Author : Tahlie Gavin

Roosters snatch back-to-back titles in SG Ball Cup thriller

The Sydney Roosters have overcome an 18-point deficit to claim back-to-back UNE SG Ball Cup premierships.

The Knights wasted no time getting tries on the board, as they found themselves 12-points in front early.

The Knights spine carried them through the first half, giving them to the upper hand heading into the sheds at halftime 24-10.

It was a comeback for the ages, with the Sydney Roosters producing three unanswered tries in the second half to claim the UNE SG Ball Cup for a second consecutive year under coach Boyd Cordner.

“That is what champion teams do. No matter what happens, they stand up,” Cordner said post-game.

The Knights were quick to act, scoring their first points just three minutes into the contest.

Two quick runs from dummy half saw them straighten up their attack, gaining promising field position before a pass to prop Beau Hill saw him power over the try-line. A successful conversion from Callum Elsley saw the Knights with an early 6-0 lead.

Just minutes later, the Knights found themselves in again just metres from their own try-line, as their ruck speed proved too quick for the Roosters.

An eyes up play saw the ball batted down by the Roosters before Knights halfback Chase Butler cleaned it up to score.

Elsley added the extra’s as the Knights found themselves two converted tries ahead.

The Roosters answered back through their trusted fullback Rex Bassingthwaighte.

Trying to crack the Newcastle defensive line in repeat sets, the ball found its way into the hands of Bassigthwaighte who wrestled with the Knights defenders to get the ball down.

Converting his own try, the Roosters trailed 12-6.

The Knights extended their lead after an impressive kick pressure display.

On the last play, the Roosters went to send the ball sky-high before it ricocheted off the Knights to bounce its way back towards their try-line, as Butler regained the ball and ran it over the line to score his first-half double.

Another successful conversion extended the Knights lead, 18-6.

ROOSTERS vs TITANS Friday 8th May @ 6 PM

It was all class from the Knights towards the end of the first half as they piled pressure on the Roosters with repeat sets in attack.

Passing and tipping the ball out to the wing, it landed in the hands of the competitions leading try scorer Melchizedek Nonu who found his 18th try of the season.

Elsley converted from the sideline taking the Knights to a 24-6 lead.

The Roosters managed to decrease the deficit with just over three minutes remaining in the first half.

Another push through their left edge saw centre Brooklyn Heath power over the line to score the very important try to keep the Roosters in touch, as they ended the half behind 24-10.

An error to start the second half from the Knights saw the Roosters with an early opportunity.

Caleb Fesolai placed a well-timed pass just metres out from the try line to Cooper Gibbs, who ran a hard and direct line to snatch the first points of the second half.

A successful conversion saw the Roosters back in the game, 24-16.

The Roosters climbed their way back up the score board after a clutch line break from centre Bastion Armstrong, seeing him run straight up the middle of the field.

To his right was Bassingthwaighte, who received the pass to run away with his second try.

Another successful conversion saw the Roosters turn this Grand Final into a two-point ball game.

With 13 minutes left in the Grand Final, the Roosters took the lead for the first time.

Bassingwaighte, who had been at the heart of the Roosters comeback, found a gap as he slipped inside to make a break up-field.

Finding his halfback Zaylen Ekepati on his inside, the Roosters were just metres away from their line as a quick tip-on made its way to the hands of James Finegan to score.

Bassingwaighte converted the try and the Roosters took a 28-24 lead that they defended for the remainder of the Grand Final to take home the UNE SG Ball Cup in back-to-back years.

Rex Bassinghwaithe with his 2026 Player of the Match in this years SG Ball grand final (Photo : Facebook)

“These guys are our future,” Cordner said.

“We have such a great group of young men that just want to work hard, and I have been blessed with such a good group of players.

“I am very proud, very happy and I can’t wait for more.”

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The post Roosters snatch back-to-back titles in SG Ball Cup thriller appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : NSWRL Media Release

Rare double on offer at Junior Reps Grand Final Day

The Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights have the opportunity to claim a rare double at the NSW Rugby League Junior Representatives Grand Final Day at Leichhardt Oval tomorrow (Saturday 2 May).

Both clubs will feature in the finals of the UNE Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s Boys) and the UNE SG Ball Cup (Under 19s Men) on a day that showcases the future of Rugby League and the depth of talent emerging across both male and female pathways in NSW.

In the other matches, the Central Coast Roosters will take on Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17s Girls), and Parramatta Eels will clash with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s Women).

The Bulldogs return to the Grand Finals stage after claiming the inaugural Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup premiership in 2024.

With the two sides yet to meet in 2026, a clash between the third and fourth placed teams shape as one of the most unpredictable deciders of the day.

