Author : Sharks Media

Rising Shark Williams crowned top NSW schoolboy athlete

Nikora Williams running thru the Raiders line in this years SG Ball competition (Photo – Steve Montgomery)

In the midst of his first NRL pre-season, promising young Shark Nikora Williams has received one of the most prestigious awards for schoolboy athletes in NSW.

The Endeavour Sports High School graduate was presented with the Val Lembit Memorial Trophy for the Most Outstanding Male Representative at the NSW Combined High School Sports Awards at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

He joins a storied list of sporting champions like swimmer Ian Thorpe, cricketer Steve Waugh, golfer Nick Flanagan and NRL players such as Blake Green, Cameron King and current Kangaroos star Zac Lomax to have earned the accolade.

Williams also received a NSW CHS Blue, a time-honoured award recognising those who have represented their state with distinction in their chosen sport.

Congratulations to Elektra Arseniou (Tennis), Lucia Martin (Cricket) and Nikora Williams (Rugby League) who were awarded a prestigious NSW CHS Blue at the SCG yesterday

“It’s an honour to get it. I’m very grateful because there a lot of names there like Ian Thorpe and Zac Lomax who have won that award,” Williams said of receiving the Val Lembit Memorial Trophy.

“Hearing my name get called out was a very pleasant surprise.”

Nikora Williams enjoying NRL pre-season training.

Nikora Williams enjoying NRL pre-season training.

A goal-kicking outside back, Williams represented the Sharks in the SG Ball Cup (under 19s) this year before a handful of appearances in the Jersey Flegg Cup (under 21s).

Such is his talent, the teenager is training with the NRL squad over summer.

“It’s a dream come true, definitely, but it’s very hard,” he said.

“All the coaching staff set a standard and you’ve got to live up to that standard every day when you’re coming to training.

“It’s nerve-wracking at times, but I’m grateful I’ve been given the opportunity by the Cronulla Sharks and the coaching staff to be able to train with the big boys for the first time.”

Williams paid tribute to experienced Sharks junior rep coach Dave Howlett, who convinced him to abandon plans to drop out of Shire Christian School in Year 10 to start a trade apprenticeship and instead move to Endeavour Sports High under his tutelage.

Howlett was also Williams’ SG Ball coach this year.

“I was grateful to learn off Dave,” Williams, an Aquinas Colts junior, said.

“He knows a lot about footy and I take in whatever he talks about. I use it whether it’s on the field or off the field. I just take all the lessons he’s told me and I apply it to my everyday life.”

Howlett described Williams as “one of the most passionate students I’ve had anything to do with”.

“He absolutely loved the team, the Endeavour Rugby League Program and the school. He’s left a mark that will last well after he leaves,” he added.

“The thing that sets him apart from other boys is his will to win and the fact he’ll do whatever it takes on the field to help his team achieve.

“He’s tenacious and competitive.

I coached him at school and the Sharks, and he had exactly the same passion for both teams. He just loves being part of a team environment and trying to inspire other people.

“I’m really hopeful he’ll blossom into an NRL player and a great team member at that level too.

“We’re proud as a program and a school that we’ve played a role in his development as a person and player and we look forward to following his journey.”

Had he committed to the decision to leave school and become a tradie, Williams would’ve missed out on a raft of rugby league achievements. He represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2023 and made his mark at that level again this season.

“I was part of the NSW CHS team as captain (reaching the ASSRL National Championships final)

Nikora Williams kicking off for Sydney Red in this years NSWCHS State rugby league Championships at Collegians Stadium (Photo – Steve Montgomery)

Then got selected for the Aussie Schoolboys where we went to the Gold Coast to play France and played against Papua New Guinea over in Papua New Guinea,” he said.

The skilful outside back scored the match-tying try in a 22-all draw with PNG in October.

With hard work his focus, Williams will look to take the next step in 2025. Howlett believes the rigours of an NRL pre-season will prepare him perfectly for higher grades.

“Hopefully next year I can play more consistent Flegg and, if I’m able to, have a crack at (NSW) Cup,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, Engadine High School student Blake Wardrobe also earned a coveted NSW CHS Blue award for his touch football achievements.

Wardrobe, who has played junior reps for the Sharks alongside Williams, captained the 2024 NSWCHSSA open touch football team.

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The post Rising Shark Williams crowned top NSW schoolboy athlete appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : OurFootyTeam

Matts team Lists Rnd 2 .

