Tigers coach Aaron Gorrell was the last coach of the Group 9 side in the Kelly Cup.
After being left off the calendar and all but forgotten the past two years, the Kelly Cup may yet have a stunning resurrection after Group 20 Rugby League confirmed it is in discussions with Group 9 about the return of the event later this year.
The surprise media release posted to the Group 20 Facebook page two weeks ago comes just nine months after budding representative stars and coaches contacted country rugby league website Battlers For Bush Footy with calls to reinstate the annual event.
“We are currently in discussions with Group 9 surrounding the resurrection of the Kelly Cup in 2025,” the Group 20 statement read.
“Together we are looking at the following grades: under 15 male, under 17 male, under 16 female tackle, open female tackle and open mens.” “These age groups are aligned with Andrew Johns, Laurie Daley & Lisa Fiaola Cups and aim to create and promote pathways to these competitions. “Dates, Venues and further details will become clearer in the coming weeks, however moving forward we would like to firstly gauge interest in coaching and team staff.”
The match was once the jewel in the crown of Riverina Rugby League, but has been left off the calendar for the last two years, much to the disappointment of potential representative stars.
Although dominated by Group 9 in recent years, the match formed a crucial part of the local football season and helped to pick the Riverina side during some of the division’s golden years in the Country Championships.
The fixture was controversially axed after a 52-6 triumph by Group 9 in 2022, after years of contests between the two competitions labelled uncompetitive and one-sided. However, calls grew louder to bring back the concept and reignite one of the most passionate country football rivalries in the state, with players and representative coaches leading the push.
It is unknown whether the re-booted contest will be played under the old Under 23s format, or as an unrestricted Open Age contest between each competition’s best 17 players at this stage.
-Tallon Smith