In the UNE Harold Matthews Cup, the Roosters stand on the brink of history as they chase their first Under 17s Boys premiership since the competition’s inception 56 years ago, while the Knights have returned to the decider looking for revenge after falling short last year.

The Eels will be striving for consecutive premierships in the Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup competition, following a dominant finals campaign, while the Sharks will be chasing their first competition win since 2018.

The Grand Final Day will wrap up with the Roosters aiming to secure back-to-back UNE SG Ball Cup premierships under the guidance of newly-appointed Westpac NSW Blues assistant coach Boyd Cordner.

The Knights will continue their inspirational run from seventh place into the decider.

NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said the Junior Representatives Grand Final Day highlights the strength of the development systems in NSW and the commitment of all of the clubs to nurturing the future stars of Rugby League.

“In our view they are the best development competitions in the Rugby League world,” Trodden said.

“The Grand Final Day is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible talent emerging across our male and female pathways.

“It is also great to see our senior representative players giving back and investing in the future of our game with a host of past NRL players and True Blues taking on coaching roles in the pathways competitions.”

2026 NSWRL Junior Representatives Grand Final Day

Leichhardt Oval

10am Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17s Girls) Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Central Coast Roosters

11.45am UNE Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s Boys) Newcastle Knights v Sydney Roosters

1.30pm Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s Women) Parramatta Eels v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

3.15pm UNE SG Ball Cup (Under 19s Men) Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights

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The post Rare double on offer at Junior Reps Grand Final Day appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Sharks Media

Sharks Tarsha Gale win their way into the Grand Final

Two tries to winger Chloe Shepherd and another to centre partner Makayla Vakauta has propelled the Tarsha Gale Cup Sharks into the competition Grand Final following a narrow 14-12 victory over Newcastle.

After the two teams went to the break with the scores locked together at 10-all, the Knights went ahead courtesy of a penalty goal, however a second four-pointer from Shepherd would prove to be enough to seal the result.

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The Sharks were forced to show plenty of character and resilience when Sophia Brightwell was sin-binned with six minutes of the match remaining.

However they would defend their line and hold firm in booking themselves a place in the Tarsha Gale Cup decider next weekend.

Waiting for the Under-19 Cronulla girls will be the Parramatta Eels, who scored a comprehensive 28-6 win over the Indigenous Academy in the other Grand Final qualifying match.

The two Grand Final teams met once during the 2026 season, the Eels scoring a narrow 10-6 win back in round two.

The Sharks v Eels Tarsha Gale Cup Grand Final is scheduled to kick off at 1.30pm at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

Photos courtesy Adam Wrightson

Sharks score in the NSWRL Tarsha Gale Cup Preliminary Final (Photo : Adam Wrightson)

Cronulla Sharks Tarsha Gale team into the 2026 Grand Final (Photo : Adam Wrightson)

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Author : NSWRL By Claire Stegbauer

Around the Grounds Junior Reps Finals Week One

Week one of the NSWRL Junior Representatives finals delivered some fast starts, momentum swings and games decided in the dying moments.

Across the UNE SG Ball Cup, UNE Harold Matthews Cup, Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup and Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup, sides were pushed to the brink as comebacks, clutch plays defined the weekend.

UNE SG Ball Cup

Sea Eagles hold off Rabbitohs fightback in finals thriller at HE Laybutt

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have held off a fast-finishing South Sydney Rabbitohs to secure a 36-30 victory in a thrilling UNE SG Ball Cup Qualifying Final at HE Laybutt Field.

It was Manly who struck first when Max Davies crossed inside the opening three minutes before Matthew Payne backed it up soon after, with Oscar Crotty nailing both conversions to give the Sea Eagles an early 12-0 advantage.

South Sydney responded strongly through Dwayne Lyons in the 18th minute, shifting momentum back their way. Maddax Fui followed soon after, crashing over to level the scores at 12-all as Dayne Jennings converted both tries.

The Sea Eagles wrestled back control late in the first half with Taj Thompson regaining the lead, before Henry Troy struck to give Manly an 18-12 edge at the break.

Manly wasted no time extending their lead after the restart.

Right from the kick-off, the Sea Eagles capitalised in stunning fashion.

With a sweeping play from edge-to-edge, the initial kick was drilled deep into the left corner before Manly quickly shifted right.

Beau Alexander burst down the right sideline, drawing defenders, before delivering the final pass to Henry Troy who finished it off to grab his first of the afternoon and push the lead further.

That momentum continued to build

That momentum continued to build as Troy later added his second try before the Sea Eagles blew the game open midway through the second half.

From a scrum feed on the left, Manly set up deep in attacking territory. Alexander again played a key role throwing a short ball to Andes Johansson who pierced through the defensive line.

