Tim Wood – QRL Outback
Rugby league officially roared back to life in the far south-west on Saturday, with the Thargo Bulls hosting senior football in Thargomindah for the first time in 24 years – and the tiny outback town delivered a day to remember.
Set against the backdrop of a community still recovering from the devastating 2025 floods, the return of footy marked more than just a game. It was a celebration of resilience, connection and good old country footy spirit in one of Queensland’s most remote communities.
After more than two decades without a team – the Bulls last taking the paddock back in 2002 – the club was reborn earlier this year, forming a committee and earning re-affiliation with Queensland Rugby League ahead of the 2026 Western Rugby League season.
And on Saturday, May 9, the fairytale came home.
Big crowd, bigger occasion
From early morning, there was a buzz around Thargomindah Sports Oval as Western Rugby League juniors kicked things off with a full cluster day, setting the tone for a massive program.
By the time the senior fixtures rolled around, it felt like the entire town – and plenty from across the South-West – had made the trip in. Accommodation was booked out, caravans lined the streets, and the crowd packed shoulder-to-shoulder around the fence.
In true outback fashion, it was less about numbers and more about atmosphere – and the place was humming.
Comets strike first
The Bulls opened their home campaign against the Charleville Comets, in what was always going to be a tough hit-out.
Charleville’s experience showed early, grinding out a 12-nil victory in a physical, hard-earned contest.
While the scoreboard didn’t fall their way, the Bulls showed plenty of grit, matching the Comets through the middle and refusing to take a backwards step.
Bulls breakthrough
But the best was yet to come.
In the final game of the day, Thargo took on the Cunnamulla Rams – and this time, the home side delivered.
In front of a roaring crowd, the Bulls ran in a 38-14 victory, securing their first win in 24 years and sending the town into celebration mode.
Leading the charge was former Melbourne Storm U20s halfback Mack Mason, who crossed for a classy double, showing his experience and composure around the ruck.
He wasn’t alone.
Back-rower Liam Negus and centre Lachie Bumpton also bagged two tries apiece, with Bumpton adding a conversion for good measure. Captain Dylan Andrews led from the front with the boot, slotting three conversions, while Koen Freriks chipped in with two.
It was a complete performance – built on enthusiasm, effort and a fair bit of that trademark country footy flair.
More than just a game
Saturday’s result was significant, but the bigger picture was hard to ignore.
Less than 12 months after floods tore through the region, the return of the Bulls has given the town a renewed sense of pride and purpose.
The team itself – a mix of locals, station hands, and travelling workers – reflects the community it represents, and on Saturday, that community turned out in force.
As the sun set over Thargomindah, the celebrations rolled long into the night – and by all reports, possibly well into Sunday.
The wrap
Scoreboard aside, Saturday was a victory for the Bulls, the town, and outback rugby league.
After 24 years on the sidelines, Thargo is back.
And if the scenes from the weekend are anything to go by, the Bulls are here to stay.
