Some of the Best Come From Here
Cliff Lyons played at Gundagai before going on to have a hugely successful professional career representing Australia and Manly.
The Group 9 Rugby League competition continues to thrive as the heartbeat of Riverina bush footy, with the Cootamundra Bulldogs, Junee Diesels, Gundagai Tigers, and Young Cherrypickers (All in our South West Slopes Times readership area) each boasting proud histories and pipelines that have delivered elite talent to the NRL, State of Origin, and international levels. Here’s an expanded profile for each club, now including expanded lists of notable players who grew up in or started their junior careers in those towns before rising to higher honours.
Some came for a season such as ‘Cliffy’ and redefined the footy in Gundagai before playing for Australia.
Cootamundra Bulldogs
The Cootamundra Bulldogs, based at Les Boyd Oval, enjoyed a triumphant return to Group 9 in 2025 after years away, blending competitiveness in first grade with youth success.
In 2025, the Bulldogs posted strong results in the top grade— including a win over Wagga Brothers—and claimed the Under 18s (Weissel Cup) premiership in a thrilling 26-22 grand final victory over Wagga Kangaroos.
For 2026, the standout move is the return of clubman Luke Berkrey as captain-coach, bringing his premiership pedigree from Gundagai and elsewhere to guide a youth-oriented rebuild.
First round opponent in 2026: Temora Dragons (away at Nixon Park).
2025 end-of-season performance: Competitive re-establishment in first grade; Under 18s premiers.
Over the last three decades (1996–2025), first-grade premierships have been sparse, with their last in 2005. Total first-grade titles haven’t with: 9 (including 1947–48, 1950–51, 1954, 1982, 1988, 1990, 2005). Cootamundra’s junior system has long punched above its weight, producing stars such as:
• Jack de Belin (NRL: St George Illawarra Dragons 250+ games, now Parramatta Eels; PNG international; started juniors with Cootamundra Bulldogs).
• Les Boyd (NRL: Western Suburbs Magpies, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles; Australian international; tough forward who toured with Australian Schoolboys).
• Eric Weissel (legendary country footballer; never played NRL but represented NSW and is regarded as one of bush footy’s all-time greats; Hall of Fame inductee).
• Paul Field (NSW Origin representative without NRL club games; unique Riverina story).
Junee Diesels
The Junee Diesels, at Laurie Daley Oval, represent gritty, community-driven footy in the competition.
In 2025, they held their own in a competitive 10-team field with solid round performances but no extended finals run.
For 2026, incoming halfback Connor Garrety adds fresh energy for his Group 9 debut in the opening round.
First round opponent in 2026: South City Bulls (away).
2025 end-of-season performance: Mid-table with competitive showings.
Historically, Junee has claimed 2 first-grade premierships (1964, 1986), with no recent titles despite strong junior output. The town’s standout products include:
• Laurie Daley AM (NRL: Canberra Raiders 203 games, three premierships; NSW Origin 34 games including captaincy; Australian international 26 Tests including captaincy; NSW Blues coach; debuted for Junee in first grade at 16).
• Adam Perry (NRL: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and others; solid first-grade career after starting in Junee juniors).
• Michael Dobson (NRL: Newcastle Knights, Hull FC in Super League; represented England internationally).
• Kerry Hemsley (NRL: Parramatta Eels; tough forward from Junee roots).
Gundagai Tigers
The Gundagai Tigers—”Tiger Town” at ANZAC Park—remain a modern powerhouse, cementing their status in 2025.
In 2025, they navigated the long finals path before a gritty 10-6 grand final win over Wagga Kangaroos at Geohex Park to claim the premiership—their fifth in a decade and fourth since 2018.
For 2026, the defending premiers welcome new coach Hayden Ashcroft (after Aaron Gorrell’s move to St George Illawarra’s Jersey Flegg), with strong retention.
First round opponent in 2026: Temora Dragons (home).
2025 end-of-season performance: Premiers—Grand Final winners over Wagga Kangaroos.
Over the last three decades, Gundagai has dominated with titles in 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2025. Total first-grade premierships: 8 (1946, 1963, 1983, plus recent era). The Tigers’ junior pathways have fed rep honours, including:
• Cliff Lyons (NRL: Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 309 games, two Dally M Medals, Clive Churchill Medal; NSW Origin; Australian international
• Charles “Chook” Fraser (early-era star: Balmain premierships; NSW and Australian representative; Kangaroo tourist; linked to Gundagai in his career).
Young Cherrypickers
The Young Cherrypickers, from Alfred Oval, carry Group 9’s richest historical record and enter 2026 rebuilding with purpose.
In 2025, they pushed deep into finals as strong contenders but fell short of premiership silverware after breaking a 30 odd year hoodoo in 2024 under Tom Giles who has also gone on to coach Manly in the same format as Gundagai’s Gorrell.
For 2026, the “reset and rebuild” features co-coaches Jayke Hogan (local) and Daniel Barclay, with former NRL player Nathan Stapleton (Cronulla Sharks) as assistant. Signings include utility Charlie Woolford (son of Raiders legend Simon Woolford) and retention of talents like Matt Noakes.
First round opponent in 2026: Brothers Wagga (away).
2025 end-of-season performance: Finals contender but no title.
Young leads with 10 first-grade premierships (1941, 1952–53, 1955–56, 1968, 1974, 1984, 1991, 2024). In recent decades, the 2024 title ended a long drought. The Cherrypickers’ junior production line is elite, yielding many players who if they stayed in Young and didn’t go on to higher honours would have yielded multiple premierships.
• Brett Mullins (NRL: Canberra Raiders, Sydney Roosters; NSW Origin; Australian international; explosive winger/fullback).
• Jordan McLean (NRL: North Queensland Cowboys, Melbourne Storm, St George Illawarra Dragons; NSW Origin; Australian international; powerful prop).
• Simon Woolford (NRL: Canberra Raiders, St George Illawarra Dragons; NSW Origin; Australian international; tough hooker and club legend).
• Brett Hetherington (NRL: Canberra Raiders, North Queensland Cowboys; solid front-rower).
• Luke Davico (NRL: Canberra Raiders; forward contributor).
These towns and clubs showcase why Group 9 remains vital—nurturing local heroes who become household names while fuelling fierce community rivalries. As 2026 unfolds, the next generation stands ready to add to this legacy.
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