Spotting support, Johansson produced a sharp offload to Onitoni Large, who charged onto the ball and powered over to extend the lead to 36-12. At that point the game looked all but over, but South Sydney had other ideas.

Dean Tauaa sparked a late revival in the 63rd minute, before Isaac Fotu-Moala and Fui added further tries in quick succession.

Jennings remained perfect from the tee, finishing with five conversions as the Rabbitohs surged back to within six points in the dying moments.

Despite the late pressure, Manly held firm to secure the win and advance straight to the Preliminary Final, with their early dominance and ability to strike at key moments proving the difference.

South Sydney’s late comeback showed plenty of character, but ultimately their slow start proved too much to overcome in a high-quality finals encounter.

UNE Harold Matthews Cup

Eels storm home to stun Raiders in classic comeback

The Parramatta Eels have produced a stunning late comeback to defeat the Canberra Raiders 30-28 in their UNE Harold Matthews Cup Elimination Final clash at Ringrose Park on Saturday.

Canberra burst out of the blocks in perfect fashion, capitalising on an early Eels error straight from the kick-off.

After an unfortunate dropped ball, the Raiders packed a scrum just 10 metres out and wasted no time striking as halfback Rafferty Gordon delivered a short ball to captain Sonny Lauvao, who cut back in and powered over just left of the posts to score inside the first minute.

The Raiders doubled their advantage

The Raiders doubled their advantage soon after through Bailey Logue, but Parramatta began to settle into the contest.

Elijah Alhazim got the Eels on the board in the eighth minute before William Memea Epe crossed midway through the half to keep his side within reach.

Canberra continued to apply pressure with Altas Atilua extending the lead, but Parramatta responded again late in the half.

Leonard Salter levelled the scores at 16-all before Campbell Lloyd ensured the Raiders took a 20-16 lead into half-time.

The Raiders had control early in the second half when Logue grabbed his second try to push the margin out to 28-16, putting Parramatta on the back foot.

But the momentum swung moments later, with Canberra attacking deep in Eels territory and shifting left with numbers.

A try looked certain, but instead William Memea Epe read the play perfectly to pluck an intercept out of the air.

With open space ahead, he sprinted the length of the field to score and ignite the Parramatta comeback.

The Eels continued to build pressure, and with time running out they found another breakthrough.

When hooker Flynn Manu’a went close only to be held up over the line, the Eels stayed composed. On the very next play they shifted left where Tyler Lama found space and went over untouched to level the scores at 28-all.

With the game hanging in the balance, Liam Martin stepped up in the 59th minute and calmly slotted a penalty goal to secure the win in clutch fashion.

After trailing early and facing a 12-point deficit in the second half, Parramatta’s resilience and ability to capitalise proved decisive in one of the most dramatic contests of the weekend.

Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup

Heartbreak for Sharks as Storm snatch one-point win

The Melbourne Storm pulled off a stunning late escape to defeat Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 27-26 in a thrilling sudden-death Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup clash at Leichhardt Oval.

Melbourne opened the scoring early through Harmony Taupau, but the Sharks responded with authority.

Rhianna Karika struck first before Tahli Weigand took control, scoring and converting her own try. Ruby Seitula added another as Cronulla-Sutherland surged to a 16-6 lead with a dominant opening period.

The Storm began to claw their way back through Siulepa Peteru, but Cronulla-Sutherland maintained their edge with Karika crossing again to push the score out to 20-12.

Just when the Sharks looked in control, Melbourne produced a crucial moment before the break.

Denied earlier in the match, Halo Matthews made sure to score this time, stepping and weaving through the defensive line and finding a gap to bring the Storm back within reach heading into half-time.

Cronulla-Sutherland responded

Cronulla-Sutherland responded again early in the second half with Weigand grabbing her second to extend the lead to 26-18, putting the Sharks in a strong position.

But the Storm weren’t done when Siulepa Peteru charged into the defensive line with a monstrous run, brushing off multiple defenders.

On the next play, Makerita Seinafolava spotted space on the left edge, beat the last defender and stretched out to plant the ball down, cutting the margin and setting up a grandstand finish.

Then came the defining sequence of the match. Cronulla looked to have the game in their control after earning a penalty, with their fullback taking a quick tap and slicing through the Storm defence.

But in a moment that turned the game Harmony Taupau produced a one-on-one steal to wrestle back possession.

Regaining the lost metres almost immediately, Melbourne shifted left on the following play finding winger Heather Nasilai, who broke away down the sideline and scored untouched to level the contest at 26-all.

With time ticking away, Melbourne’s Ocean Kaiwai-Rangikauhata stepped up and calmly slotted a field goal in the 56th minute, giving the Storm a one-point lead they would not surrender.

The Sharks pressed late but couldn’t find a response, as the Storm held firm to secure a dramatic one-point victory and advance to next week’s Semi-finals.

Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup

Sharks hold firm to deny Roosters in finals nail-biter

The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks have held on for a hard-fought 20-18 victory over Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy in a gripping Qualifying Final clash at Leichhardt Oval.

Cronulla-Sutherland made the early statement striking first through Ayva Papalii in the 10th minute, before Koffi Brookfield backed it up soon after to give the Sharks a 10-0 lead.

The Sharks’ fast start put the Roosters under immediate pressure in the opening stages, but they hit back with intent.

Meg McPhail produced a key moment, launching a high bomb from just inside her own half that was left to bounce by the Sharks’ defence.

Logan Fletcher was in hot pursuit, getting to the ball just before bouncing dead in-goal to level the scores at 10-all.

Tegan Boyce restored Cronulla-Sutherland’s lead midway through the half, but Jayda Durham responded for the Indigenous Academy to lock things up again at 14-all heading into the break.

The arm-wrestle continued in the second half with Talea Tonga giving the Indigenous Academy the upper hand in the 47th minute, crossing to make it 18-14.

But the Sharks had one more response left. After building pressure on the Roosters’ defensive line, Ella Ropata poked her head through to earn a full set deep in attacking territory.

Manawanui James swept from the right side of the ruck, charged onto a short ball and crashed over to level the scores at 18-all in a defining moment for the match.

Ropata then stepped up to slot the conversion, handing the Sharks a two-point lead with just minutes remaining.

The Indigenous Academy threw plenty at the Sharks late, but their defence stayed strong under pressure to secure the 20-18 victory and book their place in the Preliminary Final in a fortnight’s time.

Click here for results from the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup.

Click here for results from the UNE Harold Matthews Cup.

Click here for results from the Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup.

Click here for results from the UNE SG Ball Cup.

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The post Around the Grounds Junior Reps Finals Week One appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Manly Media

A first in five years for Sea Eagles Junior Reps

For the first time in five years, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have made the finals in both the Harold Matthews Cup (U17s) and the SG Ball Cup (U19s) competitions in the same season.

Sea Eagles 2026 Harold Matthews Cup squad with Tom Giles and his coaching staff (Photo : Manly Sea Eagles)

It’s a tremendous achievement for the Sea Eagles pathways program and augers well for the Club’s elite development in the next few years.

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The last time both teams qualified for the play-offs was in 2021, when Lehi Hopoate was fullback in Harold Matthews and Tolu Koula was a strike centre in SG Ball.

The Under 17s team in 2021 was captained by Josh Feledy who played his junior footy alongside Hopoate at the Beacon Hill Bears.

2021 NSWRL Preliminary Finals Manly Sea Eagles Harold Matthews Cup (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

The team finished as undefeated premiers beating the Parramatta Eels in the Grand Final to claim Manly’s second Harold Matthews Cup title.

Sea Eagles 2026 SG Ball Cup squad with Lachlan Croker and his coaching staff (Photo : Manly Sea Eagles)

The Sea Eagles Under 19s team that same season were beaten by eventual premiers Canberra Raiders in the semi-finals, after finishing second on the ladder.

As we know Koula has since progressed to become one the NRL’s elite centres, recently signing a multi-year contract with Manly.

Tolu Koula makes his NRL debut with Manly in Round 1, 2022 vs Panthers (Photo : Manly Sea Eagles)

Hopoate’s progress has also been rapid, the 21-year-old scoring 19 tries in his 40 appearances since making his NRL debut with Manly in 2024.

Lehi Hopoate makes his NRL debut for Manly in Round 12, 2024 at 4 Pines Park vs Storm (Photo : Manly Sea Eagles)_

For Feledy, playing first grade for his local club has taken a little longer, but it’s been well worth the wait.

It was only last Thursday when Feledy became Sea Eagle #670 when called off the bench in Manly’s 52-18 win over the Dolphins.

It was at 4 Pines Park a few years ago when Feledy made his NRL debut, but it was playing against Manly not with them.

Playing for the Wests Tigers Feledy was on the end of a heavy loss at Brookvale in what was the first of his three NRL games for the joint-venture club before returning to the Sea Eagles this season.

Josh Feledy warming up for his first NRL game for Manly in Round 5, 2026 vs Dolphins

“I was really proud to represent Manly in the junior reps and to win that Harold Matthews premiership was awesome, particularly doing it with Hoppa,” said Feledy.

“Then to finally play first grade with Manly last week was so special. I used to watch Tom and Jake as a kid and that’s all I wanted to do, was play for Manly.

“My journey sort of took a different path, but to come back and make my club debut for Manly, that’s been my childhood dream.”