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles BYE

St George Dragons v Western Suburbs Magpies
Sat February 11 2023, 10:00am at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Carlton

St George Dragons

1. Zachariah Nachar 2. Elias Kazzi 3. Ratu Cayuqueo 4. Javess Lafolua 5. Kameron-Sean Faiai 6. Dion Williams 7. Ibrahim Charara 8. Viliami Hikila 9. Tyrus Siana Salanoa 10. Risiate Smythe 11. Cyrus Stanley-Traill 12. Jacob Halangahu 13. Finau Latu 14. Xavier Ndaira 15. Alex Futialo 16. Jasper Wilson 17. Aiden Hodges 18. Bronson Emery

Western Suburbs Magpies

Team list not yet announced.

Referee :
Sideline Ref’s :

Ref’s not yet announced

North Sydney Bears v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Sat February 11 2023, 11:30am at Hills Grammar, Kenthurst

North Sydney Bears

1. Ben Stringer 2. Akshat Kumar 3. Ej Vaolika Savesi 4. Brady McMillan 5. Blake Pasfield 6. Max Popo 7. Jayden Kouka 8. Isaac Jim 9. Kodi Ellia 10. Jerome Goddard 11. Danetyn Patuki Case 12. Heath Turner 13. Isoa Kisi 14. Issac Chaker 15. Calix Fa’aave 16. Josaiah Fisiilose 17. Caleb Collins-Wicken 18. Oliver Mackellar 21. Zephaniah Leota 22. Chas Riddle 24. Noah Miller

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

1. Oliver Lester 2. Kailan Rehayem 3. Nikora Williams 4. Jayze Tuigamala 5. Bailey Leach 6. Blake Wardrobe 7. Maximas Halloran 8. Garylee Tohovaka 9. Daniel Louka 10. Lama Afu 11. Kaden Garner 12. Beau Watson 13. Alex Challenor 14. Tye Bursill 15. Thomas Dellow 16. Dylan Watkins 17. Blake Watman 18. Nathaniel Xiros 19. Zane Walker 20. Xavier Singh 21. Koby Lillis

Referee :
Sideline Ref’s :

Ref’s not yet announced

Parramatta Eels v Balmain Tigers
Sat February 11 2023, 11:30am at Kellyville Park, Kellyville

Parramatta Eels

1. Corey Leigh 2. Dominic Farrugia 3. Jack Nicholas 4. Joshua Patrick 5. Lorima Rokosuka 6. Lincoln Fletcher 7. Lorenzo Talataina 8. Mikayel Tito 9. Zaidas Muagututia 10. Jordan Uta 11. Jezaiah Funa-Luta 12. Anthony Abdow 13. Tyson Sangalang 14. Lachlan Coinakis 15. Mark Williams 16. Cyrus Kalati Toleafoa 17. Maison Ong 18. Lucius Muliaga

Balmain Tigers

1. Michael Nassar 2. Michael Boustany 3. Malik Amine 4. James Safi 6. Alex Conti 7. Marc Tannous 8. William Lloyd 9. Soteila Fatui 10. Edwin Langi 11. Hayden Elkris 12. Adrien Safi 13. Jordan Bunt 14. Jamie Carroll 15. Adam Meslemani 16. Tyler Birnie 17. Douglas Tuala 18. Samuel Sherlock

Referee :
Sideline Ref’s :

Ref’s not yet announced

South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Sat February 11 2023, 12:00pm at Redfern Oval, Redfern

South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Braethan Bilich 2. Yasin Kuscu 3. Lancelot Tovio 4. Charlie Poynton 5. Charlie Mann 6. Tylan Black Berryman 7. Matthew Humphries 8. Kynan Toevai 9. Marshall Le Maitre 10. Tanner Mahon 11. Quinn Mersal 12. Tamoko Berryman 13. Fetaiaki Lua 14. Ethan Tombs 15. Kaylan Makoare 17. Lochlin Moses 18. Christian Pasikala 16. Jacob Fong 19. Zane Bell 21. Joseph Romanos

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

1. Christopher Makhlouf 2. Ratu Rinakama 3. Chris-jaiden Alaelua 4. Aledin Hrvat 5. Jope Rauqe 6. Bronson Reuben 7. Mitchell Woods 8. Oliva Smith 9. Mason Phillips 10. Mohamed Hadid 11. Tylah Slate 12. Sosaia Alatini 13. Sheldon Abbey 14. Noah Byrne 15. David Leota 16. Solomone Tupou 17. Itula Seve 19. Matthew Barakat 22. Tallis McEwen-Welsh

