Author : NSWRL

Tigers create history with Andrew Johns Cup win

Macarthur Wests Tigers coach Adam Whitelaw had challenged his players this season to create history and become the first team from the region to claim the Andrew Johns Cup,

They answered the call in style today after beating Newcastle Maitland Region Knights 26-16 in the Grand Final at Port Macquarie Regional Sports Stadium.

The Tigers recovered from a shaky start, after the Knights scored a try in the opening minute, to score four unanswered tries and take control of the decider.

It was the region’s first title and made up for the disappointment of their last appearance in 2024 when they lost to Central Coast Roosters, with back-rower Bryce Blatch a deserved Player of the Match.

“This is big,” Whitelaw said.

“Our mantra at the start of the year was create history. No team in Macarthur has won the comp and we’ve done it today so our name’s in the history books forever.

“All the hard work these kids have put in. We knew we had something special from the start and we delivered today. I’m so proud of these kids.”

Adding to the occasion today was the fact the Knights, from the Northern Pool, and the Tigers, from the Southern Pool, had gone through the regular season unbeaten and were meeting for the first time at Port Macquarie.

The Knights got off to a flying start when a kick from five-eighth Koby Skuthorpe was allowed to bounce by the Tigers.

Newcastle winger Izaac Barber batted the ball up before regathering and passing back infield to centre Noah Blundell, who in turn found Skuthorpe in support to race away and score in the opening minute.

Fullback Harlem Blair converted for a 6-0 lead.

The match then turned into a genuine arm wrestle as both teams looked for the ascendency, but defence was winning the day.

The Knights came close again through winger Terrence Smith but the last pass went to ground.

Another chance late in the first half to Knights winger Barber also came up short after the defence arrived in time to bundle him into touch.

“We knew they were going to come, we knew they were a tough opposition,” Whitelaw said.

“They’ve been the benchmark all year and pretty much what we’ve done on the other side of the draw. They didn’t give up either and kept coming. Great effort by them and hats off to Newcastle and their staff.”

The Tigers finally found their groove and came close to scoring on the back of a bullocking run from Blatch only to be denied by some determined goal-line defence.

The Tigers received another opportunity after the Knights failed to clean up a kick from halfback Masen Mallia and they were quick to capitalise.

Centre Zedric Vaiau did well to pop a pass after a strong charge, and replacement Adam El Masri did even better to catch the pass behind him before releasing winger Lucas Bentham down the sideline to score.

Mallia landed the sideline conversion to lock the scores up at 6-all.

The Tigers received another opportunity after Knights fullback Harlem Blair spilled a bomb and they soon turned that into points after El Masri burrowed his way over from dummy-half to score next to the posts.

Mallia converted to send his team into the half-time break with a 12-6 lead.

The Tigers went further in front when play resumed after Blatch proved too strong for the goal line defence and scored a well-deserved try.

Mallia converted and then added a penalty goal a short time later to give the Tigers a handy 20-6 lead.

Any hopes the Knights had of a fightback faded further after a powerful charge from prop Alex Mau paved the way for replacement Hamish Butler to crash over the line on the next play.

Mallia continued his flawless display with the boot to extend the lead to 26-6.

The Knights never gave up and scored two tries at the end – including a spectacular chip and chase from Barber down the touchline – but the damage had been done either side of half-time by the Tigers as they celebrated a 26-16 win.

Full Time

Macarthur Wests Tigers 26

TRIES : Lucas Bentham, Adam El Masri, Bryce Blatch, Hamish Butler
GOALS : Masen Mallia 4

Newcastle Maitland Region Knights 16

TRIES : Koby Skuthorpe, Tyrese Vaipulu, Izaac Barber
GOALS : Harlem Blair 2

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Author : NSWRL

Knights dig deep to claim first Andrew Johns Cup

Knights dig deep to claim first Andrew Johns Cup (Photo : NSWRL)

Newcastle Maitland Region Knights have claimed their first ALE Andrew Johns Cup trophy after a hard-fought 14-10 win over a gallant Northern Rivers Titans at GIO Stadium today.

In a match where the conditions were tough and points were hard to come by for both teams with the rain tumbling down, the Knights took a slender 8-6 lead into half-time and then dug deep to survive a Titans fightback at the end.

Grand Final – Saturday 29th March

NMR Knights 14 – 10 NR Titans

“It feels surreal and I’m very excited for all the boys to finish off a good season,” Knights coach Joshua Corby said.

“They’ve been working hard and to come here is a pretty good experience for them, and to get the win just tops it off.

“We definitely played to the conditions and it might not have been that exciting for the crowd to play tough footy but it was what we needed to do and we hung on.”

Knights halfback Ty Ennis was awarded the Robert ‘Bert’ Lowrie Medal for Player of the Match after a strong performance which included setting up a crucial try for winger Chayce Afa and landing a sideline conversion to give his side some breathing space at 14-6.

The Knights started the match strongly and threatened to score on a couple of occasions, only to be denied once after some tenacious defence from the Titans while Afa was ruled to have slid into touch on a kick chase before planting the ball down.

The Titans also had their chances at the other end of the field, but were unable to convert and mount any genuine pressure.

