BY WOODBRIDGE CUP & Dan Ryan
Photos: Courtney Gambrill
The Woodbridge cup has concluded its first official match up for the year over the weekend with a heated series of games at Cowra’s Sid Kallas Oval
With temperatures soaring, the teams rose to the occasion and maintained speed and quality on the field. The Youth League Sevens saw the Orange Warriors claim victory over the Cowra Magpies in what organisers called a well-earned final, put down to consistent performance.
The League tag match was fast paced, with Jack Grant noting the local side showed great cohesion considering the limited time spent together as a team. The game remained contested, until the Heritage Allstars emerged with a 36-10 win, put down to precision and exceptional speed in the heat.
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The Men’s Match was preceded by a display by Dinawans Connection, welcoming the players through a traditional smoking ceremony and a sincere and heartfelt address by Albert Murray, setting an evocative tone for the game, which began with high energy and intensity.
The Indigenous Allstars began the match with strong momentum, but it was the Heritage Allstars striking first with an early try by Michael Smith. The Indigenous team quickly responded with tries from Jack Grant and Ben Pettit, leading to a 10-6 scoreline in favour of the Indigenous Allstars by halftime.
Returning from the break, the Indigenous Allstars pressed their lead with additional tries from Torin Hando and another try from Ben Pettit, extending the score to 20-6. Heritage’s Jarod Carty answered with a brilliant try, narrowing the lead. With the temperature rising, both teams realised control was crucial, with the Indigenous Allstars maintaining possession. Their superior ball handling allowed them to extend the lead with Torin Hando scoring yet again, along with Jayden Williams and Ricky Whitton who each scored twice, sealing the victory at 42-16.
Organisers mentioned the final scores did not reflect the nature of the game, with exceptional contributions from both teams.
Ryan Jarvis was named Best Player for Heritage Allstars, with Ben Pettit earning Player of the Match for outstanding performance, as well as best player for Indigenous Allstars.
The Woodbridge Cup Referees Association deserves special acknowledgment for their tireless work throughout the day. Despite the harsh conditions, the referees ensured fair play, and particular recognition is due to the younger officials who represent the future of the sport.
The Cowra Club proved to be exemplary hosts, with the canteen staff working diligently, and the field presented in immaculate condition.
Organisers extended their congratulations to Torin Hando, Jack Grant, and all those who played a role in organizing and contributing to the success of this event, crediting the support and dedication of volunteers.
The Allstars’ Jack Grant said The Cup is a significant event for the region to recognise the indigenous contribution to Rugby League.
“As black fellas we all grow up playing footy, when we’re young we always have a footy in our hands and it’s a great chance for us all to showcase our talents and bring everyone else in, so it’s not just us” he said.
Jack said The Woodbridge Cup will now focus on training and bringing attention to the game, “Next year will be bigger and better, and we want to put a spotlight on us and the Heritage Side as well, so hopefully it can stick around until our kids are running around too” he said, adding "Torin Hando has made groundbreaking moves, he’s putting his best foot forward to make the Woodbridge Cup more inclusive and he’s really doing a good thing for our community."
Grant also credited the efforts of Steve Taylor, Warren Williams, William Ingram and Jason Newell for their work on the coaching staff, as well as the support from Dinawan’s Connection for setting the tone on the day.
The Cup’s openness and inclusivity was reflected in the range of indigenous players participating from across the region and interstate, with Grant emphasising that the mostly Koori (NSW) team also featured a Murray player (QLD).
“The indigenous side we’ve five different nations represented, and there was one Murray - so we’ll be going to be known as Koomurri Allstars” he said.
Grant says for now, the teams are moving toward their regular season, but midway through 2025 will begin promoting the event for 2026 to consolidate on their success.
