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

Related Links

Tigers seek thrilling Grand Final redemption in extra-time

Tigers create history with Andrew Johns Cup win

Northern Tigers secure maiden Lisa Fiaola Cup

Port Macquarie to host NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day

Koori Under 16s tour leaves lasting impact on Vanuatu Rugby League

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

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

Related Links

Port Macquarie to host NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day

Koori Under 16s tour leaves lasting impact on Vanuatu Rugby League

The post Port Macquarie to host NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

2025 NSWRL Laurie Daley Cup Grand Final

29/03/2025 27 - 16 N/A Ill SC Dragons vs M Wests Tigers

Round 7 Ladder

2025 Laurie Daley Cup Round 7 Ladder

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	Pts
1	NC Bulldogs	6	5	0	1	202	96	106	10
2	Ill SC Dragons	7	5	0	2	200	150	50	10
3	Titans	5	3	0	2	134	100	34	6
4	NRM Knights	6	3	0	3	154	129	25	6
5	M Wests Tigers	6	3	0	3	142	157	-15	6
6	CC Roosters	5	3	0	2	116	136	-20	6
7	Colts	5	2	0	3	158	102	56	4
8	NR Tigers	5	1	0	4	88	156	-68	2
9	Rams	5	1	1	3	108	136	-28	3
10	Bulls	5	0	1	4	58	198	-140	1

Top Point Scorers

Top Try Scorers

Top Goal Kickers

Top Penalty Goal Kickers

Top Field Goal Kickers

The post 2025 NSWRL Laurie Daley Cup Grand Final appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Tom Gibbs NSWRL Media

Regional Junior Reps Semi-finals

In this week’s edition, we’re wrapping all the action from a big day of Semi-finals in our regional Junior Representatives competitions. Find out which sides made their way to Grand Final day at GIO Stadium on Saturday 29 March.

Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup Semi-finals

Bulldogs survive arm-wrestle to earn Grand Final appearance

North Coast Bulldogs continued their undefeated run in the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup, claiming a 12-8 win over Northern Rivers Titans at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium to progress to the Grand Final on Saturday 29 March.

The rainy conditions set the tone for what became an arm-wrestle throughout, and points were certainly at a premium as both sides managed just a try apiece going into halftime.

The Bulldogs were first to score in the 18th minute through fullback Milla Swain’s individual brilliance from 40 metres out, busting through a handful of tacklers and stepping past her opposing number to lead 4-0.

Five minutes before the main break the Titans found themselves only metres from the try-line with No.14 Chloe Siverwright capitalising and sneaking through from dummy-half (4-4).

Play began to open up in the second half and Northern Rivers five-eighth Elsie Wilkinson took advantage with a dummy to slice through and score to put the Titans 8-4 ahead.

But with the rain teeming down again with 15 minutes left, the Bulldogs managed to find a way to a 12-8 win courtesy of tries from centre Keira Donovan and winger Belle Cockeram.

Tigers race away with win to make second-straight Grand Final

The Northern Tigers exacted some revenge with today’s Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup Semi-final win, running away with a 28-12 victory over last year’s Grand Final opponents and eventual 2024 Premiers, the Western Rams.

While the scores at halftime remained locked at 6-6, the Tigers found another gear with four more four-pointers to the Rams’ one in the second half – prop Jayda Cohen finishing with a hat-trick.

A crash play for Cohen saw the Tigers draw first blood, before the Rams hit back through No.14 Matilda Harper muscling over the line from dummy-half.

The Rams led early in the second half when halfback-captain Millah Hutchins scored off her own grubber kick, then the Tigers responded as centre Mia Cloake found open pasture from her own half before scoring two plays later to trail 12-10.

Cohen’s second try put the Tigers back in front and they never lost the lead from there, with Cloake’s second successful conversion putting them up 16-12.

They pushed further ahead when Cohen found a gap off an inside ball from halfway and offloaded for Mikayla Skinner to score, then the prop deservedly put the finishing touch on the 28-12 win with her third try for match.

Cloake also ended up with three from five off the boot.

Laurie Daley Cup Semi-finals

Dragons too strong in the end for valiant Knights outfit

A strong second half from Illawarra South Coast saw the Dragons march through to the SLE Laurie Daley Cup Grand Final with a 31-18 win over the Newcastle Maitland Region Knights.

Dragons skipper Archie Wheeler opened proceedings in the 11th minute when he dived on a well-placed grubber from five-eighth Beau Baldock.

Followed at the 25-minute mark by winger Jack Coster also pouncing on a grubber in the right corner – this time off the boot of No.1 Jack Talbott.

The fullback landed both conversions to lead 12-0.

The Knights weren’t to be held scoreless even with five minutes left, working their way into attacking territory before Fletcher O’Doherty crashed over the line from Diesel Hagan’s flat pass.

The hooker played another key role just shy of the break when Hagan sent bench forward Ethan Jarmain steaming through under the sticks for a try.

All of a sudden, along with Hagan’s pair of conversions, the scores were levelled 12-all at halftime.

The home side had all the running to start the second half, scoring three tries unanswered.

The first came through Talbott accelerating into a tackle from 10 metres out and carrying four Knights with him,

Soon followed by Baldock’s penalty tap from close range catching the defence napping, then Wheeler toeing through a Knights knock-on and touching down for his second (30).

