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
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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Group 9

Special meeting this weekend aiming to revive senior rugby league in Coolamon

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

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Group 3

Latrell Mitchell gives back to bush footy as Taree City Panthers officially launch club

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

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Mid West Cup

Mid West Cup: Blackheath and Rockley to face off for the title before major fundraiser

John Fitzgerald & Pip Honan Blackheath will face Rockley in the 2025 Mid West Cup Grand Final after round 3 action saw wins to the Blackcates and Bulls, along with Portland and CSU Bathurst. There were no surprises in the results, Blackheath defeating Kandos 36-14, Rockley 24-16 winners over Carcoar, CSU 40-10 over Woodstock, and Portland 18-16 winners in the local derby over Wallerawang. Blackheath, … Continue reading Mid West Cup: Blackheath and Rockley to face off for the title before major fundraiser

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Mid West Cup, Western Women's RL

Rugby league season keeps rolling in Central West as two competitions resume

John Fitzgerald Two rugby league competitions resume on Saturday following their respective breaks over the long weekend. Mid West Community Cup round 3 games are set down for Bathurst and Wallerawang, with unbeaten Blackheath to meet Kandos at Wallerawang Sportsground in the 1 pm match followed by the Wallerawang and Portland game at 2.25. In the western division, matches at CSU’s Diggings field Rockley and … Continue reading Rugby league season keeps rolling in Central West as two competitions resume

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