Cootamundra Bulldogs Captain-Coach Luke Berkrey and Cootamundra RLFC President Stephen Howse.
Cootamundra Bulldogs have celebrated the re-signing of Captain-Coach Luke Berkrey for the 2027 season with a convincing 26 points to 10 victory over the Tumut Blues at Twickenham on a stunning winter Sunday afternoon.
On a day for try scoring doubles, the Bulldogs had teenager Harry Boxsell and fullback Sam Bragg score doubles, with Hobie Baker doing the same for the Blues, whilst Berkrey scored the Bulldogs’ fifth and final try in the win.
Speaking after the Round 12 success, Cootamundra President Stephen Howse said it was a no-brainer for him and his committee to make the early decision of signing Berkrey for another season at the helm of the Bulldogs.
“We thought it was important to re-sign Luke as early as possible to indicate to our current playing group we were already looking towards 2027. To be perfectly honest, he has done an outstanding job in all he has done this year – whether that be at training, on the field or off the field with the bits and pieces that come with being the First Grade coach.”
Howse mentioned, as he continued;
“Luke has brought a professionalism to the club which has been very important. He has also quickly gained an understanding of how we operate things at the club now after a few years away and is on board with all we do and every decision we make.”
Berkrey has been a stand out for the Bulldogs in his return to the Blue and White this season, leading from the front every time he has stepped foot onto the field, and it is no surprise to see the 34 year-old sit amongst the top vote getters in the Weissel Medal thus far in 2026.
To make the good news even sweeter for Cootamundra supporters, fan favourites Tai Vaavale and Nikola Savatabula have also agreed to return to Les Boyd Oval next year for a third season with the club, whilst halfback Joe Ward and fullback revelation Sam Bragg have also indicated their intention to be a Bulldog for yet another season following the current one.
Howse said Berkrey instilling a new found belief into his side has led to a lot more success on the field this season, with that success showing in the support the side and the club is currently receiving.
“As a whole, the club is going along really well. The town has really got behind us and that’s evident at our home games and just talking to people in the street, everyone wants to talk footy, which is fantastic for the town.” Howse proudly commented.
After snapping a four-game losing streak against Tumut, the Bulldogs return home this coming Sunday to take on a confident Albury Thunder, who downed reigning premiers Gundagai Tigers also last week in a result which removed the Tigers from first position on the competition ladder.
Other results when Cootamundra visited Tumut included:
League Tag: Tumut 18 def. Coota 6
Under 18s: Tumut 30 def. Coota 12
Reserve Grade: Tumut 12 def. Coota 10
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