BY JAMIE PARSONS

Proten Cup Knockout Returns to Barellan This Saturday

The highly anticipated seventh Proten Cup Knockout is set to take place this Saturday, May 10, with the Barellan Rams hosting the event for the second time.

This year's knockout marks the on-field return of the Deniliquin Blue Heelers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the day's proceedings.

The knockout competition underwent a significant change in 2025, becoming a voluntary event with teams able to nominate their participation for either the men's or women's draws.

This decision came after several clubs and players expressed favour for the day being removed from the calendar altogether.

The date often falls in the middle of the busy sowing season, making it difficult for many players from rural clubs to participate.

Following discussions at the Annual General Meeting in October, clubs ultimately voted to retain the day but on a voluntary basis for each club.

This Saturday will see five sides competing in the men's draw.

The field includes hosts Barellan, along with Hillston, Ivanhoe, Narrandera, and the returning Deniliquin.

Each men's club will play two games throughout the day, with the top two teams at the conclusion of these matches advancing to the final.

The women's competition features four teams battling it out: Barellan, Hillston, Ivanhoe, and Rankins Springs.

They will compete in a similar draw format to the men's sides, aiming for a spot in the women's final.

Unfortunately, a couple of clubs have been forced to pull out of the knockout due to low player numbers.

The Goolgowi Rabbitohs have withdrawn both their men's and women's teams, while the Rankins Springs men's team and the Narrandera women's team are also missing, reportedly due to similar availability issues.

Historically, Goolgowi and Rankins Springs have found the men's knockout tough despite their strong performances in the regular competition proper.

Goolgowi did make the very first final back in 2018, though the sources also note that the 'Dragons' are the only Proten Cup team not to have made a knockout final.

Barellan's men's side enjoyed success last year, winning the knockout and making the finals of the regular competition for the first time since 2021.

Hillston claimed victory in that inaugural 2018 final, defeating Goolgowi in a tight 14-12 contest.

In the women's historical context, the Narrandera side has been a strong force in previous knockouts, winning the 2022 iteration with a combined team alongside Rankins Springs, and finishing as runners-up last year to Barellan.

Hopefully, their current lack of numbers is just a temporary setback and they'll be back on the park come round one of the regular season.

The Barellan women's team has been particularly dominant recently, winning both the knockout and the premiership in the past two seasons (2023 and 2024).

Many teams have already had a hit-out or two this year as they prepare for the season proper. Rankins Springs have played two trial matches, securing a 12-10 win over Forbes in the Dane Richards Memorial but going down 10-14 to West Wyalong. In women's trials,

Rankins Springs fought out a 10-all draw with Ivanhoe. The Rankins Springs women's 'Hens' also competed in the Yanco 9s, where they were eventually beaten by Cobar.

Goolgowi went down 10-16 to Yenda in the Billy Hale Memorial trial, with their women's side also soundly beaten by Yenda on the same day.

Barellan got up 16-12 in an opposed session against Leeton.

Ivanhoe's men's side competed in the Yanco 9s, losing to Griffith Black & Whites, while their women's Hens were also at the Yanco 9s before their match against Cobar.

Hillston showcased excellent numbers in an in-club trial match, able to field two full sides.

The day's action kicks off bright and early at the Barellan Sportsground.

Proten Knockout Draw - Saturday, May 10:

•10:00 am: Men’s – Barellan v Narrandera

•10:40 am: Men’s – Hillston v Ivanhoe

•11:20 am: Women’s – Barellan v Ivanhoe

•11:50 am: Women’s – Hillston v Rankins Springs

•12:20 pm: Men’s – Narrandera v Deniliquin

•1:00 pm: Men’s – Barellan v Hillston

•1:40 pm: Women’s – Barellan v Rankins Springs

•2:10 pm: Women’s – Ivanhoe v Hillston

•2:40 pm: Men’s – Deniliquin v Ivanhoe

•3:20 pm: Women’s Final

•3:50 pm: Women’s Presentation

•4:00 pm: Men’s Final

•4:40 pm: Men’s Presentation

It promises to be a big day of football at Barellan as teams vie for early-season bragging rights in the Proten Cup Knockout.