A Titans knock-on from a scrum let the Knights off the hook 10 metres out from their own line and they compounded that mistake by conceding a penalty for tackling halfback Ty Ennis after a kick.

The Knights took advantage when Ennis passed to fullback Rico Elers who drew the defence in with a double pump before sending Tyler Donaldson over for the first try of the match. Ennis was unable to land the conversion to leave the Knights ahead 4-0.

The Knights had another chance to mount pressure after Ennis iced a 40/20 kick but he was unable to maintain possession while backing himself to score.

The mistake and a relieving penalty for the Titans saw them work their way downfield and it wasn’t long before fullback Jaylon Russell was accelerating his way across field before picking up Jay Walpole to score in the corner.

Centre Parker Kemister landed the sideline conversion to put the Titans in front 6-4.

The Knights regrouped and then took the advantage into the break when five-eighth Morgan Carter sent Elers over the line to put their noses back in front 8-6.

Titans halfback Dallas Russell showed his skill when play resumed after landing a 40/20 but they were also unable to take advantage of the play with Jaylon Russell losing possession.

The Knights regrouped and then took advantage of a barnstorming run by Oliver Lawrence with Ennis launching a cross-field kick for Afa to outleap his opponent, pluck the ball out of the air and stretch out to score.

Ennis landed the conversion to give the Knights a buffer at 14-6.

A heavy collision between Titans lock Mitchell Barnett and his Knights counterpart Jett Pritchard led to a break in play.

The Titans regrouped with five-eighth Eden Humphreys floating a long pass over the top for Walpole to grab his second try for the game and reduce the deficit to 14-10.

The Titans had their chances as the clock wound down but the Knights defence held firm to hand the club its first title.

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The post Knights dig deep to claim first Andrew Johns Cup appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Margie McDonald NSWRL Media

Johns and Daley Cup action starts this weekend

Ahead of Round One of the SLE Andrew Johns Cup and SLE Laurie Daley Cup kicking off this weekend, NSWRL.com.au spoke to the coaches of last year’s premiership-winning teams to see how they are shaping up for the 2025 season.

SLE Andrew Johns Cup – Under 16s

The Central Coast Roosters have the opportunity for a three-peat this year and while head coach Ryan Southam realises what a prize that would be, he has other goals in mind.

“It is a fair bit of expectation for three in a row and I mean winning is a great achievement, a great feeling,” Southam said.

“But our main focus is to develop these boys to the best or our ability and put them on the right path of their Rugby League journey.

“Obviously part of that development is building a winning culture too. So let’s see how we go in that this year.”

The Roosters have done well recently in that regard.

An 18-10 win over Newcastle Knights in 2023 was followed with a 20-12 win over Macarthur Wests Tigers last year.

Southam won the 2021 Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18s) with Central Coast Roosters already but has moved to the younger age group for 2025.

The nature of the Regional Representative competition is that the majority of players move on as they get older.

“All new players this year but we’ve been going since November and have tried to mix things up with a few beach sessions as well as in the classroom and on the field,” he said.

“Obviously it’s more about development of the boys, being so young, and educating them in what we want them to bring to the table.

“My staff and I are committed to growing these boys on and off the field.

“Skills and fundamentals are huge at this age. Basically we concentrate on that – combinations and shape come off that back of that later in our pre-season.

“And I particularly focus on our middle. You never want to lose the middle in this type of competition where you have players from a number of different clubs that you must get communicating together.”

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The Roosters play the Northern Tigers in Tamworth on Saturday 8 February and have been dealing with last-minute injuries to throw a little adversity the team’s way before a ball is kicked.

“But I back our depth and development so we’re still in a good spot,” Southam said.

He has named a three-person leadership group of lock/five-eighth Samuel Michie, back-rower Manni Campbell and hooker Nate Ross. Campbell will be captain.

SLE Laurie Daley Cup – Under 18s

The Monaro Colts fight the tyranny of distance, where players live a fair way apart from each other, with a steely determination to make each session a quality one.

Returning coach Brendan Bradley, from the Colts’ 28-18 win over Northern Tigers in the 2024 Grand Final, is proud of how his players have applied themselves.

“A lot of the boys from down the south coast have a lot of travel, some of them are three to three-and-a-half hours and that’s only one way,” he said.

“So it’s a big commitment on them and their parents’ behalf. But then again, it’s a big thing for them to be in this rep team.

Monaro Colts celebrate win over Northern Tigers in 2024 Laurie Daley Cup final. Photos: Bryden Sharp

“We concentrate on a lot of skills and shape elements in our training by putting players in their positions. Then they come together as a group and it usually works well.

“We’re a completely new group this year and we’ve selected players from 10 different clubs.

“But we set a pretty high standard down here and we’ve got some really good people to make sure we reach those standards.

“The Monaro Colts is a powerful name

“The Monaro Colts is a powerful name and we’ve had a few Australian Schoolboys come out of this group over the past couple of years.”

Round One will be against the Northern Rivers Titans on Sunday 9 February at NSWRL’s headquarters at Bruce, Canberra.

