Promising signs as Wee Waa Panthers downed in a thriller

Wee Waa Panthers proved once again they are contenders in the 2025 Group 4 Rugby League mid-season women’s tackle competition as they pushed the Gunnedah Bulldogs all the way to full-time in a top-four battle at Kitchener Park on Sunday.

The match was initially scheduled to be played at Cook Oval, but weather and field conditions saw the two clubs agree to play their three games in Gunnedah.

The two sides were locked at 16-all with just seconds to play when Gunnedah’s Leni Wicks crossed for the match-winning try as the hosts prevailed 22-16.

While a heartbreaking loss for the Panthers ladies that denied them a chance to climb into second place on the ladder heading into their seventh and final round this weekend, it proved they can match it with any side once the finals get underway on August 16.

Gunnedah came out firing on Sunday as tries to Tara Wilkinson-Ryan and Nautica Eather were both converted by Apryl Bailey to put the hosts ahead 12-0 after 10 minutes.

Wee Waa hit back as Matilda Currey crossed in the 17th and 22nd minutes of the 25-minute half, the first of which Cass Morley converted as the Panthers entered half-time trailing 12-10.

Morley struck first in the second stanza as she went over for Wee Waa’s third try of the contest before a minute had been played, and she converted that try to put her side ahead 16-12.

Wilkinson-Ryan’s second try of the contest locked the score up at 16-all with 15 minutes to play before Gunnedah ground out the win when Wicks crossed for the last-minute try and Bailey added the extras to make the final score 22-16.

Wee Waa are still ranked third on the ladder following two wins, two losses and two byes across the first six rounds.

They will hit the road again this Sunday to challenge Dungowan at the Dungowan Sports Ground as they look to gain some momentum to take into the finals. The Cowboys are yet to win in the mid-season women’s tackle competition.

Meanwhile, Wee Waa lost the ladies’ league tag match 52-0 against Gunnedah in round 12 at Kitchener Park on Sunday.