Significantly, this year’s rep squads at Manly are heavily stacked with local juniors, who, like the Trbojevic brothers, Hopoate, and Feledy, are dreaming of playing NRL for the Sea Eagles.

Pathways and Development Manager, Blake Cavallaro, says the results are pleasing to see.

“Around 80% of our Harold Matthews squad and 60% of our SG Ball squad are local juniors who have progressed through the system playing at this level,” said Cavallaro.

“Regardless of results, that in itself is a successful outcome for our pathways program.
Blake Cavallaro Junior Pathways & Development Manager

“It’s really pleasing to see this come to fruition as we further strengthen the player development framework we’re creating here at Manly.”

With the Sea Eagles again qualifying for the finals in both ‘Matts’ and ‘Ball’, the future does look bright.

And while it might take some a little longer than others to wear the maroon and white in first grade at Manly, there appears to be quite a few in the pipeline.

WEEK 1 FINALS

Harold Matthews Cup

Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Finals Week 1 – Saturday 11th April 10:00am

Sydney Roosters (6) vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (7)

SG Ball Cup

Finals Week 1 – Saturday 11th April
Venue: HE Laybutt Field, Sydney

South Sydney Rabbitohs (1) v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (4)

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The post A first in five years for Sea Eagles Junior Reps appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : NSWRL Media By Claire Stegbauer

Around the Grounds Junior Reps Round Nine

The final round of the regular season delivered another compelling weekend of NSWRL Junior Representatives football, with ladders now locked in and finals matchups set.

With everything on the line, the competition’s top sides once again rose to the occasion, reinforcing their status as the teams to beat.

UNE SG Ball Cup

Storm surge late to down Roosters in seesawing contest

The Melbourne Storm have overcome a spirited Sydney Roosters outfit 28-18 in Round 9 of the UNE SG Ball Cup, breaking open a tightly contested match in the closing stages at Seabrook Reserve.

The Roosters made the perfect start, striking first through Joshua Fesolai.

A powerful carry from Lui Lee laid the platform, and while the initial shift broke down, Fesolai was quick to regather the loose ball and dive over in the left corner.

The conversion was missed, but the visitors held the early advantage.

Melbourne responded midway through the first half off the back of a scrum.

Hooker Lockyer-Azile Foliola darted out of dummy half, drawing in defenders before releasing Alize Clarke, who crashed over to level the contest.

The conversion gave the Storm a narrow lead.

Building momentum, the Storm struck again from another attacking scrum.

This time it was halfback Hayden Watson who stepped up, weaving his way through the defensive line to score. Having returned from a wrist injury late in the season, Watson’s influence was immediate, and his successful conversion extended the lead.

The Roosters clawed their way back into the contest before the break through a penalty goal, levelling the scores at 6-6 heading into halftime in what had been a tight, physical first half.

The Roosters regained momentum early in the second, with quick play-the-balls generating speed through the middle.

After Darcy Smith was held up near the line, he managed to flick the ball out to Carter Mareko, who finished the movement to put his side back in front.

Mareko converted his own try to stretch the lead.

But the Storm hit back quickly in a game that refused to settle.

Cruz Dangerfield threatened the line before the Storm shifted right through Watson, who again played a key role, linking with Joseph Litidamu.

With only the fullback to beat, Litidamu reached out to plant the ball down, with the conversion pushing Melbourne back in front.

The Roosters responded once more in dramatic fashion. Mareko put up a towering kick that caused chaos in the Storm backfield, with fullback Wivenshalom Tyrell dragged back into the in-goal and losing possession.

Darcy Smith was on hand to capitalise, grounding the ball to level the scores at 18-18 after the conversion.

Foliola again took control, and after sustained lateral movement failed to break the line, the hooker backed himself with a powerful solo run to crash over, giving the Storm a crucial lead inside the final 10 minutes.

The final blow came soon after in spectacular fashion.

Applying heavy kick pressure, the Storm forced an error before the ball found its way to Litidamu who put through a chip kick to himself before kicking the ball forward a couple more times, regathering under pressure to score a remarkable try and seal the result.

Harold Matthews Cup

Knights dominate second half to overpower Bears

The Newcastle Knights produced a clinical second-half performance to defeat the North Sydney Bears 28-6 in Round 9 of the UNE Harold Matthews Cup at Hills Grammar, turning a tight first half into a commanding win.

It took 15 minutes for the game to spark into life, but when it did, it was the Knights who struck first.

Riley Rostron showcased his class, shaping to pass left before slicing straight through the defensive line to score untouched.

The conversion was missed, but the visitors had the early advantage.

The Bears responded shortly after, matching the Knights’ intent.

Five-eighth Morgan Carter combined well with his spine before taking matters into his own hands, dummying his way through the line and crossing for a well-earned try.