“The message ahead of this weekend is simple – we remind them that we expect them to reach the high standards the team is built on, and they’ve already been doing that in training,” Bradley said.

“If we keep to those standards I think we’ll have a good season again, hopefully.”

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The post Johns and Daley Cup action starts this weekend appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Margie McDonald NSWRL Media

CC Roosters back 2 back Andrew Johns Cups

CC Roosters back 2 back Andrew Johns Cups (Photos: Bryden Sharp NSWRL)

Central Coast Roosters became the first club to win consecutive SLE Andrew Johns Cups with a 20-12 win over Macarthur Wests Tigers at Cessnock Sportsground today.

It was the Roosters third trophy since the regional Under 16s competition began six years ago, adding to their premiership in 2021.

Macarthur had the best defensive record of Andrew Johns Cup this year, but the Roosters started quickly with winger Semi Leweniqila scoring off a cut-out pass in the right corner in just the second minute.

It was Leweniqila’s 10th try of the season making him the leading try-scorer across both Southern and Northern Conferences.

A second try to interchange prop Blessing Foini in the 23rd minute, with both being converted by halfback Owen Knowles, gave the Roosters a comfortable 12-0 half-time lead.

“I asked them to start really fast which they did. So that set the scene for everything,” coach Paul Franze told nswrl.com.au.

“Our defence was also key. They fatigued a little at the back-end but they did enough to get the win.”

Player of the Match and recipient of the inaugural Robert ‘Bert’ Lowrie Medal was lock and skipper Alexander Stephenson, one of many hard-workers in the Roosters forward pack.

Bert Lowrie (L) with SLE Andrew Johns Cup Player of the Match, Alexander Stephenson. Photos: Bryden Sharp

The Tigers were unlucky not to get some first-half points themselves with hooker Elijah Mears and lock Kye Penfold both held up over the line.

Macarthur was dealt an early blow in the second half with No.6 and skipper Brock Achurch leaving the field for an HIA (head injury assessment).

The Roosters third try came six minutes after the break, when five-eighth Jack Dean-Potaka stepped inside and swivelled in the tackle to bounce over, stretching the lead to 16-0.

Within 10 minutes the Roosters had their fourth with centre Koby Houghton finishing off a left-edge move after his side were awarded a penalty 15 metres out.

At 20-0 the Tigers were looking down the barrel of a whitewash but suddenly they sparked into more expansive football as they sensed the Roosters forwards tiring.

Fullback Ronel Ribucan swan-dived over the line in the 53rd minute and then Achurch, who returned to the field after passing his concussion test, completed a 70-metre effort beginning with winger Mawin Tema Soaai steaming down the left touchline.

Winger Joshua Vella converted both, but the clock was against Macarthur.

Their fightback did give the Roosters staff a jolt on the sideline.

“A bit nerve-wracking near the end there. But I had confidence in the boys that they’d get the job done,” Franze said.

“It was a team effort, but I loved the work of my second rowers Cooper Gibbs and Tulsyn McCulloch combining with hooker Kalen Cashin.

“My middles Alexander Stephenson, Duncan Gatt-Smith and Samuel Tracey weren’t bad either. Then you’ve got big Blessing Foini coming off the bench. They were the backbone today.”

Scores: Central Coast Roosters 20 (Semi Lewesiqila, Blessing Foini, Jack Dean-Potaka, Koby Houghton tries; Owen Knowlesa 2 goals) def Macarthur Wests Tigers 12 (Ronel Ribucan, Brock Achurch tries; Joshua Vella 2 goals).

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The post CC Roosters back 2 back Andrew Johns Cups appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Tayla Micallef

Roosters Tigers to meet in Andrew Johns Cup final

The Central Coast Roosters are one step closer to winning back-to-back SLE Andrew Johns Cup titles after securing their spot in next Sunday’s (24 March) Grand Final.

The Roosters will face the Macarthur Wests Tigers at Cessnock Sporting Complex next week as they look to secure their second trophy in two years.

Central Coast Roosters 18 def Western Rams 10

In the first semi-final of the weekend pkayed at Woy Woy Oval, both teams came out of the gates strongly testing each other with and without the ball in the hand.

The Western Rams gained momentum through the opening 15 minutes but errors started to trickle through proving costly close to the line.

The Central Coast Roosters were also finding their feet and showing potential in attack with centre Chase Kapua pushing past several defenders to race down the left edge before being brought down short of the line.

It took 23 minutes before any points were posted. That finally came through lock Alexander Stephenson, who caught a late offload to score next to the posts – halfback Owen Knowles converting (6-0).

The Tricolours went back-to-back with second rower Tulsyn McCulloch finding space in the defensive line to score (12-0).

The Rams came out the blocks firing in the second half with fullback Taj Jordan scoring a double in the first six minutes bringing his team to within two points with 24 minutes remaining (12-10).

Roosters fullback Zaylen Ekepati was sent to the bin for 10 minutes in the 36thminute for a professional foul.

But Central Coast extended their lead in the 47th minute when winger Semi Leweniqila scored in the corner after regathering the ball of a fifth-play kick – his ninth try of the season.

Knowles remained perfect off the tee successfully converting his third of the day (18-10).

