By Jamie Parsons
Training has begun for most of the clubs competing in the 2025 ProTen Cup season, so here is a brief rundown on each club’s situation.
The draw will feature seven rounds with the action to begin on Saturday 24 May. The annual ProTen Knockout will be staged a fortnight earlier on Saturday 10 May.
Rankins Springs
The Premiers from 2024 (Photo above: Andrew McLean Photography) started training on 6 February and will continue every Thursday at the Rankins Springs Sport and Recreation complex, and every Monday at Jubilee Oval in Griffith.
There are no new signings as yet but most of the 2024 side plan on returning, with the notable exception of Chris Judd, who has signed a first grade contract with West Wyalong.
Coaches: Josh Johnston, Damian Walker (men); Joel McIntyre, Luke Tuckett (women)
Narrandera
The two-time premiers and 2024 runners-up the Lizards have yet to start pre-season training and are still in the process of appointing their coaches. A committee was elected in early February and advertisements have been put out for men’s and women’s head coaches.
Their Under 16s side, which competes in Group 20, has started pre-season training. Former coach Kye Longford is coaching the Riverina Bulls U16s side.
Ivanhoe
The perennial unlucky club, the Roosters are still searching for that elusive premiership that evaded them again last season.
They missed the grand final when they drew their Preliminary final 16-all with Rankin Springs Dragons but were eliminated from the decider as they finished lower on the ProTen Cup ladder.
The Roosters have already had many players commit including club captains Ethan Whyman and Shailyn Williams along with the rumoured return of hometown NRL player Joel Thompson. A squad like that could put Ivanhoe in prime position to chase that long-awaited premiership in 2025. Ivanhoe have been training since the first week of February and are set to open the season at home on the 24 May.
Coaches: Dwayne Evans, assistant Jay Little (men); Jonno Hart, assistant Brad Lawrence (women).
Barellan
The much-improved Rams have also begun training, running their first session in mid-February.
The men’s side lifted from the wooden spoon position in 2023 to make the finals in 2024, leading the competition for much of the season last year.
Noah Forbutt and Adam Thomas return to coach their third season and with a young side gaining more experience they are every chance to improve further. Craig Toole has come on as women’s coach and it will be no surprise if they dominate once again in 2025 - the Rams beat the Ivanoe Roosters (26-6) in last year's decider.
Barellan are set to host the Knock-Out on 10 May.
Coaches: Adam Thomas, Noah Forbutt (men); Craig Toole (women).
Hillston
The Bluebirds have started with higher intensity than previous seasons with a new Facebook page and an early start to training, scheduled to continue every Wednesday and Friday at Stan Peters Oval.
Numbers were good to start with and will hopefully continue with the Bluebirds looking to bring finals footy back to the club for both grades.
New men’s coach and vice-president Tommy Brettschneider has taken on a lot of responsibility and has been very active in the pre-season. Hillston will host the 2025 ProTen Cup Grand Final on 2 August.
Coaches: Tommy Brettschneider (men); Jed Webster (women).
Goolgowi
The competition’s former benchmark side has moved more slowly in recent seasons, winning two of the past three wooden spoons.
Pre-season training began with a session at Goolgowi Pool. This year’s coach Ben Marks has returned for another season in 2025, with the last-placed finish last season undeserving of his commitment and passion to the role.
Hopefully with a better roll-up this season the Rabbitohs can again get back to their best. Brian Smith takes over the head coaching role of the women’s team from Jessie Burns and Lexi Lightfoot.
Coaches: Ben Marks (men); Brian Smith (women).
Deniliquin
ProTen Cup’s newest club was the first to begin training back in early January.
The Blueheelers have recently announced their coaches, bringing in Drew Hinkley and President Kurt Longford to lead the men’s side and Warren Annetts to lead the women.
As part of their re-admission to the competition, Deniliquin need players registered for both their sides by the end of February so that a competition committee can be finalised.
Coaches: Drew Hinkley, Kurt Longford (men); Warren Annetts (women).
