Six men stand inside a museum. Two men hold a shield.
RUGBY REUNION: Scott Shield match players were excited to reunite for the donation of the shield. Pictured (from left): Peter Mahoney, Greg Brentnall, Museum Manager Luke Grealy, John Mavroudis, Geoff McGilvray, and Ian Inglis.
Arts & Culture

Museum of the Riverina receives donation of the Scott Shield Rugby League trophy

Published: 17 Jan 2025 10:54am

A key piece of local sporting history has found a new home at Museum of the Riverina – Botanic Gardens site.

The Scott Shield, a prestigious local Rugby League competition between Wagga Wagga High School and Christian Brothers’ High School from 1937 to 1971, has been donated to the Museum by two former players, Greg Brentnall and Peter Mahoney.

The Scott Shield, first presented by Lionel Scott, President of the Wagga Rugby League, in 1937, was a cornerstone of the local sporting community for over three decades and was fiercely contested. In a chance turn of events, while helping settle an estate of a family friend in Queensland, Mr Brentnall discovered the Shield.

In recognition of its history and legacy, Mr Brentnall and Mr Mahoney, both former players in the 1971 final, have now donated the Shield to the Museum of the Riverina.

A close up of a large shield with several embellishments and engraving.

Council’s Manager Museum Luke Grealy says the Scott Shield was a significant part of local rugby league history for 33 years.

"The Scott Shield was an iconic rugby league event drawing enormous public support, from street parades to huge crowds attending the matches,” Mr Grealy said.

“Local sporting history is a significant part of the museum's collection, and we are proud to add the Scott Shield to our records. It's especially fitting that Greg, who has strong ties to the Shield, has helped ensure its preservation."

The Museum's Sporting Hall of Fame recognises the exceptional achievements of local athletes, including Greg Brentnall, who was inducted in 1996 for his accomplishments in rugby league.

A man stands holding a retro football jersey.
A PIECE OF HISTORY: Greg Brentnall with the jersey he wore during Scott Shield matches while representing Christian Brother’s High School.

“Everyone wanted to play the Scott Shield,” Mr Brentnall said.

“There was so much community spirit around the games, and we were all mates on and off the field.” 

Both Mr Brentnall and Mr Mahoney have ensured that this symbol of local sporting pride has returned home to Wagga Wagga and will temporarily be on display for visitors and residents to enjoy and appreciate.

The Scott Shield can be found at the Museum of the Riverina, Botanic Gardens site, located on Lord Baden Powell Drive.