Referee :
Sideline Ref’s :

Ref’s not yet announced

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders
Sat February 11 2023, 12:00pm at Henson Park, Marrickville

Sydney Roosters

1. Baxter Warner 2. Brooklyn Heath 3. Kahu Capper 4. King Manu 5. Na’oia’ehansi Tofaeono 6. Lachlan Dooner 7. Toby Rodwell 8. Joel Jacobs 9. Jaxson Allen 10. Peter Benjamin Uini 11. Laurence Talataina 12. Cameron Mackenzie 13. Zach Fittler 14. Cooper Flood 15. Hayden Brown 17. Thomas Mckenna 18. Oliver Ajaka-Brown

Canberra Raiders

1. Braydan Darmody 2. James Croker 3. Lachlan Cunanan 4. Harry Hudson 5. Emmett Smith 6. Callum Rossiter 7. Jonah Anderson 8. Zildjian Tafili 9. Mitchell Brophy 10. Jacob Mau-pohiva 11. Samuel Griffin 12. Harvey Gay 13. Andrew Muir 14. Lucas McPherson 15. Brock Apolevski 16. Patrick Dawson 17. Thomas Handsaker 18. Jesse Milin

Referee :
Sideline Ref’s :

Ref’s not yet announced

Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights
Sat February 11 2023, 12:30pm at Windsor Sporting Complex, Windsor

Penrith Panthers

1. Jaxen Edgar 2. Cooper Hale 3. Casey McLean 4. Marcellus Iakopo 5. Jacob Kelly 6. Tuaomaliemavaitoelau Patea 7. Harrison Bull 8. Riley Allen 9. Nathanial Tolu 10. Hokafonu Lemoto 11. Danny Johnstone 12. Heinz Lemoto 13. Kye Raven 14. Jhett Sydir 15. Tyson Kunkel 16. Roman Tuaimau 17. Charbel Kheirallah 18. Massimo Maestrale 19. Kenneth McKeever King 20. Cameron Bamblett 21. Ollie Seu 24. Jack Attard 25. Latrell Toby-Smith

Newcastle Knights

1. Connor Votano 2. Callan Winter 3. Demiah Ainuu 4. Zahn McKay 5. Mark Nikas 6. Blake Dorahy 7. Lachlan Hails 8. Jett Woodward 9. Diesel Hagan 10. Jack Hilliar 11. Will Cannavo 12. TJ Talaileva 13. Ethan Jarmain 14. Taj Moore 15. Kane Self 16. Beau Hill 17. Zye Midwood 18. Ethan Clarke 19. Wil Rosenbaum

Referee :
Sideline Ref’s :

Ref’s not yet announced

Central Coast Roosters v Illawarra Steelers
Sun February 12 2023, 12:00pm at Morry Breen Oval, Kanwal

Central Coast Roosters

1. Demetrius Kilisimasi 2. Samisoni Talakai 3. Bailey Sigsworth 4. Brendan Couzens 5. Cooper Dean-Potaka 6. Sean Bullen 7. Chaice Bayley 8. Devonte Vaotuua 9. Travis Jackson 10. Billy Brown 11. Josiah Fesolai 12. Coby Thomas 13. Taj Matthews 14. Sam Gillespie 15. Trey Watson 16. Lorenzo Godoy 17. Joshua Kopua 18. Brooklyn Rosemeyer 19. Bailey Vaeau

Illawarra Steelers

1. Tom Kirk 2. Harry Wililo 3. Hayden Buchanan 4. Charles Heidke 5. Lucas Borg 6. Aaymon Fitzgibbon 7. Kade Reed 8. Zachariah Taufa 9. Brodie Breakspear 10. Letham Manago 11. Dreau Clark 12. Drew Langdon 13. Daniel Meafou 14. Josiah Clifford 15. Leeroy Weatherall 16. Ezekiel Kennedy 17. Hudson Bailey 18. Talitiga Feagai

Referee :
Sideline Ref’s :

Ref’s not yet announced

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The post Matts team Lists Rnd 2 appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Sean Teuma, Jason Hosken, Kevin Merrigan and Katrina May NewsCorp Sport

Harold Matts season preview

Every club profiled ahead of the 2023 NSWRL junior reps season

The Harold Matthews Cup season is just around the corner with future NRL talent everywhere.