While the Knights gave themselves some hope when centre Kyran Blair crossed with nine minutes remaining, it was Talbott who had the final say with a late field goal to close out the Dragons’ 31-18 win and secure their first Grand Final appearance since 2023.

Tigers snare victory over Bulldogs in closely fought battle

In the later Semi-final it was Macarthur Wests Tigers who came out top in a closely fought 18-12 win against North Coast Bulldogs at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium.

Slippery conditions were on the cards from the opening exchanges as both sides ended the first half with a try each.

The first try came within three minutes via Tigers second-rower Teancam Epati with winger Aidan Richards adding the extras, then the Bulldogs found the scoreboard in the 14th minute through their crafty five-eighth Rielly Laverty.

An unsuccessful conversion from Toby Batten saw the Tigers take 6-4 lead to the halftime break.

Seven minutes into the second half Bulldogs winger Aidan Langham scored to put the hosts in the lead.

Batten’s conversion, and penalty goal two minutes later, extended their lead to 12-6.

Macarthur returned serve when Richards scored in the 53rd minute, then centre Patrick Toomalatai followed up with a try of his own in the 60th.

Richards continued his 100 percent conversion rate to lead 18-12 as the Tigers held on for a place in the Grand Final.

Andrew Johns Cup

Titans leave it late to mark return to Grand Final stage

A late try from prop Nixon O’Connor has helped the Northern River Titans to their first SLE Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final appearance in two seasons with a 20-14 win over Illawarra South Coast Dragons.

The Titans, who last held the Johns Cup in 2022, will head to the decider once again after turning around a 10-4 halftime deficit, regaining the lead in the dying minutes and hanging on for the victory.

The Dragons looked like joining their Laurie Daley Cup counterparts on Grand Final day after two early tries to winger Kruz Efaraimo and back-rower Preston Ruiz, but the Titans stayed in the game when No.11 Max Palmer barged over the try-line after 18 minutes (10-4).

Northern Rivers struck first in the second half with a right-side shift for fullback Jaylon Russell to score, then again with an acrobatic finish from winger Julean Woods (14-10).

The home side tied things up when centre Hunter Berghuis crossed in the 48th minute, but O’Connor and the Titans took their chance 10 minutes later when the prop powered past the Dragons’ defence to score beside the uprights.

Daniel Russell added the two points, which was enough seal the 20-14 win.

Flying start sets the Knights to victory

The Newcastle Maitland Region Knights exploded out of the blocks with two tries in five minutes as they defeated Macarthur Wests Tigers 22-18 at Cessnock Sportsground, punching their ticket to the 2025 SLE Andrew Johns Cup Grand Final.

Hooker Chase Firman began the try-scoring with a burrow under the posts from dummy-half, with fullback Rico Elers adding to the scoresheet on the right edge from close range.

Firman scored a second in the 21st minute, as five-eighth Ty Ennis converted two from three for a commanding 16-0 lead at halftime.

Tigers fullback Llanden Granger scored the visitors’ first points early in the second half, before back-rower Koby Harvey crossed for a fourth Knights try in the 46th minute (22-6).

In the final 10 minutes the Tigers did their best to fight back with four-pointers through winger Sebastian Taylor and prop Noah Vaotangi, yet it wasn’t enough to overcome a strong start by the Knights.

Click here for results from the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup.   

Click here for results from the SLE Laurie Daley Cup.

Click here for results from the SLE Andrew Johns Cup.

Regional Junior Reps Semi-finals

Mixed Results at Home for the Eels

Sea Eagles Pathways Wrap Rnd 4

A win and a loss for male junior rep Sharks

Round 4 results

2025 NSWRL Lisa Fioala Cup Rnd 4 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL Tarsha Gale Cup Rnd 4 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL SG Ball Cup Rnd 4 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL Harold Matthews Cup Rnd 4 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL Laurie Daley Cup Rnd 3 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL Andrew Johns Cup Rnd 3 results, ladder & top try scorers

Wests Tigers rnd 2 report

Manly Junior reps wrap rnd 2

SG Ball Cup Rnd 2 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Harold Matthews Cup Rnd 2 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Tarsha Gale Cup Rnd 2 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Lisa Fiola Cup Rnd 2 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Tarsha Gale cup Rnd 1 team lists

SG Ball Rnd 1 team lists

The post Regional Junior Reps Semi-finals appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

2025 Laurie Daley Cup Round 6 Draw

23/03/2025 31 - 18 N/A Ill SC Dragons vs NRM Knights
23/03/2025 12 N/A NC Bulldogs vs M Weststigers

Round 6 Ladder

2025 Laurie Daley Cup Round 6 Ladder

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	Pts
1	NC Bulldogs	6	5	0	1	202	96	106	10
2	Ill SC Dragons	6	4	0	2	173	134	39	8
3	Titans	5	3	0	2	134	100	34	6
4	NRM Knights	6	3	0	3	154	129	25	6
5	M Wests Tigers	5	3	0	2	126	130	-4	6
6	CC Roosters	5	3	0	2	116	136	-20	6
7	Colts	5	2	0	3	158	102	56	4
8	NR Tigers	5	1	0	4	88	156	-68	2
9	Rams	5	1	1	3	108	136	-28	3
10	Bulls	5	0	1	4	58	198	-140	1

Top Point Scorers

Top Try Scorers