The 2025 ProTen Community Cup season kicked off in Ivanhoe yesterday, with their Indigenous Round

Teams converged on the outback township of Ivanhoe, home of the Ivanhoe Roosters and Hens, who hosted the opening round of the 2025 ProTen season.

The day was marked with the Roosters Indigenous Round, which included a Welcome to Country by Sharon ‘Lulla’ Kennedy and a smoking ceremony.

Ivanhoe played in specially designed jerseys, and artist Carolyn Williams was at the game to share the significance of the special edition playing kit.

The day opened with women’s matches.

BARELLAN 46 (Tommi Booth 2, Sophia Kelsey 2, Sophie Taylor 2, Natasha Ambrose, Monique Higgins tries, and 7 goals)

defeated HILLSTON 4 (Lekisha Kennedy try)

IVANHOE 34 (Falesiu Chauncey-Moli 2, Shailyn Williams 2, Aimee McGuckin, Rachael Burns tries, Shailyn Williams 5 goals)

Defeated 10 (Aleeysha Munday, Sophia Kelsey tries, McKenzie Dowell goal)

The first men’s game saw the offical return to the field of the Deniliquin Blueheelers, who travelled 668 kilometres to be part of round one.

Men’s game results:

HILLSTON 62 (Henry Taylor 4, Ratu Ketewai, Tale Delai, Tommy Brettschneider, Akariva Tawake, Jardin Morcome, Josh Cahill, Larry Goolagong Sloane tries, Jed Webster 9 goals)

Defeated DENILIQUIN 0

BARELLAN 28 (Noah Forbutt 2, Gary Braddick 2, Rodney Gibbs tries, Noah Forbutt 4 goals)

NARRANDERA 10 (Jahrel Tereva, Jamaine Jones try and goal)

IVANHOE 16 (Ethan Harris, Tyrone Johnson, Phillip Hunter, Jake Whyman tries)

GOOLGOWI 0