Group 21 Rugby League
Group 21 Rugby League is a local rugby league competition, run under the control of the Country Rugby League. It covers the Upper Hunter area of New South Wales, and has three divisions, first grade, reserves and Under 18s. For sponsorship reasons, it is known as the Bengalla Group 21 Competition.
The Scone Thoroughbreds have won the most titles, winning 36 titles, and are considered one of the most successful country rugby league teams.
In 2006, the Greta-Branxton Colts joined the competition.
Teams
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia the 2020 season did not commence as originally scheduled and was cancelled in mid-June. The 2021 season was also cancelled mid-season.Eight clubs contest the competition, with six teams competing in First Grade, seven in Reserve Grade, five in Ladies League Tag and four in Under 18s as of 2023.
Former teams
- Muswellbrook Sharks
- Bunnan Bears
- Werris Creek Magpies
- Raymond Terrace Magpies
- Branxton
- Army
- Sandy Hollow
- Singleton St Patrick's
- Caroona
- Budgewoi Buff Point Bulldogs
- Bendemeer
- Willow Tree
- Wybong
- Moonan Flat
- Jerry's Plains
Rugby Union
A Rugby Union competition ran in the Upper Hunter from 1897 to 1914, and in 1919, as a direct predecessor to the Rugby League competition. Aberdeen, Muswellbrook, Scone and in some years Murrurundi participated. In the early stages Finals appear to be held only when the top two teams were equal on points at the conclusion of the round-robin matches. Union matches were played during the World War One, in the seasons 1915 to 1918, on an irregular and social basis. Singleton played in competitions centred in Maitland..| Season | Premiers | Score | Runners-up | Venue | Report | Minor Premier |
| 1897 | Aberdeen | |||||
| 1898 | Aberdeen | 16–0 | Muswellbrook | Scone | MC | |
| 1899 | Aberdeen | No Final | MC | |||
| 1900 | Aberdeen | 3–0 | Murrurundi | Muswellbrook | SA | |
| 1901 | Aberdeen | |||||
| 1902 | Aberdeen | 16–0 | Murrurundi | Scone | SA | |
| 1903 | Murrurundi | 14–0 | Aberdeen | Scone | SA | |
| 1904 | Aberdeen | No Final | SA | |||
| 1905 | Scone | Murrurundi | SA | |||
| 1906 | Aberdeen | No Final | SA | |||
| 1907 | Scone | No Final | SA | |||
| 1908 | Scone | 3–0 | Aberdeen | Muswellbrook Showground | SA | |
| 1909 | Aberdeen | 6–0 | Muswellbrook | Aberdeen | SA | |
| 1910 | Muswellbrook | MC | ||||
| 1911 | Aberdeen | |||||
| 1912 | Scone | SA | ||||
| 1913 | Muswellbrook | MC | ||||
| 1914 | Scone | Forfeit | Muswellbrook | Muswellbrook | ||
| 1919 | Murrurundi | 8–0 | Muswellbrook | Scone Park | MC |
Junior League
The following clubs field teams in Group 21 Junior Competitions:Aberdeen TigersDenman DevilsMerriwa MagpiesMuswellbrook RamsScone Thoroughbreds- '''Singleton Greyhounds'''