The Snowy River Bears Rugby League Football Club wrapped up its 2025 season recently with a successful awards evening, and life membership presented to Bennie Beattie. Overall, the season proved to be positive for the Bears, club secretary, Kate Dyball, said. “The club not only formed a senior men’s tackle and ladies league tag team, but also got its junior level established,” she said. “There was a real sense of community, family and friendship within the Bears’ camp this year.” Ms Dyball thanked the club’s hardworking and tireless volunteers for their sustained efforts off the field all year. “Our committee members, our blue and yellow shirts, lines men and ball boys/girls, our wonderful bar staff, Julie and Cam, our canteen ladies Bec, Mandy and Suse, the club and our supporters thank you,” she said. “The senior men’s team played well together as a team but were riddled with injuries and low on numbers towards the end of the season. But they never gave up and came back fighting strong to win the last game at home. “We worked hard to pull together a ladies league tag team at the start of the season. With the help of some Canberra players, our ladies were able to enjoy their games and progress as players and a team throughout the season.” The juniors grade, aged between six and nine years, had a mix of tackle and tag teams. “It was so encouraging and enjoyable to see so many local children play in the red and black colours. “We hope to continue the juniors in 2026 and are asking any family members and friends to come along and help out.” Ms Dyball said new and existing players, men and women, are invited to join the Snowy River Bears family for the 2026 season. Pre-season training dates are expected to be announced soon. Keep an eye out on the Snowy River Bears’ social media pages for more information. Ladies League tag award recipients: Rookie of the Year - Ashlee Johnston Most improved - Kate Dyball Best attacker - Leone Burnes Best defender - Isabel Warby Player’s player - Summer McGaldrigan and Isabel Warby Coach’s award - Sheryn Baird Senior Men’s Open Tackle awards: Rookie of the Year - Max Naisby Most improved - Tas Engel Most consistent - Alex Swan Best back - Kohen Pearce Best forward - Jesse Jackson Best and fairest - Matthew Kilgannon Players’ player - Wayne Crisp Coach’s award - Nic Coleman Special awards: Poo Hill Memorial - Jason Dyball, Jo Beattie, Rinsie Jamieson Club player of the Year - Summer McGaldrigan Club person of the Year - Kate Dyball President’s award - Tui Samoa Life membership - Bennie Beattie
