Annual Awards 2025

The Cootamundra Sports Foundation (CSF) held the town’s annual sports awards at the Cootamundra Golf & Sports Club, highlighting the outstanding performances from Cootamundra sportspeople and sporting teams in 2025.

Representatives from the CSF’s major sponsors SWSbank, the ARTC and Riverina Ford as well as Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Councillors Gil Kelly and Les Cooper attended the presentation.

2025 Frank Smith Memorial Sportsperson of the Year

Cody Hotston - Bull Riding

Cody Hotston completed a sensational 2025 in bull riding by being named the Australian Rookie Champion bull rider and runner-up Australian Champion after the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) National Finals were held at Tamworth.
 
Cody’s results were right up there in the rodeo world finishing in the top 15 on prize money for the season to make the finals at Tamworth where he excelled at the top level to claim both awards in a fantastic result for the bull rider.

Representing Cootamundra on the national stage takes dedication, courage, and countless hours of hard work and Cody was rewarded with his performances at the titles.

Three other Cootamundra Rodeo Club members competed at Tamworth also achieving great results.

Brayden Oddy was the runner-up in junior steer riding and bull riding and was recently selected in the 2026 Australian Junior Bull Riding Team that will travel to the USA and compete at the top level.

Amy Manwaring competed in the 11-14 age steer riding and at the Nationals she gained enough points to be crowned Junior all-round cowgirl of the finals.

Jasper Bush competed in the 8–11 age steer, finishing second in the first round.

A great result for Cootamundra Rodeo members and club.

 

 

2025 Junior Sportsperson

Lexi Phillips - Cycling

Lexi Phillips had another great 12 months of cycling in 2025.

She was named in AusCycling’s international development squad that travelled to Malaysia in May to compete at the Yayasan Sime Darby Track Series. 

This international competition and elite training environment, with guidance and support from AusCycling staff and coaches, gave all emerging junior cyclists a great opportunity to advance their career. 

Lexi was one of 12 young cyclists from all parts of Australia named to compete at this international event after consistently showing great form in competitions across Australia.

Lexi also earned a spot on the NSW U17 Girls Track Cycling team for the AusCycling Track National Championships held in Brisbane, where she was elected Team Captain.

This speaks volumes about her dedication, talent, and leadership.

Lexi continues to progress in the sport and this year so far Lexie has just returned from State championships.

She came home with Gold in the Team Sprint, silver in the Sprint, Bronze in the Time trial and just missed out on bronze in the Kierin.

Massive shoutout to Lexie Phillips for a brilliant 12 months of cycling.

Lexi Phillips

 

2025 Rising Star Award

Arabella Bassingthwaighte - Cricket

Arabella is a young talented sportswoman who has excelled in a number of sports in 2025.

Enjoying playing as many sports as possible, Arabella is not only a talented athlete but is also a wonderful team member in representative teams, showing leadership, team spirit, positivity and great sportsmanship every time she plays.

Representative cricket was where Arabella excelled.

After being selected for the Riverina Schools team for the second time, Arabella showed her prowess at the State Championships where she was named the Riverina Medallist as the best player for her team.

Her performances saw her named in the NSW PSSA Girls Cricket team for the State Championships and was then selected for the NSW team that played in the National Championships in Bendigo.

Arabella also represented Riverina Schools at State PSSA carnivals in hockey, touch football and athletics showing her overall athletic ability.

She also excelled in rugby with the Coota Bears and was part of the winning team in the Southern Inland Junior Rugby competition.

A true all-round sporting star.

2025 Sporting team of the Year

Netball Cootamundra

What a massive year for Cootamundra Netball with two teams, Coota Blue and Coota White, taking out their Grand Finals in the Wagga Netball competition.

Coota Blue dominated their match against Kooringal winning 70-30, showing their superiority.

Team members were Corinna Campbell, Megan Withers, Emily Harris, Jessica Cronin, Jessica Brien, Casey Polsen, Jeana Bell, Grace Sutherland, Sophie Helt, Tina Wales and Bianca Jones.

The team demonstrated outstanding consistency and teamwork throughout the season, remaining undefeated. Their strong performance saw them progress through the qualifying final and into the Grand Final, where they continued their form to secure the premiership.

Coota White fought hard in a nail-biter against Wagga Ag College, coming away with a 36–32 victory over their undefeated opponents in an amazing game.

