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 : 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.”

Andrew Johns Cup – Rnd 1 Draw, Results, Ladder & top try scorers

Laurie Daley Cup – Rnd 1 Draw, Results, Ladder & top try scorers

SG Ball Cup Rnd 1 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Harold Matthews Cup Rnd 1 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Tarsha Gale Cup Rnd 1 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Lisa Fiola Cup Rnd 1 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Tarsha Gale cup Rnd 1 team lists

SG Ball Rnd 1 team lists

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

Author : NSWRL

Dragons dig deep to claim back-to-back Laurie Daley Cups

South Coast Illawarra Dragons have claimed back-to-back SLE Laurie Daley Cups after a thrilling 26-24 win over a gallant Monaro Colts in the Grand Final at Woy Woy Oval today.

The Dragons were forced to dig deep after the Colts surged to an 18-14 lead early in the second-half but stormed home with back-rower and Player of the Match Jarrah Treweek sealing the result with his third try for the game.

“That was a game between two great sides,” Dragons coach Peter Hooper said.

“They gave us a touch-up early in the rounds and we did a lot of homework on trying to stop their middle forwards and I think we did a pretty good job today.”

It was a gutsy effort by the Colts, with hooker Xavier Cacciotti stealing the show after grabbing all four of their tries.

It was the second time Cacciotti had bagged a quartet against the Dragons after he also grabbed four tries in the 40-16 win over them in Round Two.

“He’s a very, very good player,” Colts coach Brenden Bradley said.

“He’s played a lot of SG Ball this year and I think the world is his oyster. Very smart, very tough, good speed, he’s an all-rounder.

“We probably just put a little bit too much pressure on ourselves today with a lot of turnover and possession and had to do a lot of defence in the first half.”

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They got off to a tough start after back-rower Mark Connors fumbled the kick-off over the sideline and were lucky on another occasion after Dragons centre Clay Baldock lost the ball with a try beckoning.

Conceding back-to-back penalties put them under further pressure and the Dragons looked like they had made them pay after fullback Jackson Rieck fired a cut-out pass for Toby Rumble to score in the corner.

The last pass was ruled forward and the try was disallowed.

Defending Champions finally broke the deadlock when Rieck picked up back-rower Jarrah Treweek

Who used his strength to push through the defence before stretching out to plant the ball down over the line. Rieck missed the conversion to leave the score at 4-0.

The Dragons went further ahead after Rumble showed great speed to make a break down the sideline with Colts fullback Alexander Sweeney coming up short after making a desperate lunge in the last line of defence.

Rieck had no issues with the conversion this time to extend the lead to 10-0.

The Colts pegged one back after hooker Xavier Cacciotti dived over from dummy-half for his first try of the afternoon. Blake Hovi landed the extras to reduce the deficit to 10-6.

The Dragons regained the ascendency in the final minute before half-time when Rieck picked up Treweek again.

The back-rower dummying to his outside before fending off the goal-line defence to grab his second try for the match. Rieck missed the conversion to leave the score 14-6 at half-time.

Jarrah Treweek with 3 tries was named Man of the Match in the 2023 Laurie Daley Cup Grand Final (Photo : Bryden Sharp / NSWRL)

Cacciotti started the second half in blistering fashion after grabbing consecutive tries to put the Colts in front 18-14.

His first for the second half came after he backed up Hovi close to the line while his second was another dive close to the line.

Illawarra SC Dragons roared back to life when captain Ashton O’Dea turned a nice ball back inside for Hodges to make a break, who in turn picked up centre Darnell Te Ahuru on his outside to score. Rieck landed the conversion to put the Dragons back in front 20-14.

“We’ve been working since November and today no matter how uncomfortable we got I knew we’d come out the other end at certain patches,” Hooper said.

“Obviously Jarrah twice pulled up for a nice play on that edge, and seeing Jarrah score his third try if you’re pushing up in that area, we don’t get the win.

“It’s very pleasing that we’ve been working for six months for here.”

Hodges backed that play up after putting his halfback Jarrod Tiyce away who found Treweek in support to grab his third try for the afternoon. Rieck landed the conversion to extend the lead and give the Dragons some breathing space at 26-18.

Cacciotti set up a thrilling finish when he dived over the line for his fourth try of the day but the Colts turned the ball over in the final minute and the Dragons held on for a memorable 26-24 win and make it consecutive premierships.

