The Cobar Roosters’ unbeaten start to the 2026 Castlereagh Rugby League season came to an abrupt end on Saturday, with the competition leaders stunned 18-10 by the fifth-placed Coolah Roos on their home turf.
In a hard-fought contest, both sides battled fiercely for field position and momentum, with neither prepared to give an inch.
The Roosters struck first through Jaxon Burke, whose try gave the visitors an early advantage, and Cobar looked on track to extend their unbeaten run as they defended that lead for much of the opening half.
But the home side seized control late in the first stanza, crossing twice in quick succession and converting both tries to head to the sheds with a handy 12-4 lead.
The Roosters refused to go away in the second half. Thomas Plater crossed to narrow the gap, with Tadhg McMullen adding the extras to bring Cobar back within striking distance.
However, the Roos had the final say, posting another converted try to secure an impressive 18-10 victory and hand the ladder leaders their first defeat of the season.
The Cobar Roosterettes also returned home empty-handed after going down 38-8 to the Coolah Flyers.
Taylah Good and Madasan Taylor each crossed for a try for Cobar, but the home side proved too strong across the full 60 minutes.
Despite the defeat, the Roosterettes remain in fourth position on the competition ladder.
