Raiders coach Jonathan Hukatia said the first clash between the two Warrnambool-based clubs would help generate interest for rugby league in the region with the ultimate goal of creating a south-west league.

“It’s good to see rugby league expanding,” he said.

“Building more awareness around the community is critical and especially in a town such as Warrnambool that is a very AFL orientated town. 

“Rugby league is on the rise and hopefully it will expand into towns like Port Fairy and Hamilton and hopefully down the track have our own competition.

“We are playing in the South Australian competition and if we had our own little one or a south-west Victoria league that would be great for us to just stay under the Rugby League Victoria banner.” 

The Raiders and Bulls currently suit up in the Limestone Coast Rugby League, a South Australian boarder competition that features teams such as Horsham Panthers, Blue Lake Knights and Naracoorte Jets.

For the first time on Saturday the Bulls held a home game against the Raiders securing a tight 22-20 victory at their new Warrnambool Showgrounds base. 

Proceedings opened with a “Welcome to Country”, which set the scene for what was to come as the game opened with a flurry of charging runs from both sides.

The Raiders opened up the scoring with a try down the left-hand side. The Bulls were soon to hit back with a try of their own. Another try was added to Gunditjmara’s tally courtesy of Inoke Ratu before the Raiders grabbed the lead back quickly.

With only a few minutes left in the half, the Bulls were once again able to work themselves into the Raiders half. With a darting run by dummy-half Blake Rutland-Castles he was able to score his first for the day and meant the Bulls went into the break leading 12-8.

Early in the second half the game was halted for Bulls fullback Cullen Gaby, who dislocated his elbow in a tackle, while an ambulance arrived.

Upon the re-start Gaby’s brother Keegan led the Bulls charge assisting Rutland-Castles in scoring his second and third tries. The Raiders were able to hit back with two more tries, but the damage had been done.

Bulls Coach Renato Da Ros said he was pleased with the “scratchy” victory with his side now preparing for a date with reigning premiers Naracoorte away next weekend

“Definitely happy with the win, especially on the back of a scratchy performance. The occasion probably got to us a little,” he said.