Season preview – the ProTen Community Cup

ProTen publicity officer Jamie Parsons has penned a comprehensive preview of the 2025 rugby league season.

Most of the clubs competing in the 2025 ProTen Cup season have begun training in the past couple of weeks. With a new draw (still waiting on final word) and a new season structure, with seven rounds, looking to begin on May 24th, the road to the seventh ProTen Cup season has begun with many sides looking very keen.

Rankins Springs

Men’s Coaches – Josh Johnston and Damian Walker

Women’s Coaches – Joel McIntyre and Luke Tuckett

Committee – President Brent Parsons, Vice-Presidents Nathan Streat and Joel McIntyre, Secretary Jamie Parsons, Treasurer Tash Tuckett

2024’s premiers have started training on the 6th February and will continue every Thursday at the Rankins Springs Sport & Rec Oval, and every Monday at Jubilee Oval in Griffith. No new signing news yet but most of the 2024 side look to be returning, with the notable exception of Chris Judd who has signed a first-grade contract with West Wyalong.

Narrandera

Coaches – TBA

Committee – President Corey Prior, Vice-President Tommy Lyons, Secretary Paige Lyons, Treasurer Shaun Lyons

Two-time premiers and 2024 runners-up the Lizards have yet to start pre-season training, with several false starts for an AGM. A committee was elected just a couple of weeks ago and advertisements have been put out for men’s and women’s coaches. Their U16s side which competes in Group 20 started pre-season training last Tuesday. Former coach Kye Longford is coaching the Riverina Bulls U16s side.

Ivanhoe

Men’s Coach – Dwayne Evans, Assistant Jay Little

Women’s Coach – Jonno Hart, Assistant Brad Lawrence

Committee – President Mark Huntly, Vice-President Jonno Hart, Secretary Jessica Brennan-Clark, Treasurer Laura Rogers, Publicity Officer Brad Lawrence 

Known as the perennially unlucky club, the Roosters are still searching for that elusive premiership! It evaded them again last season after missing out on the Grand Final, due to a drawn prelim final, that saw them eliminated due to finishing lower on the ladder. The Roosters have already had many players commit, including club captains Ethan Whyman and Shailyn Williams and, along with the rumoured return of hometown NRL player Joel Thompson, Ivanhoe look in prime position to chase that long awaited premiership in 2025. Ivanhoe began training on the 8th February. Ivanhoe are set the open the season at home on the 24th May.

Barellan

Men’s Coaches – Adam Thomas and Noah Forbutt

Women’s Coach – Craig Toole

Committee – President Adam Evans, Vice-President Reece Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer Kirsten Carter

The much-improved Rams have also begun training, running their first session recently. The men’s side lifted from a wooden spoon in 2023 to make the finals in 2024, leading the comp for much of the season. Noah Forbutt and Adam Thomas return to coach their third season and with a young side gaining more experience they are every chance to improve further. Craig Toole has come on as women’s coach and it will be no surprise if they dominate once again in 2025. Barellan are set to host the knockout on the 10th May. 

Hillston

Men’s Coach – Tommy Brettschneider

Women’s Coach – Jed Webster

Committee – President Grant McMaster, Vice-President Tommy Brettschneider

The Bluebirds have started with higher intensity than previous seasons with a new Facebook page and an early start to training. Training started on the 7th February and will continue every Wednesday and Friday at Stan Peters Oval. Numbers were good to start with and will hopefully continue, with the Bluebirds looking to bring finals footy back to the club for both grades. New men’s coach and vice-president Tommy Brettschneider has taken on a lot of responsibility and has been very active in the pre-season. Hillston will host the Grand Final on the 2nd August. 

Goolgowi 

Men’s Coach – Ben Marks

Women’s Coach – Brian Smith

Committee – President Alex Brown, Vice-Presidents Rory Brown & Danny Graham, Secretary-Treasurer Georgina Horton

The one-time dominators of the comp have moved slowly in recent seasons, winning two of the last three wooden spoons. Pre-season training began on the 12th February at Goolgowi Pool. 2024 coach Ben Marks has returned for another go in 2025, with the last-placed finish last season undeserving of his commitment and passion to the role. Hopefully with a better roll-up this season the Rabbitohs can get back to their best. Brian Smith takes over the head coaching role of the women’s team from Jessie Burns and Lexi Lightfoot. 

Deniliquin

Men’s Coaches – Drew Hinkley & Kurt Longford

Women’s Coach – Warren Annetts

Committee – President Kurt Longford, Secretary Pauline Longford, Treasurer Fiona Casey, Publicity Officer Tallon Smith 

Proten Cup’s newest club started training the earliest, beginning on the 8th January. The Blueheelers have recently announced their coaches, bringing in Drew Hinkley and President Kurt Longford to lead the men’s side and Warren Annetts to lead the women. As part of their admittance to the competition, Deniliquin need players registered for both their sides by the end of this month, at which point the competition committee will meet again. For all the work put in for Deni to get back on the park, hopefully the players come through for them.