The successful conversion handed the Bears a narrow 6-4 lead heading into halftime.

From there, however, the game shifted dramatically.

The Knights came out of the break with intent and quickly took control.

Shifting the ball quickly through the hands, they found space on the left edge, sending William Hoffman over in the corner to reclaim the lead.

Momentum continued to build as Theodore Ballard threatened the line, only to be held up. But off the back of a quick play-the-ball, the Knights attacked the short side, exposing numbers on the right and putting Benji Thompson over.

The turning point came soon after, with Bears playmaker Morgan Carter sent to the sin bin. Down to 12 players, the home side struggled to contain the Knights’ attacking surge.

Targeting the left edge, fullback Ryder Tupou backed his speed, taking on his opposite number one-on-one and finishing strongly to extend the lead.

Rostron then added to his impressive performance, darting out of dummy half and burrowing his way over for his second try of the afternoon, with both conversions successful to push the score out further.

With the game firmly in their control, the Knights delivered the final blow in style.

Reading the play perfectly, winger Nate Vincent intercepted a loose pass on his own 10-metre line and sprinted the length of the field, outpacing the chasing pack to score a standout try and seal the result.

Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup

Eels produce stunning comeback to edge Bulldogs in thriller

The Parramatta Eels have pulled off one of the comebacks of the season, overturning a 16-point deficit to defeat the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24-22 in a dramatic Round 9 clash of the Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup at Eric Tweedale Stadium.

It was the Bulldogs who struck first, setting the tone early with sustained pressure deep in attacking territory.

Hooker Shafenior Lui directed play close to the line before sending Giovanna Suani over from a simple crash play in the fourth minute.

The conversion was successful, handing the visitors an early 6-0 lead.

The Eels responded shortly after through persistence. Aaliyah Soufan launched a towering kick that caused chaos in the Bulldogs’ backfield, and after a repeat set, Billie Va’a dug deep to power her way over despite multiple defenders.

Ava Jones converted the scores to level. However, from there it was all Bulldogs in the opening half.

Finding dominance through the middle, Riley Fruean-Otineru produced a powerful solo effort, barging her way over under the posts. Moments later, off a scrum 20 metres out, Leteena Medland spotted space just left of the uprights and charged through the line to extend the lead.

The pressure didn’t stop.

Medland backed up with a huge 40-metre carry to put her side on the front foot once again, and after Olivia Va’alele was held up, a quick flick pass found Levonah Motuliki, who crossed out wide to cap off a dominant first-half period.

At halftime, the Bulldogs held a commanding 22-6 lead and looked in complete control. But the second half told a completely different story.

The Eels came out firing, sparked by individual brilliance.

Bailey Ma-Chong ignited the comeback in the 41st minute, spotting the absence of a fullback and putting in a clever chip kick for herself, regathering to score and breathe life back into the contest.

That momentum continued almost immediately. Soufan again identified space in the backfield, this time driving a grubber deep into the in-goal, where Zyon Ligaliga won the race to the ball to reduce the deficit further.

With the conversion successful, the Eels were suddenly right back in the contest. With five minutes remaining, the pressure mounted.

Freedom Crichton Ropati crossed for her first try of the afternoon after a simple shift to the right edge, narrowing the margin to just two points. The conversion was missed, leaving the Eels chasing late.

With under a minute to play, Bulldogs player Violet Hiku was sent to the sin bin, handing Parramatta a crucial one-player advantage for the final set. The Eels made it count.

On the last play of the game, with just seconds remaining, they shifted left before quickly sweeping back to the right through the hands of their spine.

The ball found Crichton Ropati, who stepped back inside off her right foot, beat her opposite and twisted through contact to slam the ball down in a remarkable match-winning moment.

The conversion was missed, but it didn’t matter.

From 22-6 down to 24-22 winners, the Eels completed a stunning four-try second-half comeback, showcasing resilience, composure and belief in one of the most thrilling finishes of the Tarsha Gale Cup season.

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Author : Tahlie Gavin NSWRL Media

Tigers seek thrilling Grand Final redemption in extra-time

The Macarthur Wests Tigers have sought redemption in the Laurie Daley Cup with a thrilling 40-22 extra-time win in the Grand Final at Port Macquarie Regional Sports Stadium.

After going down to the Illawarra South Coast Dragons last year, the Tigers have now cemented their own history taking out the premiership for the first time. The Tigers are just the second team to claim both the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup in the same season along with the 2021 Central Coast Roosters.

The Titans were first to knock the try-scoring door down, with a fourth-minute try to second rower Jack Thornton.

But the Tigers were quick to bounce back, producing three unanswered tries to lock in an 18-6 half-time lead.

In a thrilling second half, the Titans steered a late comeback scoring three consecutive tries to level the score-line and send the game into extra-time.