While the Rams fought hard in the last 10 minutes of the game, the Roosters defence proved to be too good – one of the foundations of the win.

Macarthur Wests Tigers 14 def Newcastle Maitland Region Knights 6

The second semi-final played out in a similar fashion to the first with both teams trying wrestle the momentum from each other.

A handful of errors by the Knights, handed that step-up for Macarthur resulting in the Tigers parking themselves in Knights territory.

Macarthur were the first to open the scoring in the 18th minute through centre Elijah Sefo who stepped past defenders to find the line (4-0).

The Tigers extended their lead right on half time through back rower Andrew Sio who found space in the defensive line to add another four points (8-0).

The second half started with both teams making a handful of errors, or giving away penalties.

Finding themselves in Knights territory, Tigers back rower Andrew Sio made a linebreak to get his team within centimetres of the line.

Macarthur’s third try came on the next play when Sio’s second row partner Jermayne Faafiu broke through (14-0).

The Knights didn’t score their first try of the game until the 57th minute, with back rower Lewis Jones finding an overlap out on the left edge to score (14-6).

Despite the Knights best efforts to close the gap in the scoreboard, the Tigers held onto their lead to progress to the 2024 Grand Final.

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The post Roosters Tigers to meet in Andrew Johns Cup final appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Margie McDonald NSWRL Media

Smith shines as CC Roosters claim first Andrew Johns Cup

Tayte Bayley had a blinder kicking 3 goals in the 2023 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final (Photo : Bryden Sharp / NSWRL)

Second rower Darcy Smith scored the winning try and scooped up Player of the Match as the Central Coast Roosters held a gallant Newcastle-Maitland Region Knights at bay 18-10 in Saturday’s SLE Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final.

Smith and his back-row partners Kaleb Burke and Riley Ilham kept momentum going the whole match with decisive edge and middle runs.

But with the Knights closing to within two points (12-10) with six minutes to play, it was Smith (pictured below) who made one of his typical breakthrough dashes on the left edge to seal the result.

“Darcy has been big for us for the past two weeks,” said Roosters coach Jack Ellison.

“I’ve had to lean on him but he’s so tough. He runs hard, he hits hard, he’s just a really good player.”

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Fullback Jai Callaghan’s two tries

Fullback Jai Callaghan’s two tries – after scoring a double in last week’s Semi-Final win over Macarthur Wests Tigers – also proved critical for the Roosters.

Knights coach Andrew Jackson said he told his players to keep the faith as they went into the sheds at halftime just 6-0 down.

“It could have been a lot worse – should have been a lot worse – but the boys dug deep.

That fighting spirit brought us back in the second half,” Jackson said.

The Knights were down 12-0 early in the second term but scored two unanswered tries to give themselves a chance.

“I can’t name anyone in particular because the whole 25 players we had in our squad this year have been instrumental – they’ve made a lot of sacrifices week-in, week-out.

“I’m so proud of them for making a Reps Grand Final as hard as it is to lose.”

Roosters found themselves defending their goal line for the opening five minutes.

After surviving that early onslaught they still had the energy to force themselves upfield, which led to their first points.

Callaghan jinked his way through the line to reach out and plant the ball in the seventh minute.

The conversion by Tayte Bayley put the Roosters in the lead early (6-0).

Darcy Smith CC Roosters was the Andrew Johns Cup 2023 Grand Final Man of the Match (Photo : Bryden Sharp / NSWRL)

Play was held up for several minutes midway through the first half, when Knights prop Beau Hill took a head knock and had to be stretchered off.

The Knights continued to pepper the Roosters line but again Central Coast’s defence withstood the test, helped by a few handling errors from Newcastle-Maitland.

The Roosters had a chance to advance the scoreboard close to halftime, when five-eighth Isaac Fotu-Moala stepped off his right foot twice as he was swallowed up by Knights defenders on the line.

But referee Nathan Hillier ruled a knock-on.

In the second half, the Roosters struck early through Callaghan again.

Fotu-Moala put up the perfect corner kick with Callaghan retrieving and then breaking through a tackle to race the final few metres.

The Knights finally got on the scoreboard in the 41st minute when utility hooker Matthew McEwen did a 360-degree swivel at dummy-half close to the line, found some space, and poked through.

Darcy Mitchell converted (12-6) to make it a six-point ball game with 18 minutes left on the clock.

Despite losing McEwen to injury, the Knights kept on with the fightback with Mitchell finishing off a left-side movement in the corner.

He missed the conversion but the margin was reduced to two points (12-10) with six minutes left.

Smith sealed the win with his 58th minute try.

Scores: Central Coast Roosters 18 – 10 Newcastle-Maitland Region 10 

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The post CC Roosters claim first Andrew Johns Cup appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : NSWRL Media Release

NSWRL Regional Reps Grand Finals at Woy Woy Oval

The NSWRL will host the first of its Grand Final weekends for the 2023 season at Woy Woy Oval on Saturday 25 March.

With the deciders to be held for the Regional Representatives competitions which showcase some of the best Rugby League talent from regional NSW.

The day will kick off with the Grand Final for the SLE Andrew Johns Cup (Under 16s) when Newcastle Maitland Region Knights take on the Central Coast Roosters in an all-northern affair.