“We won last season so this is really good because it’s really hard to make a second Grand Final let alone win it,” Hooper said.

“I’m just really pleased for the boys for the amount of work they’ve done, they believed in themselves and they got what they deserved today.”

South Coast Illawarra Dragons 26  – 24 Monaro Colts 

Related Links

nswrl.com.au

CC Roosters claim first Andrew Johns Cup

Action Photo Galleries

Semi Final Laurie Daley Cup Action Photo’s

More NSWRL Junior Rep’s news 

More Women’s Rugby League news 

Harold Matthews Cup Draw / Results

SG Ball Cup Draw / Results

Tarsha Gale Cup Draw / Results

HNWP Draw / Results

Andrew Johns Cup Draw / Results

Laurie Daley Cup Draw / Results

(QRL) Mal Meninga Cup Draw / Results

(QRL) Cyril Connell Challenge Draw / Results

The post Dragons claim back-to-back Laurie Daley Cups 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

Related Links

nswrl.com.au

Action Photo Galleries

Semi Final Laurie Daley Cup Action Photo’s

More NSWRL Junior Rep’s news 

More Women’s Rugby League news 

Harold Matthews Cup Draw / Results

SG Ball Cup Draw / Results

Tarsha Gale Cup Draw / Results

HNWP Draw / Results

Andrew Johns Cup Draw / Results

Laurie Daley Cup Draw / Results

(QRL) Mal Meninga Cup Draw / Results

(QRL) Cyril Connell Challenge Draw / Results

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

Author : OurFootyTeam

Laurie Daley Cup Rnd 2 team lists

NC Bulldogs v M Wests Tigers
Saturday 11 Febuary 2023 @ Lank Bain Sporting Complex, Wauchope

NC Bulldogs

1. Robert Inglis, 2. Hamish Wilson, 3. Liam Cuffe, 4. Luke Calthorpe, 5. Bill Butlin, 6. Finnian Walsh, 7. Cooper Petterson, 8. Tavis Felsch. 9. Keaton Stutt, 10. Jett Gilbert, 11. Harrison Brenna, 12. Benjamin Geary, 13. Lachlan Mifsud, 14. Connor Latham, 16. Sam Watts, 17. Jack Margetts, 18. Brodie Moore, 19. Patrick Lawlor

Inns : Bill Butlin, Connor Latham, Jack Margetts
Outs : Hudson Harmer, Lleyton Moore, William Hogan

M Wests Tigers

1. Brycen Anae-Roberts, 2. Lawdez Taurerewa-Yucel, 3. Seth To’o, 4. Daniel Waqa, 5. Likari Leota, 6. Harley Rebbeck, 7. Heith Pritchard, 8. Harry Delaney, 9. Rielly Smith, 10. James Folaumoetui, 11. Sosefo Finau, 12. Jeremiah Leatigaga, 13. Luke Prebble, 14. Zac Gibson, 15. Ryan Polsen, 16. Sylvester Neil, 17. Ewan Xuereb, 18. Bowen Roper

Inns : Bowen Roper, Harley Rebbeck, Heith Pritchard, Likari Leota, Sosefo Finau
Outs : John Finianos, Joseph Eccleston, Junior Borg-Taveuveu, Ryan Campbell, Tajh Colquhoun

Referee :
Side Line Ref’s :

Referee’s not yet announced

Illawarra South Coast Dragons v Monaro Colts
Saturday 11 Febuary 2023 @ Ron Costello Oval, Shellharbour

Ill SC Dragons

1. Jackson Rieck, 2. Samson McAllister-Wood, 3. Samuel Kennedy, 4. Clay Baldock, 5. Darnell Te Ahuru, 6. Eden Hodges, 7. Caleb Hall, 8. Lachlan Weir, 9. Lincoln Miners, 10. Ramses Munro, 11. Ashton O`Dea, 12. Jarrah Gaia Treweek, 13. Palu Tausala, 14. Isaiah Hegedus, 15. Harrison Tan, 16. Viliami Amone, 17. Bailey Marks, 18. Jarrod Tiyce