The Tigers managed to take control in the 10 minutes of extra-time as they carried out the victory.

“You don’t get into Grand Finals on a fluke, the Titans gave it to us and they were relentless,” Wests Tigers coach Daniel Milford said post-game.

“They came back and they put us to the test. I am just so glad our boys were prepared.”

In Titans style, they got points on the board early.

Second-rower Jack Thornton found the try-line after a last-play kick from five-eighth Trei Heterick rebounded perfectly off the Tigers’ defence and into the hands of Thornton.

Who cruised over the try-line for the first four points of the Grand Final. Heterick converted the try locking in an early 6-0 lead.

After both teams were reduced to 12-men with players in the sin bin, the Tigers found a way to break through the defensive line.

Lock Kye Penfold’s sudden change in direction saw him shudder defenders as he ran straight and strong, diving under the posts. Drake Ayers added the extras as scores were levelled 6-all.

The Tigers stole the lead in the 22nd minute with a strong run from prop Daniel Lafolafo.

Edging dangerously close to the line, Lafolafo ran straight into the defence before spinning out of their grip for the four points. Ayers’ conversion extended their lead further to 12-6.

Just four minutes later, a clinical Tigers attack saw them bring the ball back into the Titans’ red zone. Penfold’s right foot step was the key to his first half double as he wrestled to get the ball down.

Another successful conversion put the Tigers in control with 18-unanswered points to end the first half.

Opening the second half under pressure in defence, the Tigers held their ground not letting anyone through to the try-line.

A penalty followed by a line-break from second-rower Jake Gaffney, saw them rack up some attacking metres for themselves.

A perfectly placed kick from dummy-half by Keynan Pes saw the ball bounce straight back into his hands as he crossed the line, carrying the Tigers’ momentum into the second half, 22-6.

A 75-metre effort from the Titans saw them find their first points in 52 minutes.

It all began in the hands of Heterick who made a break down the short side before offloading it to fullback Ryder Nelson, who won the race down the sideline to score.

Just minutes later the Titans continued their comeback with a desperate last play.

Passing from the right wing all the way out to the left, it was the competition’s leading try-scorer Rex Savage who narrowly scored in the corner to bring is team back into the game.

Ethan Alcorn took over kicking duties to bring the score 22-16.

The Titans weren’t finished yet as a powerful Aiden Gersh forced himself over the line.

Alcorn converted to tie the game 22-all and keep their premiership hopes alive.

A penalty in favour of the Titans, not far out from their line saw them take the two points – only for the kick to be waved away, sending the game into extra-time.

After an enormous comeback for the Titans, the Tigers regained their momentum, coming out in extra-time to score four unanswered tries.

James Lanyon, Jordan Truckle, Drake Ayers, and Jake Gaffney all crossed the line as the Macarthur Wests Tigers gripped the Laurie Daley Cup with both hands.

“Believe it or not, we spoke about being prepared to play for 80 minutes in our prep,” Milford said.

“We have never had to play 80 minutes, but we just said that we were going to be in this game for 80 minutes whether we would be celebrating or in extra-time.

“I am just so happy with the double, Andrew Johns Cup and now Laurie Daley Cup, and to be able to set this precedent and a new benchmark.

“I feel like we have really dominated with both teams going undefeated and I am just really happy to celebrate with the boys.”

Full Time

Macarthur Wests Tigers 40

TRIES : Kye Penfold 2, Daniel Lafolafo, Kye Penfold, Keynan Pes, James Lanyon, Jordan Truckle, Drake Ayers, Jake Gaffne
GOALS : Drake Ayers 3, Caleb Salanoa

Northern Rivers Titans 22

TRIES : Jack Thornton, Ryder Nelson, Rex Savage, Aiden Gersh
GOALS : Ethan Alcorn 2, Trei Heterick

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The post Tigers seek thrilling Grand Final redemption in extra-time appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

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

Port Macquarie to host NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day

The NSWRL is pleased to announce that Port Macquarie will host the NSWRL 2026 Regional Representatives Grand Final Day with five games to be played on Saturday 28 March featuring the best regional teams from Major and Junior Representatives competitions across the state.

The titles will be decided for the Andrew Johns Cup (Under 16s Boys), Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17s Girls), Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18s Boys), Men’s Country Championships and Women’s Country Championships at Port Macquarie Regional Sports Stadium.

It is the first time the NSWRL’s Regional Representatives Grand Final Day has been held at Port Macquarie and follows a proud tradition of taking the showpiece event to Rugby League heartland around NSW with Canberra, Cessnock and Woy Woy hosting previous editions.

“The NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day is always a special occasion as it represents the first of our Grand Final Days for the season but moreover, it is a wonderful celebration of regional Rugby League,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.

