Todd Thocolich lays a tackle. Photos by Andrew McLean Photography.
The Deniliquin Blue Heelers kicked off their 2026 Proten Cup season on Saturday, with both the men’s and women’s sides facing a challenging opening round in Ivanhoe.
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After two years of weather related detours, players were relieved to see Mossgiel Rd open, avoiding the long trip through Hay.
For the Blue Heelers women, the season began in unusual fashion, with Barellan forfeiting the match.
Deniliquin collected the points, but the squad will need to wait until round two, next Saturday, June 13 in Deniliquin, for their first on field hit out.
Barellan, meanwhile, will be hoping to regroup and field a side for their next road trip in a fortnight.
The men’s side faced a far tougher afternoon.
With both teams short on numbers, Deniliquin and Barellan agreed to play 11-a-side, but the Rams’ premiership experience quickly took control.
“We had a few out to work and a few out with injuries,” Heelers captain/coach Drew Hinkley said.
Despite some early defensive resolve from the Blue Heelers, Barellan surged to a 30 to 0 halftime lead.
It was extended further in the second half, behind a dominant performance from Rams captain/coach Noah Forbutt, who finished with three tries and nine goals.
“We were in the arm wrestle early, but fatigue got the better of us,” Hinkley said.
“Overall, the boys did play well, in spite of the conditions.“
Deniliquin managed a lone try late in the match, with Barellan centre Rodney Gibbs swapping jerseys to help the Blue Heelers keep a side on the field.
It was a tough start on the scoreboard, but the squad will take positives from their resilience and willingness to compete under difficult circumstances.
Across the rest of the round, Rankins Springs and Goolgowi played out a 4-all draw in the women’s competition after a serious injury halted play, while Ivanhoe snatched a 10 to 8 win over Hillston with a last‑minute long‑range try.
In the men’s games, Goolgowi defeated Rankins Springs 18 to 10, and Hillston claimed a hard earned 16 to 8 win over Ivanhoe, their first regular‑season victory at Ivanhoe.
The competition now pauses for the King’s Birthday long weekend bye.
The Blue Heelers return to the field on June 13, when Deniliquin hosts all games.
Deni is scheduled to play Rankins Springs in their first home game of the season.
•••
The Deni Blue Heelers are using the long weekend bye to host a community day and training session on Saturday.
There will be a touch footy game, barbecue and club catch‑up.
The club would especially like to see new players, volunteers, committee members, sponsors and supporters attend.
The fun will get under way from 11am at Deniliquin Rotary Park.
George Robertson readies for the contact.
Photo by
Andrew McLean Photography
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