The Cootamundra Bulldogs are about to re-enter Group 9 senior competitions in 2025 and renew their rivalry with the likes of the Temora Dragons, Young Cherrypickers and Junee Diesels.
“That’s what we’ve missed, that healthy rivalry,” Cootamundra President Stephen Howse told nswrl.com.au
“We can’t wait to get back to battling them once more as they’re all our close neighbours.”
It’s been a five-year rebuild for the Bulldogs as they worked on strengthening their junior and local player base to enable sustainable re-entry into Group 9.
A Group 9 foundation club, Cootamundra won nine titles in the competition – equal second with Temora behind the Wagga Kangaroos. Their revival brings the number of First Grade teams to 10.
The seniors moved to the George Tooke Shield (Canberra Region Rugby League, Division 2) but a meeting in Wagga on 1 December is expected to approve Cootamundra’s full complement of teams returning to Group 9 – First Grade, Reserve Grade, Under 18, League Tag and Women’s tackle.
This would be the first Cootamundra Bulldogs women’s tackle side to play in Group 9. They were among 35 teams who competed in the Albury Thunder Women’s Nines Rugby League carnival three weeks ago.
“We’ve had to work really hard to get to where we are now,” Howse said.
“We’re back to where we want to be – we’re healthy numbers-wise and we’re far more sustainable off-field as well. Having said all that we’ve been very grateful to Canberra Rugby League and the George Tooke Shield for helping us out.”
NSWRL Community Football Manager Peter Clarke added: “They’re now in a position after rebuilding that local base of players. It’s great they are in a stronger position now.
“Any club at times can be in a position where they need to assess what is sustainable for them. They’ve rebuilt over the past few years and that’s very commendable.
“It’s a famous club with a strong history there with players like Hall of Famers Les Boyd and Eric Weissel and True Blue Paul Field (1983 Origin).”
Howse said the Bulldogs were confident their application to move back into Group 9 will be accepted at the December meeting.
“There will be a few questions asked of us I’m sure. But we’re preparing for Group 9 in 2025 and we’ve already told Canberra district of our intentions,” he said.
The club has already begun assembly its coaching teams, appointing local David Buttriss to look after First Grade.
