The ProTen competition head back to Barellan for Round 2 of the 2025 season, for the second time in three weeks, after the Rams hosted the annual pre-season knockout was held there recently.

By Jamie Parsons

In round two, Rankins Springs will have their first run of the year against the home side, while Hillston will have the bye.

The women’s competition preview

Rankins Springs Dragons v Goolgowi Rabbitohs

The Dragonettes return to the field after the round one bye and will meet a Goolgowi side sure to have better numbers this week. Rankins Springs’ training numbers have been good despite the lack of games, so both teams will be looking to get back on track. The Springs last game was a big loss to Barellan at the knockout, but last time these two teams met, the Dragonettes got their first win over the Rabbitohs 12-10.

Head-to-Head: Goolgowi 6, Rankins Springs 1.

Record at Barellan: Rankins Springs Won 2, Lost 2. Goolgowi Won 3, Lost 3. 

Barellan Rams v Ivanhoe Hens

The top two teams of the past two seasons meet early in the year. The Hens' vast improvement in round one promises a much closer clash than the knockout final, won 34 to nil by Barellan. Barellan haven’t lost at home, though the Hens came close with a 16-12 loss in the final round last year.

Head-to-Head: Barellan 6, Ivanhoe 1.

Record at Barellan: Barellan Won 2, Lost 0. Ivanhoe Won 2, Lost 3.

Round two men’s preview

Narrandera Lizards v Ivanhoe Roosters                                

The Lizards put in a better performance than perhaps many expected in round one, with only eleven of their own players making the trip over. A few fill-ins helped greatly, and some good football had them up early. No doubt with a bigger bench this week, the Lizards’ attack will be a test for Ivanhoe’s defence, which was excellent last week. It’s always a fiery clash, this one.

Head-to-Head: Narrandera 8, Ivanhoe 1.

Record at Barellan: Narrandera – Won 5, Lost 1. Ivanhoe – Won 2, Lost 4.

Deniliquin v Goolgowi

Deniliquin have another big trip this week, though around an hour shorter than their round one journey. They had good numbers in the knockout, so hopefully the boys will rally and get their season restarted in a better way than last week. Goolgowi will look to get their attack on track after failing to score against the Roosters.

Head-to-Head: First Meeting

Record at Barellan: Goolgowi Won 2, Lost 3. Deniliquin - first appearance

Barellan v Rankins Springs

The home side welcomes Rankins Springs for the first time in a round game; the two teams met here just once before in the 2021 preliminary final. Barellan had probably their best win of the season and definitely their best win at home last year in round six, defeating Ivanhoe 44-14. The last time the two teams met it was a 12-all draw in 2024 round five. The Dragons are a bit of an unknown, while keeping most of their premiership side, they haven’t been sighted since the trials in early April.

Head-to-Head: Rankins Springs 6, Barellan 1, Drew 1.

Record at Barellan: Barellan Won 2, Lost 4. Rankins Springs Won 3, Lost 3.

Games kick off at 10am at Barellan Sportsground.