OurFootyTeam & NewsCorp will preview every club ahead of the new year, continuing with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

Watch the replay of the NSWRL finals – Western Suburbs Magpies vs Canberra Raiders (Harold Matthews Cup).

THE brightest young talents and superstars of tomorrow are set to showcase their skills once again we approach the start of the Harold Matthews Cup season.

The U17s NSWRL season kicks off on February 4 with so many storylines set to play out.

Which NRL contracted stars will shine the brightest? Will Penrith’s rugby league dominance extend to the U17s in 2023? Will there be a new contender to the throne?

The best of NSW local rugby league

Harold Matthews season preview

All of those questions will be revealed as we progressively preview all 15 clubs ahead of the new season, with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

Jayze Tuigamala Playing for Sydney Red in last years NSWCHS State Championships (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Brad Kelly

Players to watch:

Local junior league player Alex Challenor is a promising lock, and represented the 16s City team for 2022.

He has a great running game, and has been highlighted as an exciting prospect for 2023.

Meanwhile centre Jayze Tuigamala is a big unit with a powerful running game, and completed a pre-season for SG Ball.

His explosive ability out on an edge is going to cause headaches for opposition defences.

Why they will be competitive:

The club believes it has assembled a strong squad, which has a good mix of local talent along with specifically recruited players to really pack some punch this year.

After they went so close last year, they will be hungry to go one better in 2023 and lift the trophy.

Last season: 2nd (Beaten grand finalists)

Rugby union talent Charlie Poynton will line up for South Sydney this year. Picture: Julian Andrews

Rugby union talent Charlie Poynton will line up for South Sydney this year. Picture: Julian Andrews

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Captains: Daniel Lua and Braethen Bilich

Coach: Luke Deller

Players to watch:

“Daniel Lua was our player of the year as a young lock forward last year. He’s from Newington, is smart and well mannered, and more a leader by his actions.

We’re expecting him to progress further. Braethen Bilich is Souths Juniors through and through, can play in the fullback or halves, and is quite a good leader in terms of communication.

Matthew Humphries played halfback for the Central Coast in Harold Matts last year and has an older head for his age.

He’s very calm, nothing phases him and he’s good at organising the team.

Tamoko Berryman is a second rower who is new to the system this year from Manly and someone we ID’d to boost us up a bit.”

Surprise packet:

“Charlie Poynton comes from Manly and played at the national level for rugby union.

The fact he played a different code at a high level and has been able to adapt and was one of our most impressive in the trials.

We were’t too sure how Kynan Toeveai would go, but he’s now one of the first picked.”

Why they will be competitive:

“This year we’ve got a lot of guys that are competitive at training.

We try and turn training into competitions to get them used to the heat of the battle and what it’s like to win and lose.

There’s a good culture among the boys and they’re learning pretty quickly.

Our external guys have gelled well and the way they’re playing as a team and displaying mateship, they want to play for each other.”

Last season: 11th

Kade Reed in action in last years Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews Cup team (Photop : Steve Montgomery)

ILLAWARRA STEELERS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Aaron McDonald

Players to watch:

This is halfback Kade Reed’s second year in Harold Matts, with injury halting his progress last year.

He’s been looking good since his return to the side, he’s good at directing the boys on field and has a great presence. Big front rower Zach Taufa who leads by example in the front line.

A physically large forward but very skilful as well, also demonstrates great leadership.

At 195cm, Tom Kirk is difficult to miss.

The rangy and long striding outside back has the strength and athleticism to trouble any defence.

Coming from the picturesque south coast haven of Gerringong, Hayden Buchanan is an exciting centre who dominates his edge with dynamic charges and all out physicality.

One to keep an eye on, Hayden is another linked to the club long term.

Surprise packet:

Winter Harry Wililo is a fairly raw talent but with heaps of potential, with his coach describing him as a potential project player.

Very quick but also very big, a great combo for the winger. Thirroul’s Aaymon Fitzgibbon is a livewire five-eighth who has impressed Dragons officials with his on-field presence and control. He is set to form one half of a lethal Steelers playmaking combination.

Why they will be competitive:

The team has looked sharp in their first two trials and their third against Canberra on the weekend.

There has been gradual improvement to their performances on the park in the time of the preseason.

Close losses cost them last year, so if they can cut them out and work on their overall game management then the coach sees the top six and finals footy as an achievable target.

