Coolah Kangaroos ended Cobar Roosters unbeaten run in 2026 when they downed them 18-10 after a hard-fought game at Coolah (photo courtesy of CCG Photography).
Not only did Coolah’s win put a dent in the Rooster’s favouritism to win the 2026 Castlereagh Premiership; they also made a statement that they are not going to relinquish their back-to-back premiership titles, and their quest for a threepeat, without a fight.
The win elevates them to fourth spot on the ladder after the Dunedoo Swans went down 53-20 against Narromine Jets at Narromine. Whilst the loss is not terminal for the Swans, it does put them under pressure to retain fifth spot.
That pressure will come from Coonamble this Saturday, with the Bears being a tough ask on their home ground, especially following their narrow loss to Gilgandra last Saturday.
Playing at Gilgandra, the Bears were well in command leading 28-12 midway through the second half, before the Panthers managed to storm home in the last 14 minutes to record a 32-28 victory.
In the other first grade game Coonabarabran were way too strong for Warren Bulldogs, winning 72-12.
The 2026 Castlereagh League Reserve Grade Grand Final between Coonabarabran Unicorns and Gulgong Bull Terriers at Dunedoo’s Robertson Oval had the crowd enjoying a high quality and thoroughly entertaining game of Rugby League.
With an encouraging wind behind them, the Unicorns got off to a flyer after only four minutes with a converted try to their half Jarvis Watton to take a 6-0 lead.
Not long after winger Sonny-Bill Walker weaved his way through a number of defenders to make it 10-0 to the Unicorns.
Struggling to get out of their own half, the Terriers were rewarded when Duncan O’Leary crashed over 20 minutes into the first half for a converted try.
Shortley after, Brad Toole barged over for another Terriers try after the ball was spun wide and it was game on at 10-all at half-time.
The Unicorns raced in three rapid fire tries when play resumed to take control of the decider 26-10.
The momentum then shifted to the Terriers and when their hooker Ethan Parsons scored back-back-to-back tries, the stage was set for a grandstand finish at 26-22 with five minutes remaining.
The Unicorns were able to hang on during those final frantic minutes to claim the premiership shield after decider that was a great advertisement for Castlereagh Rugby League.
In League Tag, Dunedoo Swannettes are now the only undefeated team in any of the 2026 Castlereagh League competitions.
Whilst Coolah Flyers looked locked in for second position on the ladder, the remaining three spots in the top five look likely to be fought out by Narromine, Gulgong, Cobar and Gilgandra.
Click here for Round 10 scores from the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League