The SLE Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18s) will follow and be an all-southern affair with Monaro Colts taking on the Illawarra South Coast Dragons.

The afternoon will conclude with the Riverina Bulls taking on the Newcastle Rebels in the Men’s Country Championships.

Any media interested in covering the matches should email NSWRL Communications Manager Stuart Honeysett on shoneysett@nswrl.com.au or NSWRL Media and Content Coordinator Margie McDonald on margiemcdonald@nswrl.com.au before COB Thursday 23 March.

NSWRL 2023 Regional Representatives Grand Finals schedule

SLE Andrew Johns Cup

10.30am: Newcastle Maitland Region Knights v Central Coast Roosters

SLE Laurie Daley Cup

12.15pm: Monaro Colts v Illawarra South Coast Dragons

Men’s Country Championships

2pm: Riverina Bulls v Newcastle Rebels

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The post NSWRL Regional Reps Grand Finals appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Kevin Merrigan, Sean Teuma and Alex Pichaloff NewsCorp Sport

Every club profiled ahead of the 2023 NSWRL junior reps season

The Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups are just around the corner.

THE most promising young regional players throughout New South Wales get the chance to put their names up in lights.

The Andrew Johns Cup and Laurie Daley Cup are less than three weeks away from commencing with regions across the state represented.

We’ll progressively preview all 20 teams across both grades, continuing with a look at how the Illawarra South Coast Dragons will fare in 2023.

ANDREW JOHNS CUP

Zac Gillett of the Central Coast Roosters Laurie Daley Cup team. Picture: Bryden Sharp – NSWRL

Zac Gillett of the Central Coast Roosters Laurie Daley Cup team. Picture: Bryden Sharp – NSWRL

CENTRAL COAST ROOSTERS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Jack Ellis

Players to watch:

“Isaac Fotu-Moala is a very talented five-eighth, very talented who just plays what he sees in front of him.

Jai Callaghan played fullback with NSWCHS last year and has shown a lot of promise.

There’s a young man called Darcy Sinclair Smith who can play second row or lock and made the NSW team for the CCC.

Riley Ilham studies at Knox Grammar and can play prop or lock as well.

All four are contracted to the Roosters, that’s how highly regarded they are.”

Surprise packet: “Ryan Tukapua is small in stature at hooker, but his craft is very good and he punches well above his weight.

He’s been going well and training and is coming along nicely.”

Why they will be competitive:

“The boys just know how to play football, they can play form anywhere on the field and they’ve got strikepower from everywhere.

They can play through the middle or can cut you up out wide.

We’re very happy with this age goup and big things are to be expected.

The coach has previously won this. There’s a two-year plan for this age group, and we want to go deep in the finals.

We’ve got to believe and want to challenge these young boys.”

Last season: 5th

Squad:

Tayte Bailey, Sam Flakus, Blake Field, Tali Kolofale, Koby Jones, Isaac Fotu-Moala, Brock Elliott, Riley Ilham, Ryan Tukapua, Billy Worsley, Jaxson Watene, Kaleb Bourke, Darcy Smith, Jai Callaghan, Kye Nowlan, Jack Pettit, Lachlan Gatt, Zac Stokes, Lincoln Hansen, Nashawn Papali’i, Brock Mangan, Jarvis Macarthur

Jack Talbott of the Illawarra South Coast Dragons Andrew Johns Cup side. Photo : Steve Montgomery)

ILLAWARRA SOUTH COAST DRAGONS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Jason Hooper

Players to watch:

Axel Antony is an exceptionally fit lock forward who doesn’t stop working.

A leader, both on the park and in training.

Good leg speed, agility, feet, and happy to take those tough carries when his team needs him.

Beau Baldock is a big bodied five-eighth who is also a great leader for the boys on and off the park.

Very useful kicking game which is important for this side.

Surprise packet:

Jack Talbott has come down from the Harold Matthews team for the 2023 season.

A quiet kid but lethal and fast on the park, with coach Hooper backing him to be the X-factor for the side.

An AFL background has given him a great kicking game and confidence under the high ball.

Why they will be competitive:

Hooper admits his side were a bit shellshocked at the size of their Manly opponents in their first trial game.

That being said they performed very well defensively and believes that shock is now out of the system.

Having made cuts to their side they’ve been training well.

They’re a pretty small team physically, but are determined to play smart and skillful footy to counteract this, and have their target of a top three finish in mind for this season.

Last season: 1st (Eliminated Finals Wk 1)

Sione Tonga. Picture: John Gass

NORTHERN RIVERS TITANS

Captain: TBA

Coach: James Harrison

Players to watch:

The Titans have some quality players in their outside backs.

The likes of Beau Hartmann, Sione Tonga, Koopah Walters and Elliott Farrell look set to be exciting players and will all be dangerous if the opposition give them any space.

Meanwhile in the forward pack, Sonny Kilduff is one to watch, a front rower who enjoys the grunt stuff but also has the great ability to mix his game up.

Antwone Quinlan-Randall is set to be another key player after recently being selected for the NSW U16s Koori team.

