Stephen Howse will return as president of the Cootamundra Bulldogs Rugby League Club for an extraordinary seventh consecutive year after being re-elected unopposed at the club’s recent general meeting.
The decision extends one of the longest presidential tenures in Group 9 history and provides welcome continuity as the Bulldogs head into what Howse believes will be a far more demanding season in 2026.
Speaking after the meeting, Howse was candid about the personal juggling act the role now demands.
“I’ve got a lot on work-wise and family-wise, no question,” he said. “There were moments I had to weigh it up seriously. But in the end, I’m still excited about the job. I wouldn’t keep doing it if I didn’t love it, and I still feel there’s unfinished business here at the club level. That was the clincher.”
The only notable change in the executive line-up sees long-serving vice-president Scott Piffero step away from the top table after many years of dedicated service. Piffero will remain on the general committee, with Howse quick to praise his contribution.
“Scotty has been around forever and probably deserves a rest like the rest of us do from time to time,” Howse said with a laugh.
“His son is heading to university next year, and he wants to follow him around a bit more, which is totally fair enough. We’re rapt he’s staying involved on the committee.”
An intriguing foot-note from the night was the discovery that the “junior vice-president” position—filled in recent years—actually has no constitutional basis.
“We went back into the books after the meeting and realised the official structure is simply president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer,” Howse explained.
“The junior role seems to have been created informally in the last decade or so. It doesn’t really change anything day-to-day, but it was a good reminder that the strength of this club has never been about titles—it’s about people rolling up their sleeves. One in, all in. That’s always been the Bulldogs’ way.”
That philosophy is reflected in a healthy committee of close to 20 members, including current players, ex-players and several local businessmen—among them two accountants who have already proven invaluable.
“It’s exciting to sit back and watch how many quality people put their hand up,” Howse said. “When you’ve got sharp minds offering to help, you say yes straight away.”
On the field, expectations are being carefully managed. “Last year, a few opposing sides rocked up thinking it was just Cootamundra and got a rude shock when they saw the side we put together,” Howse said. “That element of surprise has gone. Teams will be far better prepared for us in 2026, so the second year back is always tougher. We know what’s coming.”
Retention of local talent has been the clear priority in recent weeks, and the club has already landed one significant coup: experienced back Matt Forsyth is returning to the district for work and has committed to pulling on the blue and white again.
“Matt and Luke Berkrey grew up playing together through all the junior grades,” Howse said. “He brings a mountain of experience, and we definitely missed that in the backline last season. Having another local of his calibre back is huge for us.”
Discussions with several other targets continue, but Howse is keeping details close to his chest until contracts are signed. Pre-season training begins next Tuesday and will run Tuesdays and Fridays through December, with the entire club—seniors and juniors—training together in the lead-up to Christmas. With stability at the top, a strong committee behind him and the first key signing already secured, Howse believes the foundations are in place for another competitive year.
“I’m genuinely excited,” he said. “We’re building something here, and I want to see it through.”
– Tully Potts
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
