It’s been more than two decades in the making, but the Narrandera Lizards will leave the Proten Community Cup competition and return to Group 20 next year.

The Lizards ended a successful seven-year campaign in the ProTen Cup, where they claimed back-to-back men’s premierships in 2022 and 2023.

However, they are now eager to face a new chapter in their history and face the challenge with joint coaches and former Lizards’ juniors, John Ingram and Bodean Tereva at the helm.

The Lizards will be hoping to emulate past glories in the Group 20 competition when they were crowned first grade premiers in 1986, 1991 and 1999.

Ingram said he and Tereva were extremely grateful for the chance to take the reins as the club embarks on the challenge of facing some familiar old foes.

“Bodean and I are extremely grateful for the opportunity to take the lead and coach the Lizards as we make our long-awaited return to Group 20 after more than 20 years,” Ingram said.

“This is a massive achievement for our club and our community and we’re proud to be part of this next chapter.

“Our focus is to bring professionalism, enthusiasm, and a strong family culture back into the Lizards.

“We want this club to be a place where players, families, supporters and community members feel valued, welcomed and excited to be involved.”

The club will soon announce details in relation to its meet-and-greet family barbecue, along with dates for preseason and the season launch.

“We’d like to warmly welcome all new and returning players - 2026 is going to be special,” Ingram said.

“Watch this space - big things are coming for the Lizards.”

The club thanked ProTen and Group 17 for their support throughout their time in the competition, acknowledging the volunteers, sponsors, players and families who have contributed to their success since 2018.

In just a matter of months, the Lizards will take a huge step forward, face new challenges and continue building the next generation of up-and-coming Lizards.

Plans are in place for the Lizards to field teams across all major grades, including the reserves, women’s tackle, under 18s and under 16s.

In the meantime, excitement is building across Group 20 as clubs wait with bated breath to discover which clubs could be among the first to welcome a Lizards’ side in the early rounds of the competition.

The Lizards are looking forward to new beginnings, bigger challenges and the same strong Lizard spirit that fills Narrandera with pride.