge Cup/Group 10, Bryson Luff - Castlereagh League, Jamie Parsons - Western Riverina Community Cup, Peter "Parra" Montgomery - Group 9
Group 20, Western Riverina

West Wyalong retains Kiawarra Cup after narrow victory over Rankins Springs

Jamie Parsons Rankins Springs started its season strongly last Friday night despite falling short in a low-scoring affair 8-4 against the resurgent West Wyalong reserve grade side. The Mallee Men had to pull out of the 2025 Group 20 season due to low numbers, with even their first grade side struggling to field a full team at times. With a number of young U18s players … Continue reading West Wyalong retains Kiawarra Cup after narrow victory over Rankins Springs

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Castlereagh League

Mendooran defeats Trangie, Gulargambone and Walgett share the points in first round of inaugural Community Cup

Bryson Luff History was made last Saturday when the inaugural Castlereagh Community Cup competition kicked off with games being played at Walgett and Dunedoo. Designed to provide rugby league for the smaller communities within the vast Castlereagh League area the competition has created much interest with good crowds on hand to take in the first-round action. The Trangie Magpies travelled to Dunedoo to take on … Continue reading Mendooran defeats Trangie, Gulargambone and Walgett share the points in first round of inaugural Community Cup

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Western Riverina

Rankins Springs celebrates 100 years of rugby league

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

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Castlereagh League

Castlereagh League’s growth continues with Community Cup expansion and 10-team first grade draw

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

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Western Riverina

Changes on the way for Proten Cup this season after switch to full international rules

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

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Woodbridge

Oberon set to kick start new era in 2026 with title defence on new home ground

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

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Group 10

The honour that legendary Lithgow international representative Barry Rushworth deserves

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

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Group 10, Mid West Cup

Mister Ten Premierships: The remarkable bush footy career of Brett Ranse

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

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Western Riverina

Proten Cup: Barellan, Ivanhoe and Deniliquin confirm 2026 coaches

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

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Peter McDonald Premiership

The only way is up: New coach and rising stars give Lithgow Workies hope despite tough campaign

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

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