Inns : Bailey Marks
Outs : Isaac Laughton

Monaro Colts

1. Lekani Mpaso, 2. Jack Clutterbuck, 4. Tui Georgievski, 5. Alexander Sweeney, 6. Blake Hovi, 7. Mason Kearney, 8. Jayden Svager, 9. Xavier Cacciotti, 10. Yanga Marela, 11. Max Mercer, 12. Jayden Wolfe, 13. Mark Connors, 14. Israel Taiatini, 15. Cooper Ferris, 16. Lane Davis, 17. Nikolas Klobuca, 18. Joshua Urbaniak, 19. Jordan Williams, 20. Bailey Caldwell, 21. Ethan Ayodele, 22. Lachlan Bishop

Inns : Bailey CALDWELL, Ethan Ayodele, Jordan Williams, Lachlan Bishop
Outs : Mathias Petone Tomuli-Ah-Kuoi

Referee :
Side Line Ref’s :

Referee’s not yet announced

Riverina District Bulls v Western Rams
Saturday 11 Febuary 2023 @ Ron Crowe Oval, West Wyalong

Riverina District Bulls

1. Sam Graziani, 2. Nicholas Powderly, 3. Lachlan Field, 4. Chaise Sergi, 5. Koko Salim, 6. Cohen Benson, 7. Brayden O’Reilly, 8. Maxwell Warr, 9. Angus Clark, 10. McKinley Hamblin, 11. Sebastian Rodet, 12. Malakai Charles, 13. Noah Killeen, 14. Lachlan Cole, 15. Matthew Chant, 16. Mitchell White, 18. Joseph Hill, 20. Noah Dal Molin

Inns : Joseph Hill, Noah Dal Molin
Outs : Beniel Dakunibubului, Jared McKinnon

Western Rams

1. William Black, 2. Harry Wald, 3. Harrison Kukla, 4. Malakai Folau, 5. Jake Roberts, 6. Fletcher Hunt, 7. Kaydden Hoad, 8. Braith Boyd, 9. Tully Howell, 10. Michael Coady, 11. Dane Richards, 12. Ethan Young, Connor Vardanega, 13. Ajay Isbester-Boss, 15. Toby Gibson, 16. Angus Thompson, 17. Kelly Constable, 18. Bailey Davis

Inns : Bailey Davis
Outs : Nickolas ORESIC

Referee :
Side Line Ref’s :

Referee’s not yet announced

Northern Rivers Titans v Central Coast Roosters
Saturday 11 Febuary 2023 @ Yamba Sporting Complex, Yamba

NR Titans

1. Riley Baharov, 2. Noah Waldock, 3. Creedence Kelly Donovan, 4. Lachlan Offley, 5. Levi Dangerfield, 6. Jesse Soric, 7. Zane Harrison, 8. Anthony Hickling, 9. Ayden Byrnes, 10. Isaac Harrison, 11. Callum Bowles, 12. Aaron Singh-Goesel, 13. Taylor Withington, 14. Cameron Bevan, 15. Riley Buchanan, 16. Billy Kilduff, 17. Kye Cooper, 18. Connor Smith, 19. Clayton Guiney, 20. Brady Turner, 21. Bo Peisley

Inns : Brady Turner, Clayton Guiney, Connor Smith, Stevie O’Connor
Outs :

CC Roosters

1. Riley Burke, 2. Noah Owens, 3. Xavier Taurerewa-Yucel, 4. Aymn Hamilton, 14. Zachary Karam, 6. Tyrone Dorrell, 7. Joshua Farmilo, 8. Travis Barnes, 9. Zac Gillett, 10. Riley Watson-Miletic, 11. Dylan Coyte, 12. Jackson Pennell, 13. James Miller, 15. Jarrod Dann, 16. Tyreece Arama, 17. William Hodder, 18. Brock Taylor, 23. Connor Watson

Inns :
Outs :

Referee :
Side Line Ref’s :

Referee’s not yet announced

Northern Region Tigers v Newcastle Macarthur Region Knights
Saturday 11 Febuary 2023 @ McKinnon Oval,  Aberdeen

Northern Tigers

1.Charlie Henderson, 2. Keandre Johnson-Vale, 3. Cooper Meldrum, 4. John O’Leary Doyle, 5. Brodi Campbell, 6. Kaleb Hope, 7. Callum Dowell, 8. Gabriel Stafa, 9. Talon Harrington, 10. Brady Roser, 11. Dylan Keane, 12. Logan Spinks, 13. Nathaniel Follington. 14. Jackson Smith, 15. Zane Groves, 16. Jack Foley, 17. Lachlan Bonnell, 18. Braydon Allan