Surprise packet:

Ashley Watts could be the surprise find of the Titans’ 2023 campaign.

He was a standout at the selection trials and has kept this standing throughout pre-season training.

Ashley plays in the front row, is as fit as anyone in the squad, and thrives on involvement.

Why will they be competitive:

On paper, the Titans squad looks very strong and have some good performers in key positions.

The key for the squad will be seeing how they adapt to this level of competition and ensuring they play to their potential.

Last season: Premiers

Squad:

Antwone Quinlan-Randall, Ashley Watts, Banjara Porch, Beau Hartmann, Cooper Armfield-Stevens, Cruz Dangerfield, Dylan Butcher, Elliott Farrell, Jakequan Roberts Welsh, Jed Mulcahy, Jimmy McCombie, Jonah Verus, Kaleb Smith, Koopah Walters, Kwinn Wolf, Kyron Nipperess, Luke Barnett, Nathaniel Kapeen, Noah Vakararawa, Owen Woods, Riley Loughland, Ryan Harris, Sione Tonga, Sonny Kilduff, William Wright, Zane Farrell

Cooper Meldrum of the Northern Tigers Laurie Daley Cup team. (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

NORTHERN TIGERS

Captain: Dustin Wyrzykowski

Coach: Cody Tickle

Players to watch:

“Reece Josephson from Cobar and Darcy Wallace are two outside backs that are pretty threatening.

They’re boys that train pretty hard and they’ve got their minds set on going on to bigger and better things.

Both boys are natural fullbacks so they will chop and change a bit at this stage, so we haven’t settled on the one, but the other will play in the outside backs or halves.”

Surprise packet:

“Dustin Wyrzykowski is a hardworking back rower who does everything right and sets an example for the team.

He’s someone that really leads by example. He comes from Bathurst and studies at Farrar.”

Why they will be competitive:

“We’re a hardworking team that isn’t afraid of the gritty stuff, but we also have a bit of flair on the end of it as well.

We’ve been coming together quite nicely considering how big the region is.

Travelling is a big thing for us, but we’ve trained well for the past few months and the boys have really been hooking in when they’ve had the chance.”

Last season: 2nd (Eliminated Finals Wk 1)

Sam Graziani of the Riverina Bulls Laurie Daley Cup team. Picture: Donna Dal Molin/6 Again Sports Photography

RIVERINA BULLS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Seb Cottam

Players to watch:

“Front rower Arthur Smith is a big boy with a big engine and it will be interesting to see how he goes against some higher quality opposition.

He’s been training the house down and has a good attitude. Bailey Piper can play at hooker, lock or in the halves.

He’s pretty versatile and is just a natural footy player.”

Surprise packet:

“Nic Bett didn’t make the Group side, but I saw something in him in the trial.

He came into a bigger squad and we wanted to see how he went. He’s earned a spot from nowhere.

He has a big body, is versatile and works hard. He’s a back rower, centre or wing and stands at about 6’3’.”

Why they will be competitive:

“This level of rep footy is always the unknown.

They haven’t played much against each other or other teams so it’s hard to know what we’re up against.

We’ve got the team together and they want to play for each other. I’ve done it for a few years and they’re definitely one of the teams that has really clicked.

I think we can go a long way and hopefully they’ll continue on to the U18s.”

Last season: 8th

Jamie Cowling of the Monaro Colts. Picture: Donna Dal Monin/6 Again Sports Photography

MONARO COLTS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Shane McCallum

Players to watch:

Jamie Cowling is a halfback from Goulburn who has risen up the ranks at Monaro Colts.

Excellent passing and kicking game, but also offers a lot defensively, not shying away from tackling the bigger boys.

Has been training very well and a lot of great things are expected of him this season. Hooker Koby Anderson is a big difference maker in a pivotal position for the Colts.

A skilful dummy half who knows how to pick the right option nine times out of ten. Can also sniff out a try from close range.

Surprise package Pat Koen. Hailing from Yass, the big front rower could be the difference maker this year.

A young talent who’s still a bit raw, but is willing to learn and with a bit of coaching has the ceiling to be a top player.

Why they will be competitive:

A sixth placed finish last year has them optimistic about their chances of improving this season.

A lot of the players are currently training weekly with the Harold Matthews Cup Canberra Raiders side, which is an excellent experience for the young players and a chance to adapt their game to a higher standard.

The coaches are hopeful the players that return to the Colts will bring with them a higher standard of footy.

Last season: 6th

Squad:

Hayden Nye, Jet Millard Samuel Green, Jonah Alaia, Patrick Kennedy, Jamie Cowling Troy Codey, Daniel Moananu, Koby Anderson, Billy Hollands, Lochie Ellard, Kobe Field, Thomas Handsaker, Malachi Tomlinson, Cooper Adams, Patrick Koen, Joshua Klobucar, Thomas Moss, Blake Slater, Levi Woods, Luke Palmer, Tyrell Bartlett, Angus Durbidge, Ryan Douglas, Shannon Tardrew, Cooper Johnston, Zildjian Tafili, Demsey Woolf

Paul Johnson of the Macarthur Wests Tigers Andrew Johns Cup dives in for a Semi Final try (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

MACARTHUR WESTS TIGERS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Alec Bush

Players to watch:

Fullback Aaron Paea has trialled a bit as a five-eighth but looks to have cemented the fullback spot as his own.

