Battler of the Year

Peter “Parra” Montgomery Battler of the Year

Each year, Battlers For Bush Footy recognises the person(s) with the single largest contribution to a struggling football club, league or association with the Battler of the Year award.

Instituted in 2022, the Battler of the Year award itself is the most prestigious award given by Battlers For Bush Footy, with all players, volunteers and referees involved with the game across regional Australia eligible for the award.

In 2025, the award was renamed in honour of the late Peter “Parra” Montgomery, who dedicated six decades of his life to the game as a journalist, player, volunteer and administrator, contributing an immense amount to the game in Hay, Albury, the broader Riverina and the whole state.

In his later years, Parra spent his time contributing to Battlers For Bush Footy, in its infancy at the time, backing its then 18-year-old editor Tallon Smith by providing both content and support to grow the website.

Recipients have made an outstanding contribution to the development and conservation of rugby league in a regional location.

The full list of winners and finalists is below.