NRL Premiership winner set to join Group 3 Premiers in major coaching coup

Tallon Smith Just three weeks after their Group 3 Grand Final triumph, the Old Bar Beach Pirates have signalled their intent to create a dynasty after announcing that former NRL Premiership winner Jamie Soward will join the club as co-coach in 2026. Soward, who until this year was the coach of the Dragons NRLW team, will take the reins alongside Grand Final hero Brady Barwick, … Continue reading NRL Premiership winner set to join Group 3 Premiers in major coaching coup

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

I’m not a Broncos fan. Why this year’s Grand Final was the most special one I’ve seen

Tallon Smith Previously, my favourite NRL Grand Final moment was the Sharks’ 2016 triumph over the Storm. However, on Sunday, thanks to a winning entry in the Sydney Morning Herald’s competition on the topic of your favourite Grand Final moment, I attended my first live NRL Grand Final, and a contest for the ages changed that. The Broncos, so long a sleeping giant of the … Continue reading I’m not a Broncos fan. Why this year’s Grand Final was the most special one I’ve seen

Group 9: Brothers make major move as South City coach joins cross-town rivals for season 2026

Tallon Smith The Wagga Brothers have made the second major move of the Group 9 off-season, announcing the signing of former South City coach Cleve McGhie for the 2026 campaign. The outgoing Bulls mentor will join the Brothers in a playing capacity under the coaching of Blake Dunn, who will continue in the role next season. The signing of McGhie was announced via a statement … Continue reading Group 9: Brothers make major move as South City coach joins cross-town rivals for season 2026

Group 7: Angel double leads Knights to title in wet and wild First Grade decider

Tallon Smith The Kiama Knights have ended a 6-year drought to take out the 2025 Group 7 Rugby League premiership with a 16-4 win over the Shellharbour Sharks at Albion Park’s Centenary Field on Sunday. The Knights ran in three tries to one on a wet South Coast day to secure the win, with skipper Tom Angel leading the way with a double to lead … Continue reading Group 7: Angel double leads Knights to title in wet and wild First Grade decider

Group 9: Former Group 20 mentor appointed to Temora coaching job for 2026 season

Tallon Smith The Temora Dragons have made the first major move of the Group 9 off-season, announcing Jordon Burley as their First Grade head coach for the 2026 campaign. The new Dragons mentor brings with him plenty of coachinhg experience, having assisted James Dole at Yenda in Group 20 prior to his appointment to roles within the Riverina Bulls junior representative system earlier this year. … Continue reading Group 9: Former Group 20 mentor appointed to Temora coaching job for 2026 season

Group 3: Old Bar crowned premiers after win over Port Macquarie

Image: Old Bar Pirates Facebook Tallon Smith The Old Bar Pirates have taken out their second Group 3 title three years after a 24-10 win over the Port Macquarie Sharks in the Grand Final at Old Bar Sporting Fields last Sunday. The Pirates ran in four tries to the Sharks’ two after a dominant opening to the hard-fought encounter. The Pirates opened the scoring through … Continue reading Group 3: Old Bar crowned premiers after win over Port Macquarie

Newcastle: Four in a row for Maitland after big win over Cessnock

Image: Newcastle Rugby League Facebook Tallon Smith The Maitland Pickers have claimed a fourth straight Newcastle Rugby League premiership after taking out the title with a 30-8 win over the Cessnock Goannas at McDonald Jones Stadium last weekend. The Pickers raced out to a 12-0 lead early through tries to Matthew Soper-Lawler and William Nieuwenhuise, before an early chance for Cessnock went begging after Lewis … Continue reading Newcastle: Four in a row for Maitland after big win over Cessnock

Mid West Cup: Blackcats and Bulls lead the way after two weekends of play

Photo: Rockley Bulls Facebook John Fitzgerald Reigning premiers Blackheath Blackcats are Midwest Community Cup ladder leaders following the round 2 games, sharing top spot with Rockley Bulls. Four clubs sit below them on two competition points with a win and a loss apiece while Woodstock and Kandos are still winless. Both of Blackheath’s games have been close affairs, being pushed in their round 2 match … Continue reading Mid West Cup: Blackcats and Bulls lead the way after two weekends of play

Tahs take Ressies, Magpies swoop, Leeton dominates: Full Group 20 Grand Final Day Wrap

Tallon Smith The Griffith Waratah Tigers took out their second consecutive Group 20 Reserve Grade premiership with a heartstopping 28-22 win over the Hay Magpies in front of a big crowd at EW Moore Oval on Sunday. A near perfect first half from the Tigers saw them take an 18-0 lead into half time, only for Hay to claw their way back in the second … Continue reading Tahs take Ressies, Magpies swoop, Leeton dominates: Full Group 20 Grand Final Day Wrap