Team members were Madeline Twyford, Libby Hartshorn, Charlotte Campbell,Matilda Campbell, Kaitlyn Niddrie, Charlton Glenn, Brooke O’Loughlin, Alex Marshall, Ayla Nicoll, Molly Baron and Ainslee Meale.

The team showed resilience and determination across the season. After a loss in the qualifying final to an undefeated team, they regrouped and went on to win the preliminary final, earning their place in the Grand Final. They delivered a strong performance to claim the premiership.

Bringing home two Grand Final wins is a significant achievement for the association and reflects the dedication, teamwork, and commitment of all players involved.

Netball Cootamundra Team

2025 Junior Team of the Year

Cootamundra Bulldogs U18's - Rugby League

The Cootamundra Bulldogs under 18’s rugby league team claimed the Weissel Cup trophy in Group 9 in a fantastic result for the Club.

The Bulldogs re-entered the Group 9 competition and for the first time in a few years, the under 18’s team were aligned in the draw with the other Cootamundra teams.

The team was certainly talented but did struggle with player numbers due to injury and first grade commitments at times during the season.

However, they finished fourth on the ladder and then played one month of outstanding football in the final’s series, winning against Albury, Young and South City before defeating the previously undefeated Wagga Kangaroos 26-22 in an exciting Grand Final at McDonalds Park in Wagga. The winning try came in the last minute of play!

A large group of Bulldogs supporters were on hand to see this game and enjoy the victory.

Coached by Josh Kostrubic assisted by Tom Miller and Mitch Wakeford, the team peaked at the right time of the year.

Team members were Ollie Hall, Toby Tanks, Ned Murray, Isaiah Pulleine, Graham Neale, Harry Boxsell, Paul Bean, Gus Smart, Jai Willoughby, Ben Piffero, Riley Meale, Reid McTavish, Archie Piffero, Cadyn Smart, Ryan Peacey, Sam Sharman, Alex Brown, Sam Elphick, Brock Smith and Will White.

Congratulations to the Junior Team of 2025- the Bulldogs under 18’s.

   

Max Rudd Trophy – Service to Sport

Steve Oddy - Rodeo

Max Rudd was an inaugural member of the Cootamundra Sports Foundation and assisted many sporting groups and individuals along the way at his sports shop.

He was a very talented cricketer and AFL player and represented Cootamundra in both sports over many years.
It is fitting the Contribution to Sport award is named after him.

Steve is always generous with his time, knowledge and experience, helping young riders build confidence and develop safety within the sport. It is no exaggeration to say that many of our local riders would not be where they are today without his guidance, encouragement and ongoing support.

A significant part of Steve’s contribution is ensuring that riders of all stages have suitable stock to ride.

He carefully manages the stock and their wellbeing on a weekly basis, demonstrating great responsibility, respect and care for the animals.

Prior to practice days, Steve takes the initiative and time to muster the stock the day before ensuring young riders have the opportunity to train and improve at the rodeo grounds.

Steve is always willing to answer questions, lend a hand, and step in wherever needed. he approaches every task - big or small - with reliability, humility and a strong work ethic. 

His quiet dedication and willingness to do the hard work behind the scenes are a huge part of what keeps the cohort running smoothly.
Steve’s commitment to supporting young riders, maintaining the stock, and strengthening the future of our rodeo community makes him an incredibly valuable member of the committee.

2025 Sports Administrator Award

Rod Knagge - Coota Blues AFL

Rod Knagge arrived in Cootamundra at the beginning of 1981 having spent his formative years in Narrandera.

He immediately joined up with Cootamundra Blues and over the next 15 years went onto play 221 matches for the club which included playing in the 1989 and 1992 First grade premierships.

However, it is as an administrator where Rod has excelled.

He is the only person to hold all three positions on the executive. In the second part of 1981 and 1982, Rod was the club’s treasurer. In 1989 to 2002 Rod was the Blues secretary.

Halfway through 2007, the Blues withdrew from AFL Canberra, the club’s future was in doubt.

So, at the AGM in 2008 Rod was elected as the Blues president and held this position for six years.  

 Rod again took on the role as the Blues president in 2025.

Rod’s service to the Blues saw him recognised as a life member in 1994.

