North versus south in Timber Cup

Northern United Rugby League Football Club would like to recognise the contribution made to rugby league by teams in the local area by bringing back the ‘Timber Cup’.

‘The Timber Cup has been defunct since about 2006 when the local Group One Second Division folded,’ says Northern United’s Grantley Creighton. ‘There has been a gap in the local rugby league scene ever since. For the first time, the event will be played in a new and exciting format that is sure to bring back many memories for all rugby league followers.’

The Timber Cup is one of the oldest rugby league trophies in Australia and was originally played for by teams in the old Bonalbo Rugby League Second Division competition, which consisted of teams such as Woodenbong Whites, Woodenbong All Blacks, Baryulgil, Tabulam, Urbenville, and Mallanganee. It then included other teams, which became the Group One Rugby League Second Division competition, teams such as Mid Richmond, Wardell, Casino All Blacks, South Casino, Lennox Head, Rappville, Yamba, Coraki, Bangalow, Alstonville, Lismore, Ballina and Evans Head. ‘Timber Cup games between all of these teams were legendary and the players that played were extremely talented and are more than likely relatives of the young men who will play in this years Timber Cup event,’ says Grantley.

This is the first time the Timber Cup will be played in this format of North versus South Bundjalung teams. The North team will consist of players from the NRRRL competition who reside near or originate from Muli Muli, Kyogle, Lismore, Ballina, Cabbage Tree Island, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads. The South team will consist of players from the NRRRL competition who reside near or originate from Tabulam, Casino, Coraki, Evans Head, Yamba, Maclean and Grafton.

‘The Northern United RLFC would like this to grown into an annual event on the local rugby league calendar,’ says Grantley. ‘We want to bring back one of the oldest known rugby league trophies that holds so much significance for the many players past and present who played for this trophy.’

The team lists for the event are:

Northern Bundjalung
Coaches: Ashley Moran and Willie Simpson

Players:

1. 1. Brett Kelly (Ballina)
2. 2. Tyrone Kelly (Ballina)
3. 3. Clarence Kelly (Ballina)
4. 4. Luke Simpson (Ballina)
5. 5. Jayden Jacky (Northern United)
6. 6. Alwyn Roberts (Ballina)
7. 7. Tim Green (Kyogle)
8. 8. Chris Cubby (Northern United)
9. 9. Jamahl Roberts (Northern United)
10. 10. Steven Kelly (Ballina)
11. 11. Leon King (Northern United)
12. 12. James Roberts (Northern United)
13. 13. Joe Gordon (Byron Bay)
14. 14. Noel King (Byron Bay)
15. 15. Mook Harrington (Byron Bay)
16. 16. Chris King (Byron Bay)
17. 17. Brian Kelly* (Ballina)
18. 18. Jira Breckenridge (Northern United)

* Under-18 selection

Southern Bundjalung
Coaches: Grant Brown and Billy Walker

Player:

1. 1. David Briggs Jnr (Casino)
2. 2. Terry Kelly (Evans Head)
3. 3. Anthony Robinson (Northern United)
4. 4. Andrew Kapeen (Lower Clarence)
5. 5. Mikey Randall (South Grafton)
6. 6. Roy Bell (Northern United)
7. 7. Corey Torrens (Northern United)
8. 8. Tyson Binge (Evans Head)
9. 9. Andrew Bell (Casino RSM)
10. 10. Ryan Binge (Lower Clarence)
11. 11. Len Hickling (Northern United)
12. 12. Walter Donnelly (South Grafton)
13. 13. Grant Brown (Casino RSM)
14. 14. Josh Cook (Evans Head)
15. 15. Kevin Torrens (Casino RSM)
16. 16. Don Walker (Kyogle)
17. 17. Troy Torrens* (Casino RSM)
18. 18. Michael Walker (Northern United)

* Under-18 selection