Last season: 8th

Squad:

Hudson Bailey, Lucas Borg, Brodie Breakspear, Hayden Buchanan, Dreau Clark, Josiah Clifford, Finn Egan, Joseph Elton, Talitiga Feagai, Aaymon Fitzgibbon, Lachlan Greatz, Charlie Heidke, Ezekiel Kennedy, Tom Kirk, Drew Langdon, Letham Manago, Daniel Meafou, Harry Middleton, Thomas Nelson, Bailey Peschka, Kade Reed, Jett Rorie, Noah Skippen, Jackson Smith, Zechariah Taufa, Zane Timmins, Leeroy Weatherill, Harry Wililo

Patrician Brothers College talents Jacob Halangahu (middle) and Finau Latu (right) are part of the St George Dragons side. Picture: Toby Zerna

Patrician Brothers College talents Jacob Halangahu (middle) and Finau Latu (right) are part of the St George Dragons side. Picture: Toby Zerna

ST GEORGE DRAGONS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Frank Pritchard

Players to watch:

Finau Latu is a highly touted ball playing middle forward.

With leg-speed and mobility, this junior Blue is poised to be one of the stars of competition, before joining the NRL training squad next season.

Another from Brad Fittler’s Junior Blues camp, Jacob Halangahu is a tearaway second-rower who can be counted on to put the opposition on notice with his bullocking carries.

Surprise packet:

Cyrus Stanley-Traill is a product from the highly regarded Endeavour Sports High.

A hard working prop, the Kogarah Cougars junior will be looked upon to do the dirty work for the Dragons pack.

In addition to his enviable grunt, the powerhouse has an uncanny knack for finding the tryline.

Why they will be competitive:

Former Panthers and Bulldogs wrecking ball Frank Pritchard has assembled an exciting batch of young talent.

Led by a physical pack, with many destined for NRL status, St George will also field a potent backline capable of exploiting dominant field position.

Last season: 10th

The Canberra Raiders Harold Matthews Cup team (Photo :Steve Montgomery)

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Captain: Sam Chapman

Coach: Rourke O’Sullivan

Players to watch:

Skipper and playmaker Sam Chapman enters his final season of Harold Matts, and alongside Jonah Anderson will form the nucleus of the Raiders’ brains trust.

A Belconnen United Sharks junior, Chapman will be the side’s chief organiser and goal-kicker, W

hile Anderson, a halves product of the Queanbeyan Blues is considered to have an old head on young shoulders with plenty of skill and vision.

Surprise packet:

Bega resident Sam Griffin is a skilled edge back-rower who has impressed O’Sullivan over the summer. Blessed with a high workrate, the forward’s ball skills and rugged defence are expected to be a key feature in his first season of Canberra reps.

Why they will be competitive:

O’Sullivan still feels the burden of last year’s heartbreaking extra-time semi final exit.

Now, with only two players returning from last season’s campaign, the Raiders are somewhat of an unknown quantity.

With a fresh squad of boys from far and wide, O’Sullivan is encouraged by the way they have bonded and expects their hard working attitude to shine through.

With a big middle and speed and size on the edges, Canberra should cause plenty of headaches.

Last season: 6th (lost semi-final)

Squad :

Alex Hardy, Andrew Muir, BJ Darmody, Brock Apolevski, Byron Cahill, Callum Rossiter, Cooper Johnston, Emmet Smith, Harry Hudson, Harvey Gay, Jacob Ma’u-Pohiva, James Croker, Jake Cayfe, Jesse Milin, Jonah Anderson, Lachlan Cunanan, Lucas McPherson, Matthew Cox, Mitchell Brophy, Patrick Dawson, Sam Chapman, Sam Griffin, Sam Patmore, Thomas Handsaker, Xanda Georgevski, Zildjian Tafili

Demetrius Kilisimasi of the Central Coast Roosters Harold Matthews Cup team. Picture: Supplied

CENTRAL COAST ROOSTERS

Captain: Coby Thomas, Sean Bullen, Brendan Couzens, Billy Brown

Coach: Matt Sharman

Players to watch:

“Coby Thomas is a second rower who played in the NSWCIS team despite being two years young.

He’s a strong player with big expectations on him. Demetris Kilisimasi is a fullback who has come over from New Zealand, along with prop forward Josh Kopua.

The two are contracted through the Roosters and have come through the development program.”

Surprise packet:

“Josiah Fesolai played prop forward last year but didn’t get much game time in the Andrew Johns Cup.

