Crushers relish Harmony Cup experience

BENDIGO’s rugby league team is on track for an exciting first full season of competition in 2026, following an encouraging NRL Victoria Harmony Cup foray.

Making their tournament debut, the Bendigo Crushers Rugby League Club acquitted themselves well in the annual nine-a-side competition against seasoned opposition.

Despite coming away from the tournament without a win from their three games, the John Whittle-coached Crushers, whose previous match experience was limited to a couple of exhibition games, competed strongly against Footscray Mana, Tagata Moana and the First Nations, teams

Bendigo Crushers president Mikey Dynon said the feedback from NRL Victoria was all positive.

“We’ve definitely got plenty to work with,” he said.

“It was a really good experience and a great tournament.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get, but it was more about getting some match-play under our belts.

“A lot of the teams we played had first grade players playing in them – we’ll be in third grade.”

In its third year, the Harmony Cup provides volunteers and participants the opportunity to represent their country of origin or community, as well as to meet and connect with new people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Chris Payne, who previously played for the Bendigo Fighting Miners rugby union team, and James Orme stamped themselves as the Crushers’ standout performers.

Dynon said the club was on track play in its first competition season in 2026.

“Numbers are really good. There are 29 in the players’ group chat, so we are really well on track,” he said.

“Whether we have juniors next year, that is still to be decided.

“We’ll do some come and try days at the start of next year and we’re hoping the NRL HOGS Tour will come through Bendigo again.

“They came through (earlier) this year, with some NRL legends like Brad Fittler, Greg Inglis and Dale Finucane visiting.”

The HOGS Tour aims to foster connections between local kids and communities, offering them a chance to play and engage with rugby league.

Officially formed in November 2024, the Crushers became Bendigo’s first rugby league team in more than a decade.

The name Crushers was chosen in a public vote, ahead of Bears, Blue Tongues and Nuggets.

For more info on the Bendigo Crushers, visit the Bendigo Rugby League Club Facebook page.