Inns : Jackson Smith, Zane Groves
Outs : Jordan Hamlin, Rowdy Laidlaw-Hodge

NMR Knights

1. Zeek Faulkner, 2. Mason Forbes, 3. Charles Hennessy, 4. Logan Aoake, 5. Cody Hancock, 6. Tyrese Gordon, 7. Fletcher Thompson, 8. Joel Connell, 9. Khynan Butler, 10. Nicholas Tuliatu, 11. Ethan Quinn, 12. Callan Barber, 13. Harper Collins, 14. Kade Fabri, 15. Daniel Ward, 16. Ty-James Davis-Dates, 21. Blake O’Doherty, 18. Jett Robards-Hassall, 20. Blake O’Doherty

Inns : Joseph GREEN, Zeek Faulkner
Outs : Taimana Elers

Referee :
Side Line Ref’s :

Referee’s not yet announced

Related Links

2023 Harold Matthews Cup Draw

2023 Tarsha Gale Cup Draw

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HNWP Rnd Draw

2023 Andrew Johns Cup Draw 

2023 Laurie Daley Cup Draw

More NSWRL Junior Rep’s news

NSWRL Junior Reps Round Action Photo’s

HNWP

Weststigers v Cronulla Sharks

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2023 NSW ACTION PHOTO’S

The post Laurie Daley Rnd 2 team lists 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

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

Author : Tom Gibbs NSWRL

Dragons power to victory in Laurie Daley Cup

Illawarra South Coast Dragons have come away with a 40-20 victory over North Coast Bulldogs in the SLE Laurie Daley Cup Grand Final today at St Marys Leagues Stadium.

The Dragons surged to an early 12-0 lead before falling behind on the scoreboard early in the second half, but ecstatic head coach Peter Hooper was pleased by his side’s ability to play on their terms for most of the contest.

Taj Ford, with Peter Hooper Illawarra SC Dragons Coach (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

“It (the win) was pretty pleasing, we intended to kick long and play long,” Hooper said.

“It worked until half-time and we probably went away from that for 15 minutes, but to the boys’ credit, I think the grafting part of the first half paid dividends at the back end of the second half.”

The contest was an arm-wrestle for the opening 10 minutes with neither side able to gain any ascendancy on the scoreboard.

Yet Illawarra South Coast would ultimately break the deadlock after pushing upfield and forcing a goal-line drop-out.

The mounting pressure proved too much to handle for the Bulldogs’ defence once the Dragons were back in the attacking 20.

Kyan Hjialtason Ill SC Dragons is the Laurie Daley Cup ‘Man of the Match’ (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Front rower Kane Graham crashed over to open the scoring.

Halfback and captain Taj Ford added the extras for a 6-0 lead.

In the immediate set from the kick-off the Dragons shifted to the short side early in the tackle count and managed to go the full field again.

From 20 metres out Dragons hooker Kyan Hjaltason saw the chance to scoot through a retreating Bulldogs’ defensive line before finding an offload for fullback Wesley Pring, who handed off to Ford to score beside the upright.

Ford had no problems with the conversion to follow and the Dragons had a two-try buffer in a matter of moments.

The Bulldogs managed a reply through halfback Mhalikai Mercy when he charged into a gap from close range, but the Dragons pushed the lead back out as Wil Paterson crossed on the stroke of half-time and Ford converted to take their lead to 18-4.

North Coast BULLDOGS 2022 Laurie Daley Cup Grand Final TeamPhoto (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

The Dragons’ expansive style really came to the fore after the break, and Hooper was happy to see the team maintain the high tempo up until the final whistle.

“I think our style of footy was really good and we always wanted to play with a bit of width, and the boys had enough energy to continue to do that and back themselves, which is really pleasing for the coaching staff,” Hooper explained.

North Coast quickly hit the lead within 10 minutes of the second half.

At that point South Coast Illawarra flicked a switch to score four more tries in the final 20 minutes through Kyle McCarthy, Jack Piccirilli, Ford for his second, and Zakariya Maarbani.

Dragons No.9 Hjaltason was named Player of the Match, constantly keeping his side on the front foot with speed and footwork from dummy-half.