Great running game, very quick off the mark. Not a lot of size but he backs himself and his ability and is able to lead his team from the back

At six foot plus you can’t miss front rower PJ French. He leads the line not only physically, but is a leader within the team as well, with all the boys respecting and following what he says.

He has good line speed, he’s strong, mobile and as tough as they come.

Surprise packet:

Coach Bush has been very happy with second rower Will Jenkins in the trials, and is showing real potential to grow into a pivotal role for the squad.

Now it’s about making sure he is consistent.

Paul Johnston is a big, powerful winger who makes a lot of damaging runs. Still young and with a lot to learn, but with time can become unstoppable.

Why they will be competitive:

It’s a first year with this squad for coach Bush but so far he has been really impressed with the talent and effort on display.

It’s been a tough pre-season but all the boys have put in the hard yards and are determined to avenge their grand final defeat last season, which is ultimately the club’s goal for the year.

Last season: 3rd (beaten grand finalists)

Squad:

Kwan Ah-Hoe, Lamontae Banderson, James Bengura, Selby Campbell, Lorima Cosgrave, Deacon Davis, Stirling Faumui, Christopher Filikitonga, PJ French, Glassie Glassie, Riley Ingersole, Will Jenkins, Paul Johnson, Jake Jones, Isaac S Lafi Leulu, Dwayne Lyons, Malcolm Mailo, Sam-Paul Mauga, Lucas Muir, Jack O’Hara, Isaac Orji, Aaron Paea, Aaron Prodromou, Ilaisa (Sonny) Raravula, Hunter Redman, Henare Reti, Preston Smallwood, Brody Taateo, Jerome Taateo, Tomasi Tavui, Tyler Volcov, Hayden Young

Related Links

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The post Andrew Johns & Laurie Daley Cup’s appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : NSWRL

Titans snatch premiership in Grand Final thriller

The Northern Rivers Titans have completed a fairy tale premiership 24-22 win in the SLE Andrew Johns Cup after scoring a last-minute try against Macarthur Wests Tigers in the Grand Final at St Marys Leagues Stadium.

The two teams turned on a display fitting of a decider, with the lead changing hands several times throughout the course of the match.

The Tigers looked like they had secured the win after scoring back-to-back tries with less than 10 minutes remaining.

But the Titans refused to give up and scored a long-range try in the final play of the game to level the scores at 22-all.

Titans five-eighth Callum Bowles had been having a mixed day with the boot but made no mistake with the most important kick of the day to spark scenes of celebrations.

The Titans, who hail from far-northern NSW, had been affected by the recent flooding in the area.

They had been loaned “Future Titans” jerseys from the Gold Coast Titans recently after losing their own when the team bus was flooded earlier in the season.

“To find this bunch of boys is unbelievable,” Titans coach Shaun Davison said.

Northern Rivers Titan captain Zane Harrison is the Andrew Johns Cup ‘Man of the Match’ (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

They’re great representatives for the northern rivers areas

“They’re great representatives for the northern rivers areas. We talked about all the struggles back home everyone’s going through, so it means a lot.”  Titans coach Shaun Davison

The Tigers started the match in blistering fashion, after halfback Sonny Edwards-Moeke showed great speed and strength to push his way past three defenders and score in the opening minutes.

Fullback Noah McKenzie faced a tough conversion from the sideline but rode his luck after it bounced off the upright and over for a 6-0 lead.

The Titans defence was tested again after Tigers centre Cameron Nonenmacher was held up over the line before they worked their way down field to launch an attacking raid of their own.

Titans halfback Zane Harrison came close after taking on the line himself but the next play saw Cameron Bowles launch a cross-field kick with the bounce favouring centre Jackson Bennett.

Bowles missed the conversion, but the Titans had narrowed the gap to 6-4.

The Tigers worked their way into an attacking position and shifted the ball with a long spread to the right.

Back-rower Byronn Laupepa showed great skill to bump, spin and offload to Luke Fielding who fired a long pass for Levi McGuiness.

The son of former Wests Tigers player Kevin McGuiness

The son of former Wests Tigers player Kevin McGuiness, to score in the corner. McKenzie missed the sideline conversion, but the Tigers were a converted try in front at 10-4.

Northern Rivers Titan captain Zane Harrison with coaches Shaun Davidson (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

A handling error from the kick-off proved costly for the Tigers when Harrison picked up fullback Harry Chadburn with a short ball, who dummied to his outside before stepping his way back infield to crash over the line.

Bowles missed the conversion, but the deficit was reduced to 10-8.

The Titans gave themselves a chance to grab one more try before the break on the back of a good charge at the line from Riley Buchanan.

Hooker Hodson Towell took advantage of the situation when he jumped out of dummy-half to score next to the posts. Bowles made no mistake with this attempt and the Titans headed into half-time with a 14-8 lead.

Both sides dug in for the fight in the second half but were unable to capitalise on rare attacking raids.

