Group 21 Rugby League


Group 21 Rugby League is a local rugby league competition, run under the control of the New [South Wales Country Rugby League|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

Lower Grades

First Grade Premiers

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..
SeasonPremiersScoreRunners-upVenueReportMinor Premier
189722x22px Aberdeen
189822x22px Aberdeen16–022x22px MuswellbrookSconeMC
189922x22px AberdeenNo FinalMC
190022x22px Aberdeen3–022x22px MurrurundiMuswellbrookSA
190122x22px Aberdeen
190222x22px Aberdeen16–022x22px MurrurundiSconeSA
190322x22px Murrurundi14–022x22px AberdeenSconeSA
190422x22px AberdeenNo FinalSA
190522x22px Scone22x22px MurrurundiSA
190622x22px AberdeenNo FinalSA
190722x22px SconeNo FinalSA
190822x22px Scone3–022x22px AberdeenMuswellbrook ShowgroundSA
190922x22px Aberdeen6–022x22px MuswellbrookAberdeenSA
191022x22px MuswellbrookMC
191122x22px Aberdeen
191222x22px SconeSA
191322x22px MuswellbrookMC
191422x22px SconeForfeit22x22px MuswellbrookMuswellbrook
191922x22px Murrurundi8–022x22px MuswellbrookScone ParkMC

Title Tally

Junior League

The following clubs field teams in Group 21 Junior Competitions: