In a unique occasion for Rugby League in the Riverina, Narrandera Lizards and Yenda Blueheelers will each celebrate a century of rugby league on consecutive weekends.

Former Group 20 turned Group 17 club the Narrandera Lizards will join the Blueheelers in celebrating their centenary this weekend at the Proten Community Cup Grand Final day at Narrandera Sportsground.

The Lizards, who were formed in 1921, were unable to celebrate their centenary in 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the discovery of evidence in the National Archives of their first match via research from Battlers For Bush Footy prompted the club to hold the event this weekend.

Recent evidence discovered by Battlers For Bush Footy that points to the foundation of the Narrandera Rugby League Football Club being in 1921.

The Lizards will play in this week’s Grand Final on their home ground, aiming for a Proten Community Cup three-peat in front of their home fans on the big day to add to their previous titles in 1986, 1991 and 1999 in Group 20.

The Yenda club, founded in 1924 and originally known as the “Blues”, have competed in Group 20 since the competition’s inaugural season of 1954, winning seven titles in that time, in 1982, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2009.

The club held its celebratory dinner for nearly 300 guests last weekend at the Yoogali Club, following the Centenary Celebration game at Wade Park against local rivals Griffith Black and Whites.

All five grades played in front of a large crowd in the small but passionate rugby league town.