The Tigers broke the Titans up the middle with Chase Hepi backing up a strong run with an offload for Joel Byrne to keep going but couldn’t finish it off.

The Titans also had a chance when winger Noah Waldock broke through the defence for a long run, but they too couldn’t capitalise.

The deadlock was finally broken

The deadlock was finally broken when Bowles put a kick through and the ball came loose after Tigers defenders Callum McMenemy and McKenzie were involved in a sickening head clash trying to defuse it.

Titans back-rower Billy Kilduff touched down the ball in-goal and play was stopped for several minutes before McKenzie was assisted from the field.

Bowles missed the conversion, but the Titans had some breathing space at 18-10.

The Tigers gave themselves a chance after Laupepa showed great strength to wrestle his way out of the goal-line defence and barge his way over the line.

McGuinness landing the extras after taking over the goal-kicking duties for McKenzie.

Tigers winger Riley Oitmann then helped put his side back in front with eight minutes to go.

Busting through the defence from 60 metres out and then standing up Chadburn on his way to the line. McGuiness converted again and the Tigers had their noses in front at 22-18 with time fast running out.

The Titans maintained their composure, launching raid after raid, with the final charge in the final minute paying off after Ricco Waititi made a break from 60 metres out before picking up Harrison in support, who scored close to the posts.

With the siren having already sounded, Bowles made no mistakes with the conversion to hand the Titans a remarkable 24-22 win.

“I’m just stoked for the boys they pulled that out of the fire,” Davison said.

“All year we’ve had to grind out every game, no game has come easy to us, so we talked about playing the full 60 minutes and we won on the 60th so that was really important to us.

Macarthur Wests Tigers 2022 Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final TeamPhoto (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

“I was confident, we only had two minutes to go but we know that left edge is a lethal edge, we’ve got some great players on that left edge.

“I was confident if we could just get another set; because that second-last set we showed our hand by playing there.

“The boys identified the space there and they iced it.”

Related Links

nswrl.com.au

Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final Full Results & Players’ Stat’s 

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ACTION PHOTO’S Laurie Daley Cup Grand Final – North Coast Bulldogs v Ill SC Dragons (Coming Soon – Monday arvo)

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The post Titans snatch premiership in Grand Final thriller appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Wests Tigers

Early returns on Pathways investment

Wests Tigers will field a team in the Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final this weekend for the very first time, a sure sign that the club’s Pathways Program is delivering results.

The past twelve months has seen the club invest heavily in player development, with the long-term goal of identifying and retaining local talent.

The investment includes key appointments including that of Head of Pathways, Matthew Betsey and Pathways Coaching Manager, Brett Kimmorley.

The Pathways team also includes the likes of Balmain great Paul Sironen and former Wests Tigers fullback Shannon Gallant.

Wests Tigers Premiership winning coach Tim Sheens has recently returned to the club as Director of Football and is heavily involved in the Pathways strategy.

“The club is thrilled to have our team competing in this weekend’s Grand Final at St Marys.

“The coaching staff have worked extremely hard since October last year to bring this group of players together.

NRL Wests Tigers wishing the Andrew Johns Cup team luck

To see the hard work pay off to this point is great, not just for the Andrew Johns Squad but also for the Wests Tigers Pathways team

“The most pleasing thing about the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups success this season, is that every single player is local.

Either from the Group 6 or Wests Tigers Macarthur Junior Rugby League. I wish the boys the very best of luck this weekend.”

Betsey says even though the Pathways Program has a long-term vision, the short-term results are impressive.

“We are starting to see some early indications that the club’s investment is coming to fruition.

Macarthur Wests tiger Laurie Daley Cup Semi Final winning team photo (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

“Having the Macarthur Wests Tigers make the finals in both the Andrew Johns Cup and Laurie Daley Cup competitions is a fantastic reward for the effort everyone has made to re-connect with the greater south-west rugby league community.

“We’ve got some great people helping on many levels. Benji (Marshall) is also playing an active role when and where he can which is terrific.”

Development Manager, Gallant is extremely proud of the rapid development.

“We’ve invested a lot more into the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups this year and we are now seeing the rewards.

“I think as a club we are doing a great job in development. The kids want to be a part of the programs and that comes from putting the right coaching staff around them and the right resources.”

Macarthur Wests Tigers (Under 16’s) will take on defending premiers Northern Rivers Titans at St Mary’s Leagues Club Stadium on Sunday.

The team lost its first two games of the season but finished with three wins in a row to make the finals.

Lead by fullback and captain Noah McKenzie, the Tigers defeated the Northern Tigers 22-16 last weekend to qualify for the Grand Final.

McKenzie has a number of highly talented players around him including, the likes of Sonny Edwards-Moeke, Kurtis Dupond, Callum McMenemy, and Aaron Keppie.

Kick off on Sunday is at 10am. The Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final will also be live-streamed on the NSWRL website – nswrl.com.au

The club’s Jersey Flegg (Under 21) and NSW Cup games which were to be played at Lidcombe Oval, will now be played at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday evening.

Related Links

weststigers.com.au

Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final

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More NSWRL junior reps news

The post Early returns on Pathways investment appeared first on OurFootyTeam.