Earlier this month, members of the Narrandera Clontarf Academy teamed up with their mates from Griffith High School Clontarf Academy to take part in the 2025 Ross Kelly Cup in Penrith, NSW.

The event, held from 5-8 August, brought together Year 9 and 10 Clontarf boys from across the state for an action-packed rugby league carnival celebrating teamwork, sportsmanship, and cultural pride.

This year’s competition once again honoured the Foundation’s inaugural Chair, Ross Kelly AM, whose legacy continues to inspire young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to strive for their best on and off the field.

Before the big day, the boys attended the Ross Kelly Cup Dinner, which saw a record-breaking crowd of more than 1150 guests.

It was a night of recognition and celebration, highlighting the achievements of Clontarf participants and the positive impact of the program nationwide.

On the field, the Narrandera and Griffith combined team put in a strong performance, winning two out of their three games and only narrowly missing out on a spot in the finals.

Adding to the excitement, two of our boys were selected to represent in the Fresh Water vs Salt Water game a showcase match featuring some of the carnival’s standout players.

Both boys played brilliantly, helping their team to victory in front of a packed crowd.

While in Sydney, the boys also enjoyed a variety of team-building and recreational activities. Highlights included the thrill of iFLY indoor skydiving, a relaxed round of golf, and some well-deserved downtime shopping at Westfield. These activities gave the boys an opportunity to bond, try new experiences, and develop confidence outside their usual school setting.

The Ross Kelly Cup remains one of the standout events on the Clontarf calendar, and for the Narrandera and Griffith boys, it was a chance to test their skills, meet new mates, and represent their Academies with pride.