He’s really trimmed down, his skills have improved massively and he’s hit the ground running.

He’s worked hard in the off-season and will play in the back row.

Taj Matthews is another back rower that has trained the house down.”

Why they will be competitive:

“Last year missed out on a spot in the semi finals (Johns Cup) by a last minute goal kick.

As a coaching staff we’ve looked at how to better ID players and have really challenged the boys this year, not only on the training paddock but off the field as well.

In every aspect we want them to compete to the final whistle. They’re willing to roll up their sleeves, and the semi finals are a realistic goal.”

Last season: 15th

Squad:

Bailey Vaeau, Billy Brown, Brendan Couzens, Broc Thomas, Brooklyn Rosemeyer, Chaice Bayley, Coby Thomas, Cooper Ausburn, Cooper Dean-Potaka, Demetrius Kilisimasi, Devonte Vaotu’uta, Edward McWilliam, Jaiden Perse, Jhet McArthurt, Josh Kopua, Josiah Fesolai, Lorenzo Godoy, Samisoni Talakai, Samuel Gillespie, Sean Bullen, Taj Matthews, Taj Moore, Travis Jackson, Trey Watson

Heath Turner. Photo: North Sydney Bears

Heath Turner. Photo: North Sydney Bears

NORTH SYDNEY BEARS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Paul Mamo

Players to watch:

Brady McMillan joins the Bears from Mackay, where last season he played in the Queensland U16’s competition.

A hard running centre, Brady is a recruit the coaching staff are looking forward to seeing in action.

Heath Turner is a local junior from the Kuringai Cubs who has progressed through the North’s development programs and returns for another season with the Harold Matts squad.

A quality back-rower, Heath represented the NSW Waratahs Gen Blue U16 rugby team last year while attending Knox Grammar.

Fit and strong, he leads the team in testing and is ready for a big season.

Surprise packet:

Another local junior, Ben Stringer joins from the Hills Hawks club.

Still one year younger than most in the squad, the coaching staff have been impressed by the fullback’s trial form and believe he’ll push for a starting spot.

A natural footballer, Ben looks great with the ball in hand.

Why they will be competitive:

With key recruits and a number of returning players, the Bears are expected to build on last season’s effort and commence their climb up the ladder.

With some big bodies and class on their edges, look for them to try and exploit any weaknesses out wide in opposition teams.

Last season: 14th

Alex Conti (Photo : steve Montgomery)

BALMAIN TIGERS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Chris Cotty

Players to watch:

“There’s a couple of guys that played last year that are back once again.

Halfback Alex Conti, up and coming fullback Michael Nasser and a front rower who has come along in leaps and bounds is Douglas Tuala.

They’re three standouts that have gone well, they know what a pre-season is about and the difference between club and rep footy.

They’re leading from the front and have done a good job in guiding the players around them.”

Surprise packet:

“One that has trained really well and surprised a lot of people is our utility Joseph Radd.

Another training the house down is hooker Jared Haywood.

They’ve both surprised the group and are standing out.”

Why they will be competitive:

“We’ve had a cracking pre-season.

The boys are as fit as anything, the skill levels are fantastic and the experience from last year will make them better for the run. The coaching staff will be better for the run too.

There’s a few mistakes I made that I want to learn from to better help the playing group.

We have 11 kids coming back from last year and with a squad of 26-28 players, we have a lot of depth.

We can call up any one of those players, something we didn’t fully have last year.”

Last season: 7th

Squad:

Jacob Ah Lam, Matty Atchinson, Patrick Bayeh, Joseph Beshara, Tyler Birnie, Michael Boustany, Jordan Bunt, Jamie Carroll, Alex Conti, Jacob Crotty, Hayden Elkris, Ilai Esau, Junior Fatuio, Antonio Harb, Jared Haywood, Cooper Henderson, Lee Howlett, Jean-Paul Kawtal, Edwin Langi, Epeli Leao, Bill Lloyd, Adam Meslemani, Mikey Nasser, Julius Pula, Joseph Raad, Adrien Safi, James Safi, William Sefo, Sam Sherlock, Marc Tannous, Dougie Tuala, Jonah Watson

Western Suburbs Magpies Harold Matthews Cup 2022 Champions (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

WESTERN SUBURBS

Captain: TBA

Coach: Robbie Mears

Players to watch:

“We’ve only got four boys coming back from last year.

