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Narooma plotting return to top grade after securing former pro player as coach

By Tallon Smith The Narooma Devils have taken a major step towards returning to the Group 16 First Grade competition next season after securing the services of former French Elite 1 Championship player Kieran Wyld as coach. The Devils, who made the finals in 2023 before only being able to field an Under 18s side in 2024, are confident of returning to the premier grade … Continue reading Narooma plotting return to top grade after securing former pro player as coach

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Group 9, Uncategorized

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

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Final bush footy decider for 2024 a one-way affair

By John Fitzgerald The two historically highest-credentialled Midwest clubs and the best performed in this year’s Community Cup went head to head in the 2024 grand final, with the Blackcats taking the title for a 12th time. Last year’s premiers Blackheath won back-to-back titles with their 20-0 shutout of Carcoar Crows at Blackheath’s Don Bradman Oval, the showpiece game of a gala day of six … Continue reading Final bush footy decider for 2024 a one-way affair

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One more hurdle for Blueheelers as Deniliquin nears admission to Proten Cup

By Tallon Smith The Deniliquin Blue Heelers are all but set to enter the ProTen Community Cup next year after their proposed admission to the competition was unanimously approved by the competition committee at its AGM on Sunday. Existing clubs voted 5-0 in favour of the proposal, with the Narrandera club unable to vote due to their continuing director being an apology on the day. … Continue reading One more hurdle for Blueheelers as Deniliquin nears admission to Proten Cup

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The Off-Season Battler: October Update

By “The Battler” In between enjoying daylight savings and a few yarns at the pub, the Battler has been spending his off-season with his ear to the ground, listening for any rumblings from the Riverina and beyond. With signings and changes aplenty across the bush, here is a look at the top stories driving the bush footy rumour so far mill this month. Here is … Continue reading The Off-Season Battler: October Update

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Group 9, Uncategorized

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

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Grand Final Wrap: Port Sharks kings of Group 3, Pickers complete threepeat in NEWRL

By Tallon Smith The Port Macquarie Sharks are the 2024 Group 3 Rugby League Premiers after a narrow 16-10 win over the Macleay Valley Mustangs in the Grand Final at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium on Saturday. The Sharks scored three tries to the Mustangs’ two to take home their first title since 2018 and their eighth in club history. Tryscorers for the Sharks were Wil … Continue reading Grand Final Wrap: Port Sharks kings of Group 3, Pickers complete threepeat in NEWRL

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Group 9, Uncategorized

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

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Group 9, Uncategorized

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

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Group 9, Uncategorized

Group 9 Grand Final Preview: Hear from both coaches and our celebrity tipsters ahead of the big game

By Tallon Smith The 2024 Group 9 First Grade title will go on the line this Sunday afternoon when the Wagga Kangaroos take on the Young Cherrypickers in a massive Grand Final clash at McDonald’s Park. With both clubs aiming to break lengthy premiership droughts (Young’s being 33 years dating back to their 1991 title win, and Kangaroos’ sitting at 15 years since their 2009 … Continue reading Group 9 Grand Final Preview: Hear from both coaches and our celebrity tipsters ahead of the big game

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