Tumbarumba among the teams to beat in 2021 Murray Cup Rugby League season

Six teams will contest the NRL Victoria competition in 2021 after the surprise withdrawal of CSU Mud Dogs on the eve of the season.

Tumbarumba, Wodonga Storm, Wodonga Wombats, Corowa, Wangaratta and Benalla have men's teams this year.

The Greens were also defending premiers in the women's league, but won't take part in the 2021 campaign against Wangaratta, Benalla, Corowa, Wodonga Storm and CSU due to a lack of numbers.

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Murray Cup delegate Bill Bell said there's plenty of anticipation around the season after no football was played in 2020 due to COVID-19.

"Everyone is getting itchy feet and is hungry for it," Bell said.

"A lot of the sides are looking really strong this year, so it's going to be a fairly even competition. I think most have recruited pretty well.

"Tumbarumba won in their first year in it in 2019 and they will probably be the side the others will mark themselves against this year."

Other round one fixtures see Corowa Cougars play host to Wangaratta Knights, while Wodonga Wombats travel to Benalla.

Senior matches kick-off at 2.15pm.

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