In early training, Kohan Lewis our front rower has been performing really well.

Nate Gallagher in the outside backs and fullback Luke Laulili’i will also have big years. Denzel (Schaafhausen-Mino) has been really good as well.

He’s leading the boys in training and has come back with a good attitude. He know what it’s about.”

Surprise packet:

“Onitoni Large is a good kid.

He’s a year young and having his first season with the age group, but he’s a versatile five-eighth, fullback or centre who has a great overall athletic ability.”

Why they will be competitive:

“We had an outstanding season last year and know the Wests Tigers have started to put some emphasis into the pathways development.

We’ve seen that over the past couple of years, and hopefully as a club we see the benefit of that.

Our role as coaches is to introduce the boys to their first experience and hopefully develop them into good footballers.

This year is a pretty open season and a lot of teams will be competitive.

We’ll be competitive again and hopefully go out each week and give it our best.”

Last season: 1st (Premiers)

Squad: Cooper Black, Joel Byrne, Cooper Clarke, Archie Duncombe, Kurtis Dupond, Sonny Edwards-Moeke, Saint Fuatimau, Maddax Fui, Nathaniel Gallagher, Pheonix Godinet, Chase Hepi, Alex Isdale, Ali Karnib, Aaron Keppie, Onitoni Large, Luke Laulilii, Byronn Laupepa, Kohan Lewis, Kimball Liufau, Heamasi Makasini, Callum McMenemy, Brooklyn Milford, Riley Oitmann, Amazon Pua’avase, Cooper Rauhihi, Lucas Rossi, Denzel Schaafhausen-Mino, Dylan Smith, Sebastian Sykes, Peter Ta’ai, Siotame Havea Jr (dev), Ashton Large (dev), Jonas Peni (dev)

Who will win the Harold Matthews Cup

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Author : Andie Robinson Sharks Media

Junior Sharks take the field for first pre-season trial

Cronulla Sharks U17s Harold Matthews Cup and U19s SG Ball teams went head-to-head against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Mascot Oval last Friday night, in the first trial game for both squads ahead of the 2022 season.

The Harold Matthew’s team kicked the night off and while a number of players were rested, the remaining team members were given the opportunity to showcase their talent and prove their place in the final squad.

For many, including two Queensland recruits Lama Afu and Siosifa Kava, this was their first experience playing in the Sharks colours at a Junior Representative level.

The trial match provided coach Brad Kelly, with an insight into the ability of individual players, as well as the strength of his squad across the park.

“A lot of those boys I haven’t seen play before,” he said. “It was good to see them play for the first time and to get a look at them on the field and in different positions to back up what I’ve seen at training.,” Kelly said.

“Between Glenn (Brailey) and myself, we can sit down and nut out the squad moving forward. I think that’s a good opportunity to justify a few thoughts already. We have got a few surprise packets in there as well.”

Up against a big South’s side, the Sharks team were unable to capitalize on the attacking opportunities that arose and were held scoreless, however the score line was not a concern for Kelly who placed more importance on the effort demonstrated by his players.

“Tonight the fundamentals were the main killer for us. We had a lot of errors on the first tackle, errors in the play the ball, just little things like that which we have made a focus of our training every session,” Kelly explained.

“We didn’t execute those basic things like playing the ball and not pushing passes. I was a bit disappointed with that but there were little glimpses of good play and then there were other periods where it got a bit scrappy.”

With the remaining players set to rejoin the rest of the squad for the next trial game, Kelly is confident that depth throughout the team will not be an issue.

“I think there’s a good balance there for sure. There’s definitely enough talent there to fill out a team,” he said.

Cronulla’s SG Ball team took to the field in the following game, which began with an early South’s try, followed by two runaway tries by Shark’s speedy Canberra recruit, Tyrell Kimori-Edmond.

Tyrell Kimori-Edmond scored his 2nd try in the Sharks 1st hit out for the 2022 NSWRL Junior Rep’s season (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Koby Douglas was too strong for his opponents and was next to put points on the board for Cronulla.

Souths came back strongly, scoring three consecutive tries before Te Wehi Waitere evened the score after regathering a Dylan Christenson grubber kick.

Despite Cronulla efforts, South’s had the final say, scoring late in the game’s last quarter.

Returning to Junior Representative coaching following a stint as assistant coach for the Cronulla Sharks NRL team.

Dave Howlett was impressed by his squad’s effort and their application of skills from the training paddock to the field.

