Author: Tallon Smith

My name is Tallon, and I am a rugby league journalist covering country football. I have been covering rugby league since I was 14, when I launched my first publication, In Touch, covering grassroots footy in South West NSW, a project that morphed into my website Battlers For Bush Footy in 2021. My work has been published in more than a dozen mastheads including The Riverine Grazier, Back Country Bulletin, The Area News, The Irrigator, The Area News, Gundagai Times, Yass Valley Times, Cootamundra Times, Young News, Junee Independent, Deniliquin Pastoral Times and West Wyalong Advocate.
George Tooke Shield, Goulburn Murray

UPDATE: Tumbarumba re-visit decision to withdraw in last-ditch effort to field men’s team in 2026

Tallon Smith UPDATE – After initially announcing their withdrawal from the 2025 Goulburn Murray Premiership competition, the Tumbarumba Greens will make one more attempt at fielding a men’s team in 2026. Following a number of messages from potential players over the past 24 hours, the Greens have decided to delay their official withdrawal from the competition by one week, with a crucial training session to … Continue reading UPDATE: Tumbarumba re-visit decision to withdraw in last-ditch effort to field men’s team in 2026

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Group 11, Peter McDonald Premiership

PMP: Spacemen set sights on return to finals in second season under coach Dwyer

Tallon Smith After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Parkes Spacemen are looking to bounce back and make a return to the Peter McDonald Premiership finals series after a year’s absence. Following on from a Grand Final loss to Mudgee in 2024, the Spacemen endured a tougher run last year, ultimately finishing one spot outside the finals in ninth place. Second year Parkes coach Sam Dwyer … Continue reading PMP: Spacemen set sights on return to finals in second season under coach Dwyer

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Representative, Riverina

Gundagai playmaker among three inclusions from outside Kelly Cup teams as Group 9 dominates Riverina squad

Cover Photo: Tahlia Crane Photography Tallon Smith Fresh off its triumph over Group 20 in the Kelly Cup, Group 9 has again dominated Riverina Open Men’s selections for the region’s upcoming Country Championships clash with Monaro in Junee on March 1. Continue reading Gundagai playmaker among three inclusions from outside Kelly Cup teams as Group 9 dominates Riverina squad

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Pre-Season

Massive seven-game opening night set to kick off 53rd annual West Wyalong Knockout

Tallon Smith UPDATE – There has been a change to the West Wyalong Knockout draw after Yanco-Wamoon withdrew from the event, meaning that their 8:30pm clash with Orange CYMS has been cancelled and all subsequent games moved forward half an hour. This will see Orange CYMS receive a first round bye. A blockbuster seven-game opening night will kick off the 53rd edition of the West … Continue reading Massive seven-game opening night set to kick off 53rd annual West Wyalong Knockout

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Representative, Riverina

Strong second half showing secures victory for Group 9 women 

Tallon Smith A stunning second half performance from Group 9 has turned a two point half time deficit into a 36-12 victory in the women’s Kelly Cup match against Group 20 at Yenda’s Wade Park on Saturday. Dana Seward opened the scoring for the Gladiators, before the Razorbacks hit back through a stunning runaway effort from fullback Wendy Gonevulavula to level the game at 6-all. … Continue reading Strong second half showing secures victory for Group 9 women 

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Representative, Riverina

Committed defensive display sees Group 9 extend hold on Kelly Cup to 14 years

Tallon Smith Group 9 has retained the Kelly Cup for a 14th straight year after defeating a gallant Group 20 outfit 28-10 in a physical clash at Wade Park in Yenda on Saturday evening. Playing in 31-degree heat, the Gladiators held the Razorbacks scoreless for the opening 72 minutes and took their opportunities when presented to retain the title and Riverina bragging rights in the … Continue reading Committed defensive display sees Group 9 extend hold on Kelly Cup to 14 years

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