Further recognition for Rod came in 2015 when he was inducted in the Coota Blues Wall of Fame.

 Rod’s three sons, Michael, Brad and Matt have played for the Blues with Matt being the Blues current coach for a second year. 
 
Rod Knagge a great contributor to the Coota Blues – on and off the field.

Other Notable Performances in 2025

Cootamundra Swimming and Lifesaving Club

The Cootamundra Swimming and Lifesaving Club continues to thrive and several young representative swimmers have achieved excellent results in this highly competitive sport at many carnivals from Regional, Country, State and National titles.

At the Swimming NSW Country Championships Sam Manwaring, Lexie McGovern, Halle Johnson, Lana Sumich and Lara Rathjen all performing very well with many PB’s and qualifying times obtained.

Halle Johnson secured her third National Age Championships qualifying time and came away with a bronze place medal.
Lexie McGovern and Halle Johnson both swam at the Australian Age swimming Championships in Brisbane.

Club member Georgia Wheeler, who now attends boarding school, won the Girls 13 years old 50 metres backstroke title at the Australian Age Championships in a super effort.

Lexie McGovern swam at the NSW youth state swimming short course championships in six events, swimming several PB’s and a bronze medal.  events.

Up and coming swimmer Fletch Gammon has broken several club records and looks to have a great future.

Sophie Boxsell

Sophie has had a fantastic year of sport in 2025 – especially on the footy field in three codes.

She was selected to play in the Rugby League 16’s girls Western Team, successfully trialled for the Rugby Union U16’s Southern Inland team and the U15’s Canberra Raiders Rugby League Development Squad as an indication of her skills.

Sophie was also selected to play in the NSWCCC Touch Football U15’s Championships.

To highlight her considerable talent, Sophie was selected in the 2025 under 15’s Brumbies Rugby 7’s girls’ squad that travelled to New Zealand in November.

This tour included matches against local and regional schools, training at the Rugby NZ high performance centre and competing in the National NZ under 15’s Sevens Tournament.

A major highlight of the tour was Sophie’s outstanding performance at the Condor Under 15’s Sevens Tournament — one of the premier youth rugby events in New Zealand.

Sophie was selected as team captain, leading the squad with maturity, composure, and strong on-field direction.

She was also her team’s highest try scorer, consistently breaking the line and providing momentum in crucial moments.

Her peers and coaches recognised her leadership and effort by voting her Players’ Player of the Tournament.

Sophie Sannazzaro

Sophie was selected to play for the NSW Country Under 15 State Team for the Emerging Matilda’s Championships (previously known as the National Youth Championships).

Sophie has been selected through the Talent Support Program which she been with for the last 2 years. This program identifies youth from their local community competitions and provides them with an opportunity for further training and opportunities.

Sophie has also recently played at the NSWCCC (Combined Catholic Schools) Championship, playing in the Southern Country Team to further demonstrate her skill.

This year Sophie repeated her 2025 form being selected to play at the under 16’s Emerging Matildas Championships (Youth Nationals) in Melbourne in April.

Sophie is the only country girl selected for the u16s team, everyone else plays in Sydney or Wollongong,

Emily Tanks

2025 saw Emily carry on her outstanding performances in AFL at both school and senior club level in the Farrer Football League.

Selected by the GWS Giants as a standout talent, Emily was chosen for their Academy squad.

As a real bonus, Emily was then invited to tour with the Wanderers Australia team in their AFL squad to tour the United Kingdom, Ireland and Paris, playing teams in Gaelic Football and modified versions of AFL.

She played 5 games of international rules, Gaelic football, in Ireland, with rules of the game different to what she was used to.
Emily also has represented Riverina schools in athletics at State level.

Harry Simons

Harry Simons was named the 2024 Rising Star by the Sports Foundation last year. He showed that award was well deserved in 2025 in both soccer and cricket.

In soccer, he played 50 games for the Wagga Wanderers and received Players Player for the U16’s which was the age group above his own - an impressive result.

This led to Harry being included in the Charles Perkins XI to play at the emerging Socceroos championships that are being played in 2026.

In cricket Harry is the leading junior cricketer in town, winning the best batter and the best player awards at the recent awards night.
He represented Murrumbidgee Cricket at the NSW Country Championships held in Dubbo where he performed consistently.

Another very successful year of sport in Cootamundra.