“I was really happy with what they did, everything that we worked on at training the boys applied in the game,” he said.

“As far as execution they weren’t perfect, but there’s still a lot of time for us to work on those things.

We have been working really hard on all of our core skills and positional type stuff. I was really happy with what they did in that regard.

“For the small number of boys that played tonight, I think they handled the pace of the game well and finished the game strongly, which is a good sign that we have been training hard,” Howlett added.

Howlett also made the decision to rest a number of the team’s key players, providing a greater opportunity to the boys transitioning from Harold Matthew’s Cup into the SG Ball competition this year.

Along with a handful of the Sharks U18’s Development Squad members who stepped up to play.

“We rested quite a few boys. There were some other boys that I have been happy with the way that they have been progressing and I am holding them off for later,” he explained.

“It was a real opportunity for some of the boys from Harold Matts last year to get some game time and get a taste of SG Ball and show what they could do. I think they handled the jump up really well.”

With the next trial game scheduled for mid-January and the season set to kick off in February, Howlett will shift his focus from conditioning, skill and positional training to the development of the team as a whole.

“We will work on a lot of team-based stuff starting next week. When we come back after Christmas.

We don’t have a lot of time, so it will be less time on the conditioning and more on preparing the team for how to play. That will be a big focus for us after Christmas getting ready for Round 1,” Howlett said.

Cronulla Sharks Mattys Cup Trial Game v South Sydney Rabbbitohs Friday 10 December 2021 @ Mascot Oval (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Cronulla Sharks SG Ball Cup Trial Game v South Sydney Rabbbitohs Friday 10 December 2021 @ Mascot Oval (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

South Sydney Rabbbitohs Mattys Cup Trial Game v Cronulla Sharks Friday 10 December 2021 @ Mascot Oval (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

South Sydney Rabbbitohs SG Ball Cup Trial Game v Cronulla Sharks Friday 10 December 2021 @ Mascot Oval (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

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Author : Sharks Media 

Sharks Junior Rep draws released

The NSWRL have released 2022 season draws for the under -17 Matthews Cup, under-19 SG Ball and under 19’s women’s Tarsha Gale competitions.

Kicking off on February 5, the three Sharks teams have drawn difficult assignments in round one matches, with the two boys outfits to tackle the Illawarra Steelers at PointsBet Stadium, while the Tarsha Gale girls get their season underway with a game at home against the defending champions the Dragons.

The Matthews and Ball Sharks, who are both well and truly into their pre-season preparations, will be looking to improve on disappointing season’s in 2021, where for the first time in a number of years both failed to qualify for the competition finals.

For the SG Ball Sharks, their first up clash is against the runners up from 2021, with the Steelers losing the Grand Final 18-14 to the Canberra Raiders earlier this year.

Sharks Junior Rep draws released (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Sharks Junior Rep draws released (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Such is the quality of the under-19 competition, two Steelers players in Junior Amone and Tyrell Sloan were promoted to the Dragons full time squad where they made their NRL debuts later in the year.

A handful of Cronulla players from the 2021 SG Ball team, including Kade Dykes, Sam Stonestreet, Ryan Rivett, Jordan Samrani and Joshua Finau, are currently training with the Sharks NRL squad.

In the Matthews Cup, the Manly Sea Eagles were successful in taking out the under-17’s title in 2021, beating the Parramatta Eels in the Grand Final.

The Matthews Cup and SG Ball Sharks have home games against the Steelers (rnd 1), Dragons (rnd 5), Sea Eagles (rnd 6) and the Raiders (rnd 7), with all matches scheduled for PointsBet Stadium.

They both have round three byes.

Sharks Junior Rep draws released (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

In relation to the Tarsha Gale Cup, the Sharks have a challenging opening round match when they play the Dragons at PointsBet Stadium.

The Sharks under-19 girls were sixth in 2021, before bowing out in week one of the Finals to the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy side.

The Tarsha Gale Cup competition has expanded from nine to 12 teams in 2022.

The finals of all three competitions will commence on the weekend of April 16.

For the complete draws for the three NSWRL Junior Representative competitions, go to the below links.

Matthews Cup – CLICK HERE

SG Ball – CLICK HERE

Tarsha Gale Cup – CLICK HERE

NOTE: The Sharks will be playing their first trial matches this Friday night, against Souths at Mascot Oval, with the Matthews Cup trial kicking off at 5.30pm, the SG Ball match to follow at 7.00pm.

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