Hay Lions will need to find a new league

Hay Lions Football and Netball Club will need to seek a new competition, after recommendations to dissolve the Golden Rivers Football and Netball League (GRFNL) were handed down on Wednesday evening.

The Central Rivers board has recommended the wind up of GRFNL at the end of this season.

The Central Rivers board ruled GRFNL will continue in 2026 only if other homes for clubs cannot be found, and with a minimum of four teams.

The decision follows the request last season by Ultima Roos to move to the Central Murray League.

This leaves remaining GRFNL clubs Macorna, Murrabit, Hay, Moulamein and Wandella to either seek join Ultima and move to Central Murray, or join other surrounding competitions such as Loddon Valley or Picola District.

Hay Lions compete in the GRFNL, which was founded in 1919, and the senior AFL side is currently sitting in first place on the ladder.

Balranald Roos already compete in the Central Murray League, prompted questions about who will retain the Roos moniker.