The ProTen Community Cup clubs are gearing up towards a bigger season in 2025, with the inclusion of Deniliquin Blue Heelers approved by both ProTen and NSW Rugby League.

The existing members of the competition – Hillston, Ivanhoe, Goolgowi, Barellan, Rankins Springs and Narrandera voted unanimously to allow the fledging Heelers into the competition.

The ProTen concept sees all teams gather at one venue each week, to contest open men’s and open women’s modified tackle rugby league games. The competition has run successfully after being revived in 2018.

The committee is led by president Brad Lawrence, secretary Brooke Streat and treasurer Kendy Lawrence as well as directors chosen from each club.

The 2025 draw has been released and round one will kick off on May 24, at Ivanhoe. Deniliquin will meet Hillston, Barellen will line up against Narrandera in the men’s match of the day, while hosts Ivanhoe will play Goolgowi. Rankins Springs will enjoy a first week bye.

Deniliquin Blue Heelers

The Deni club is led by president Kurt Longford who has been the driving force behind the return of rugby league to the traditional AFL town.

The Heelers are actively recruiting to ensure they meet NSW Rugby League’s conditions of fielding two teams and not posting any forfeits in their first year. They are yet to announce any signings, but have organised a sportsman’s dinner for March, featuring Simon O’Donnell and Laurie Daley as guest speakers.

Deniliquin previously had a club based in the Victorian Rugby League’s Goulburn Murray competition in the 1990s, called the Deniliquin Raiders, however the Blue Heelers last competed in the NSW-based Group 17 competition in 1977.

Rankins Springs Dragons

In 2024 the Dragons narrowly defeated Narrandera by two points to take the club’s third ProTen men’s premiership.

Their dangerous rookie Salesi Mahe took out the ProTen Jim Parson’s Memorial award for rookie of the year and went on to play Group 20 reserve grade’s grand final.

In the women’s squad Cathy Soligo was named by the Daily Telegraph as one of the top 100 best female rugby league layers in NSW.

Rankins Springs is currently recruiting coaches but is yet to announce any signings.

The club will hold a combined annual general meeting and Christmas part late in December.

Narrandera Lizards

It was a solid season for the Narrandera Lizards who only just missed out on a premiership in the men’s competition. The two-point loss to the Dragon’s should fire the side up for a re-match in 2025, but the club is keeping its plans quiet, revealing little on social media.

The Lizards’ under 16 team played a gruelling grand final match in the Group 20 competition, into extra time against Yenda, and were unlucky to lose the flag, in a countback.

Despite the disappointing loss, it bodes well for the Lizards to have such a pool of rugby league talent to draw on into the future.

The Lizard’s have not yet revealed any coaching appointment or major signings.

Barellan Rams

The Rams have announced Noah Forbutt and Adam Thomas as co-coaches of the men’s side, while premiership winning coach Craig O’Toole will take the helm of the women’s squad.

The Rams women’s team posted a big 20-point win over Ivanhoe to clinch this year’s premiership, their second in the competition.

An almost unchanged side then went on to play a nail-biting grand final against Hay Magpies in the first ever Group 20 women’s league grand final. Playing as the Tullibigeal Lakes United Sharks the side went down to Hay in the dying moments of the match.

With a winning combination under their belts the Rams will be 2025 favourites to take out another women’s premiership.

Barellan is yet to announce any signings but held their annual general meeting in October appointing Adam Evans as president, supported by Vice Reece Wilson.

Ivanhoe Roosters

The Roosters have spent no downtime since the end of the 2024 season, and have been on a signing spree. Led by president Mark Huntly and vice Johnno Hart Ivanhoe has announced Dwayne Evans as the men’s coach, assisted by Jay Little, while Johnno Hart will tackle the women’s team.

Signings include Ethan Whyman (men’s captain) and Shailyn Williams (women’s captain) as well as Philip Hunter, Jake Whyman, Cassidy Evans, Tarelle Jones, Nuimai Serukabaivata, Samantha Simpson, Alberta Kennedy, Jermaine Dixon, Thomas Lee, Will Sali, Clay Jones, Lockyer Brennan, Anthony Jones, Robert Clark, Roslyn Evans, Amber Evans, Kelly Pauls, Cherokee Dixon, Falesiu Moli, Kendy Lawrence, Tua Mare, Tilema Moli, Bobbi-Lee Goolagong and Michael Kennedy.

With so many players committing early to the 2025 season it is hard to deny the momentum the Roosters are building. They could be the team to watch in both competitions.

Goolgowi Rabbitohs

The Rabbitohs Jessie Burns and Lexi Lightfoot were also picked by The Daily Telegraph among NSW best female players, and Goolgowi will be looking to improve on their single win in the 2024 season.

The men were unable to secure a win this season meaning the only way is up for the Club who was a power housing in Group 17.

While the Rabbitohs have been quiet in the off-season they held a well-attended presentation day in August.

Taylor Newman was crowned best and fairest for the women, while Tom Condon took both best and fairest and player’s player awards in the men’s team.

Hillston Bluebirds

Grant McMaster was recently elected as president of Hillston Bluebirds and said he is excited for the season to come.

“To now be president means a lot to me, as it would to my Dad,” he said.

“My hopes for next season is to secure more local players and the younger talent, to make it a more enthusiastic team culture, a joy to be around and hopefully get a few wins on the board as well.”

The Bluebirds are currently recruiting coaches, with applications closing yesterday (November 27).

The Hillston club has unveiled a revamped logo and new Facebook page, but is yet to announce any signings.

Image: ProTen Community Club (NB: Draw is subject to venue changes)