“Rugby League plays an important role in regional NSW as it helps bind communities together and has also produced some true legends of our game who have gone on to represent at the highest level.

I am confident some of the players we will see on Saturday will follow the same path.

“I congratulate all the teams who have made it through to their respective Grand Finals and I wish all the players the very best of luck as they proudly represent their region.”

The day will kick off with a new premier to be crowned in the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup with Northern Tigers taking on Riverina Bulls.

The Tigers will be hoping for a case of third-time lucky after making the Grand Final for the past two seasons only to come up short against the Western Rams (2024) and North Coast Bulldogs (2025), while the Bulls are shooting for their first title.

Macarthur Wests Tigers and Newcastle Maitland Region Knights will follow in the Andrew Johns Cup.

The Knights will be aiming to make it back-to-back titles after beating Northern Rivers Titans last year, while the Tigers last made the decider in 2024 only to go down to Central Coast Roosters.

Macarthur Wests Tigers will also feature in the Laurie Daley Cup when they take on Northern Rivers Titans.

The Tigers made the decider last year but will be hoping for better fortunes after losing to Illawarra South Coast Dragons, while the Titans are looking for their first title.

If Macarthur Wests Tigers are successful in both deciders, they will become the first region since the Central Coast Roosters in 2021 to claim the Andrew Johns Cup and Laurie Daley Cup in the same year.

Newcastle Rebels will be out to make it four straight titles in the Men’s Country Championships when they take on Central Coast Pelicans.

Newcastle have downed the Riverina Bulls (2023), Monaro Colts (2024) and Northern Rivers Titans (2025), while the Pelicans are into their first decider and will be hoping they can be the first team to break the Rebels’ stranglehold.

Western Rams will also be looking to continue their domination of the Women’s Country Championships and make it three consecutive titles when they take on Northern Rivers Titans.

The Rams beat the North Coast Bulldogs (2024) and were comfortable winners last year over the Titans, who will be keen to turn the tables after beating Monaro to make another decider.

Tickets are available at the gate and are only $10 for an adult, $5 for children aged 12-16, while children aged 11 and under and pensioners are free.

NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day

Port Macquarie Regional Sports Stadium

Saturday 28 March

Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup

10am: Northern Tigers v Riverina Bulls

Andrew Johns Cup

11.30am: Macarthur Wests Tigers v Newcastle Maitland Region Knights

Laurie Daley Cup

1.15pm: Macarthur Wests Tigers v Northern Rivers Titans

Men’s Country Championships

3pm: Newcastle Rebels v Central Coast Pelicans

Women’s Country Championships

4.45pm: Western Rams v Northern Rivers Titans

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2026 Harold Matthews Cup Round 1 Draw

07/02/2026 10 - 32 N/A Roosters vs Panthers
07/02/2026 16 - 18 N/A Magpies vs Eels
07/02/2026 24 - 10 N/A Raiders vs Dragons
07/02/2026 12:01 pm N/A Bulldogs vs BYE
07/02/2026 18 - 20 N/A Storm vs Bears
07/02/2026 34 - 16 N/A CC Roosters vs Tigers
07/02/2026 16 - 18 N/A Rabbitohs vs Steelers
08/02/2026 18 - 24 N/A Warriors vs Sea Eagles
08/02/2026 34 - 32 N/A Knights vs Sharks

Round 1 Ladder

2025 Harold Matthews Cup Round 1 Ladder

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	Pts
1	Knights	57	41	0	16	1364	907	457	82
2	Eels	50	40	0	10	1428	712	716	80
3	Panthers	50	36	1	13	1225	853	372	73
4	Bulldogs	51	35	0	16	1310	849	461	70
5	Sharks	50	28	0	22	1082	924	158	56
6	Rabbitohs	47	26	2	19	963	945	18	54
7	Roosters	36	23	0	13	875	640	235	46
8	Storm	50	21	1	28	997	1208	-211	43
9	Sea Eagles	46	20	0	26	682	1154	-472	40
10	Raiders	46	19	1	26	922	1111	-189	39
11	Steelers	36	19	0	17	598	695	-97	38
12	Tigers	28	16	2	10	516	430	86	34
13	Bears	34	13	1	20	487	990	-503	27
14	CC Roosters	30	13	0	17	565	704	-139	26
15	Warriors	27	11	0	16	606	650	-44	22
16	Dragons	36	9	1	26	380	968	-588	19
17	Dragons	10	9	0	1	234	140	94	18
18	Roosters	11	8	0	3	342	138	204	16
19	Magpies	18	7	0	11	330	404	-74	14
20	Tigers	18	6	0	12	246	456	-210	12

Top Point Scorers

Top Try Scorers

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Top Penalty Goal Kickers