The merry-go-round: Every Group 9 club’s 2025 gains and losses

Tallon Smith With the 2025 Group Nine season rapidly approaching, the player movement frenzy of the off-season is coming to an end for another year. As sides begin to formalise what their squads will look like and begin preparations for the season ahead, Battlers For Bush Footy takes a look at every club’s gains and losses ahead of one of the more highly anticipated seasons … Continue reading The merry-go-round: Every Group 9 club’s 2025 gains and losses

Group 9 release draw for highly anticipated 2025 season

Tallon Smith Rugby league players fans across the Riverina are rejoicing and marking their calendars after Group Nine released its 2025 competition draw this morning. The fixture, which is the largest since 2019, features 10 teams following the return of Cootamundra after a six year absence, and 16 matches for all clubs across 16 rounds. Round 1 begins with a bang, with a three game … Continue reading Group 9 release draw for highly anticipated 2025 season

New direction: Club administrators sweep to power at Group Nine AGM

By Tallon Smith – originally for the Young News The balance of power within Group Nine Rugby League has undergone a major shake-up ahead of the 2025 season after a new Competition Board was voted in at the competition’s Annual General Meeting at the Wagga RSL Club on Sunday. Elected to the competition’s board for season 2025 are delegates Grant Fenn (Tumut), Josh Powderly (Young), … Continue reading New direction: Club administrators sweep to power at Group Nine AGM

Diesels making moves as coaches and key signings confirmed for season 2025

By Tallon Smith – originally for the Junee Independent After an improved campaign in 2024, the Junee Diesels have signalled their intention to move further up the Group Nine table next season following the announcement of several key signings for the 2025 campaign. The Diesels have locked in Chase Bernard and Ben Shea as their First Grade coaches for the upcoming campaign, whilst also securing … Continue reading Diesels making moves as coaches and key signings confirmed for season 2025

‘Not a one for one swap’: Group Nine President on Under 16 Boys/Under 18s Girls changes

By Tallon Smith – originally for the Gundagai Times With Group Nine pre-season beginning for some eager sides in the coming weeks, the controversial changes to the competition’s lower grades are set in stone as clubs prepare for a very different match day in 2025.  The changes, which will see the Under 16s Sullivan Cup moved from the Senior League to the Juniors while an … Continue reading ‘Not a one for one swap’: Group Nine President on Under 16 Boys/Under 18s Girls changes

New top Tiger Gorrell ‘looking forward’ to different challenge after coaching swap

By Tallon Smith – originally for the Gundagai Times The destination for outgoing Wagga Brothers mentor Aaron Gorrell has finally been revealed after he was unveiled as the new coach of the Gundagai Tigers for their 2025 Group 9 campaign. After announcing he would depart the Brothers at the end of the season, the position left vacant by Gorrell was filled by Gundagai stalwart Blake … Continue reading New top Tiger Gorrell ‘looking forward’ to different challenge after coaching swap

Bulldogs bounce back: Cootamundra looking to return to Group 9 after five-year absence

By Tallon Smith One of Group 9’s most successful former clubs may be back on the paddock in 2025 after the Cootamundra Bulldogs signalled their intention to re-join the competition next year.  The club this morning announced that they have submitted an application to join the competition for next season, which will be heard at the competition’s AGM next month. Bulldogs President Stephen Howse confirmed … Continue reading Bulldogs bounce back: Cootamundra looking to return to Group 9 after five-year absence

Proposal: How to restart Rugby League in Aussie Rules’ Southern Riverina heartland

By Tallon Smith The Group 13 district was once a stronghold of Rugby League in the 20th century. Located to the south of Wagga Wagga, the competition ran from 1946 until 1991, with clubs from Albury, Holbrook, Culcairn, Henty, Lockhart, Tumbarumba, Batlow and many other towns. However, the competition declined significantly in its latter years, down to a low of just six clubs and two … Continue reading Proposal: How to restart Rugby League in Aussie Rules’ Southern Riverina heartland

Bring it back: The one thing past and present Group 9 and 20 stars want to return

Cover Photo: Group 9 Facebook (2014) By Tallon Smith It was once the jewel in the crown of Riverina Rugby League, but the prestigious Kelly Cup has been left off the calendar for the last two years, much to the disappointment of potential representative stars. The annual fixture between Groups 9 and 20, although dominated by the former in recent years, formed a crucial part … Continue reading Bring it back: The one thing past and present Group 9 and 20 stars want to return

Group 9: Cherrypickers end 33-year drought in instant classic Grand Final

By Tallon Smith The Young Cherrypickers may have had to do it the hard way, but the 2024 Minor Premiers converted their regular season crown into their first title since 1991 with a last-gasp 16-12 win over the Wagga Kangaroos in the Group 9 Grand Final at McDonald’s Park today. The best side all year, dropping just one game and drawing another, the Cherrypickers dominated … Continue reading Group 9: Cherrypickers end 33-year drought in instant classic Grand Final