“They’ve been working hard for six months, this group, no matter what I threw at them,” Hooper said.

“On grand final days it’s about the kids and what they want to achieve, and they (the team) did that today.”

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The post Dragons power to victory in Laurie Daley Cup 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.

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

Author : Thirroul Butchers

Ill SC Dragons into the big dance

Youngsters head to the big dance with the Illawarra South Coast Dragons

Last weekend seen some of our young U18’s strap on the boots for the Illawarra South Coast Dragons in the Laurie Daily Cup (U18s competition) played at Collegians Sports Center.

The boys played The Central Coast Roosters who were the defending champions in the semi final which they won 18 to 12 and will now head into the Grand final against the North Coast Bulldogs this weekend on the Central Coast.

The game was a tight tussle between the teams with the scores locked at 12 a piece at the halftime break.

The second half was no different with both teams displaying more tough defence.

In the end it was the Dragons who prevailed with the only try of the half taking the win 18 to 12

Squad members include Ky Air, Neason Jha-Langley, Bryden Rutledge, Michael Mouawad and Riley Costello.

We wish the boys all the best for this weekend.

Check the NSWRL website and facebook page for live-streaming times for the game.

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The post Ill SC Dragons into the big dance appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : NSWRL

Woy Woy to host Regional Reps Grand Final day

The NSWRL is pleased to announce the Grand Finals for the SLE Andrew Johns Cup, SLE Laurie Daley Cup.

Men’s and Women’s Country Championships will be staged as a quadruple-header on Sunday 3 April at Woy Woy Oval on the NSW Central Coast.

The teams for the deciders will be determined after this weekend’s Semi-finals.

Which will see games played at Shellharbour and Figtree on the NSW south coast, as well as Grafton on the NSW north coast.

NSWRL – The game for all

“The SLE Andrew Johns Cup and SLE Laurie Daley Cup showcases the rising stars of Rugby League from regional NSW

While the Men’s and Women’s Country Championship provides players with the opportunity to proudly represent their area,” NSWRL Head of Football Robert Lowrie said.

“I’m pleased that we’re able to host all Grand Finals at Woy Woy Oval.

It’s a great ground to watch Rugby League and the Central Coast has produced some tremendous players throughout history.

“The Grand Finals for these competitions last year provided plenty of highlights and I’m confident that 2022 won’t be any different.”

The SLE Andrew Johns Cup (Under 16s) and SLE Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18s) are part of the NSWRL’s Junior Representatives programs which kicked off on 5 February.

The competitions are played over five rounds followed by a finals series.

They are split into a northern pool (Central Coast Roosters, Newcastle and Maitland Region Knights, North Coast Bulldogs, Northern Rivers Titans, Northern Tigers)

The southern pool (Illawarra South Coast Dragons, Macarthur Wests Tigers, Monaro Colts, Riverina Bulls, Western Rams).

The Men’s and Women’s Country Championships involves the same teams but are only played over two rounds before a finals series.

The Semi-finals schedules are as follows:

Team picker – Pick Your team

Women’s Country Championships

Saturday 26 March (11.15am): NMR Knights v Macarthur Wests Tigers, Ron Costello Oval, Shellharbour

Saturday 26 March (12.35pm): Central Coast Roosters v Illawarra South Coast Dragons, Ron Costello Oval, Shellharbour

Men’s Country Championships

Saturday 26 March (2pm): Monaro Colts v Illawarra South Coast Dragons, Ron Costello Oval, Shellharbour

Sunday 27 March (1pm): Northern River Titans v Northern Tigers, Frank McGuren Field, Grafton

SLE Andrew Johns Cup

Sunday 27 March (10am): Illawarra South Coast Dragons v Northern Rivers Titans, Collegians Sporting Centre, Figtree

Sunday 27 March (11.20am): Northern Tigers v Macarthur Wests Tigers, Collegians Sporting Centre, Figtree

SLE Laurie Daley Cup

Sunday 27 March (12.45pm): North Coast Bulldogs v Marcarthur Wests Tigers, Collegians Sporting Centre, Figtree

Sunday 27 March (2.15pm): Central Coast Roosters v Illawarra South Coast Dragons, Collegians Sporting Centre, Figtree 

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nswrl.com.au

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The post Woy Woy to host Regional Reps Grand Final day appeared first on OurFootyTeam.