Westpac Blues Tag Gala Day Wrap

Author: crrl.com.au
Timestamp: Mon 29 Sep 2025, 02:45 PM

In an action-packed day of League Tag action, the Canberra Region Rugby League had a successful carnival, as both Opens and Under 16s claimed the Minor Premiership, with the Opens going all the way to the Grand Final.

Opens

After a successful tournament last year, the CRRL Open's outfit was out to defend their crown in the 2025 Westpac Blue's Tag Carnival.

A dominant group stage saw CRRL claim 18-0 victories over St George and Western Australia, with the side remaining undefeated after drawing with the Central Coast.

This strong group stage resulted in the side being crowned minor premiers, setting up a contest in the Semi Final against Western Australia, where they secured the win and advanced to the Grand Final.

Unfortunately, CRRL Opens were unable to go back-to-back suffering defeat against the Central Coast in the Grand Final 6-0.

Australian Tag and Touch Representative player Jess Crowe led from the front with her performances, whilst Clare Smith also starred as she continues to recover from a broken arm.

Under 16s

The 2025 Blues Tag Carnival was the first time that the Under 16s age group contested the event, with the CRRL sending a competitive outfit.

After starting off the Gala Day with an 8-4 defeat against North Sydney, the CRRL bounced back to have a strong group stage.

The attacking ability of the CRRL side was on full display in the remaining games in the group stage, with a 22-0 win over Group 11, 10-2 win against Group 10 and comprehensive 18-4 victory against Group 16 South.

These strong performances resulted in the side receiving the Minor Premiership and set up a match against the Central Coast in the Semi Finals.

Similar to the Opens side, the CRRL's quest for the title would be halted by the Central Coast with a try in the dying stages of the match ending the Under 16s campaign.

Fullback Amarli Hall starred for the CRRL scoring three tries on the day; however, it was her defensive efforts which impressed, whilst captain Bella Creech led from the front with her performances.