The annual West Wyalong Knockout, a staple in the rugby league calendar now in its 52nd year, lived up to expectations with thrilling matches and spirited performances over the weekend. Held at the iconic Ron Crowe Oval, the competition showcased teams from across Groups 9, 10, 11, 16, 20, alongside the Canberra Rugby League teams, vying for a $20,000 prize.
Local heroes, the Cooma Stallions and Bombala Blue Heelers, experienced mixed fortunes in this year’s tournament. Bombala faced a challenging first round against Orange CYMS, where they were edged out with a 12-6 loss.
PHOTO: The Bombala Blue Heelers defence heated up in the second half with three converging in this tackle CREDIT: AS Photography
Despite the defeat, Bombala’s starting hooker, Bailey Jones, reflected positively, “We took a lot of positives out of the trip, such as our defence especially in the second half when we held them to nil. It was our first hit out with a few of our regular first graders missing so overall, we are very pleased with the boys’ effort.”
PHOTO: The Cooma Stallions kicked off their 2025 campaign in Wyalong CREDIT: AS Photography
The Cooma Stallions delivered a promising performance in their opener, holding last year’s champions, Woden Valley Rams, to a 6-6 draw. The resulting advancement to round 2 was praised by Stallions President Todd Williams, “The boys took a lot of confidence out of the tournament… it was a great opportunity for the squad to get to know each other as there are quite a few new members.”
PHOTO: Determined run by the strongly built Stallions’ front rower James Cahill CREDIT: AS Photography
However, their journey was halted in round 2 by Forbes with a 16-0 defeat. Reflecting on the tournament, Williams remains optimistic, noting the squad’s potential and the valuable experience gained: “Moving forward, the club is in a great position and looking forward to the season starting.”
Williams highlighted the effort to match it with last years winners, a much bigger Woden side and progressing to round 2, were major accomplishments for the club.
As the tournament wrapped up, it left the community in excitement, with Stallions and Blue Heelers fans now eagerly looking forward to Group 16 action.