Revealed: The 60+ top cult heroes of local rugby league in New South Wales
They’re the players you love to have a beer with and would run through a brick wall for. We’ve scouted wide to find the best 60+ cult heroes of local rugby league in NSW.
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They’re the players you’d not only love to have a beer with, but the blokes you’d run through a brick wall for.
We’ve scouted far and wide to discover the best cult heroes of community footy across the state.
See our full list of 60+ cult heroes below:
JAY MCCALLIE (CUDGEN HORNETS)
Lock – NRRRL
The ultimate club man, ‘Gully’ is part of the furniture at Cudgen, having played most of his 250 games for the club in reserve grade.
A hard worker who never gives in, he’s always there to pitch in both on or off the field.
“He’s a very colourful character,” said Cudgen president Mick Channels. “He’s regularly getting splits to his head but he just keeps going.”
“If he can’t play for a couple of weeks because of an injury he’ll help out with the under-18s. He’ll be running the barbecue for us when he’s old and grey.”
MARK O’GRADY (CUDGEN HORNETS)
Halfback – NRRRL
There aren’t too many people who are credited with keeping their hometown clubs alive, but that’s certainly the case with Cudgen veteran Mark O’Grady, whose dedication and commitment as first grade captain-coach kept the Hornets going during the difficult Covid days.
“He kept players turning up, called in favours and called up friends to get it happening, so he’s instrumental to our club and where it is now. If not for him we might have folded,” said Cudgen president Mick Channels.
Now 42, the halfback still goes above and beyond to be part of the club he loves.
“He got a doctor’s certificate to play. When you’re over 40 you need that now,” said Channels.
“He plays every third or fourth week. Some days you can’t get him off. Sometimes he plays in the middle, gets in at hooker and likes to mix it up.
“It’s funny, you watch them at training and all of them appear to run a lot harder than him, he’s learned a lot of shortcuts over the years.”
FLETCHER CONDON (MURWILLUMBAH MUSTANGS)
Front-rower – NRRRL
“Absolute lunatic, he’s a nutcase,” is how Murwillumbah president Nigel Lofts describes Fletcher Condon.
A lot of it has to do with the fact that despite his skinny frame, Condon loves lining up in the middle of the pack.
“If you saw him you’d never pick him as a front-rower, ever,” said Lofts.
But that’s only half the story for the larger-than-life character, who is very much one of a kind.
“He’s one of those blokes who’ll go out the night before and then go out and play 70 minutes of a reggies game up front and get belted all game. He’s always the life of the party.”
MITCHELL KRAUSE (MARIST BROTHERS RAMS)
Centre – NRRRL
A legendary figure in the Northern Rivers, Krause is crowd favourite at the Lismore-based club Marist Brothers.
And while his tryscoring prowess as a strike centre has earned him representative honours, it’s not just his ability with the football that gives him cult status.
“You don’t get a bigger character than Mitchell Krause,” said Marist Brothers coach and former teammate Darryl Butcher.
“He’s a polarising character. He can go into an argument with an opposition player and he can go and go and go and his voice is just going that fast, but then he can just go about his job and score a try.
“Not many people can talk that much rubbish and then go on and still play their footy. He doesn’t let his mouth distract his football. He’s definitely a bit of a cult figure at Brothers and around the NRRRL.”
JACK KUHNELL (TWEED COAST RAIDERS)
NRRRL
A little bloke with a big heart, a local junior who grew up 100m away from the footy fields, Kuhnell is the type of person that personifies everything good about Tweed Coast and local footy in general.
“He’s the first to training, last to leave. Whenever we need help at the club he’s always there,” said Tweed Coast secretary Owen Fredericks.
“To give you an idea of the type of person he is: he did his ACL at the start of the year but every single Tuesday and Thursday he’s still there. Every time we need to do a video session or we ask him to do something for us, he’s always the first one to put his hand up.
“Everyone wants to be around him, he’s always happy. Honestly, I’ve never seen him sad, he’s always got a smile on his face, after a loss he’s the first person to have a laugh and cheer up the boys and he’s got everyone’s back.”
ANTHONY COLMAN (BALLINA SEAGULLS)
Second-row – NRRRL
While some of those on the list might have some questionable footballing ability, Colman certainly isn’t one of them.
Tough as nails and a damaging edge runner, the backrower was named player of the year for the entire NRRRL competition last year after leading Ballina to the premiership, and he personifies the grit and skill valued by the club.
“He tried out for the Titans when he was younger and didn’t quite make it, but he came back to Ballina and has been a legend ever since,” said Ballina president Mick Koellner.
“He’s one of our unsung heroes that turns up every week. He’s the heart and soul of the club.”
MICHAEL DWANE (BALLINA SEAGULLS)
Hooker – NRRRL
Another representative player, the hooker is a genuinely good footballer that has played for the Northern Rivers in the country championships and won an NRRRL premiership with Ballina.
But it’s not just Dwane’s football skills that have earned him cult hero status; it’s primarily his mouth and reputation as an expert niggler.
“He rips into the opposition, he loves the verbal,” said Ballina president Mick Koellner. “He upsets blokes with the comments he makes on the ground. He’s not a real big bloke but he stirs some shit up when he opens his mouth,” he added.
“But he backs it up and has a crack. He’s solid, he puts in 100 per cent each week. He’s a Ballina junior that’s come through, he’s been a stalwart that has helped keep the club together.”
BRAYDON MILAKOVIC (INVERELL HAWKS)
Front-rower – Group 19
When it comes to cult heroes, Braydon Milakovic feels like he was purpose built for the term.
“We’ve got a front-rower that’s got the flowing mullet and a big moustache and we call him ‘Big Sexy’,” said Inverell Hawks president Ethan Anderson.
“When he’s coming off the back fence it’s an unreal sight.”
More than just a pretty face, the big prop is very effective working through the middle.
“He can put a hit on, he gets us out of our end of the field and can score a try too – he takes some stopping. He’s a weapon to have in our team.”
And to cap things off, Milakovic can put on plenty of shots off the field as well.
“He’s got the quick wit: if anyone’s trying to hang a bit of shit on him he’s got a comeback real quick,” said Anderson. “He’ll usually win that argument too – he’s pretty quick off the mark with the comebacks. And he’s always leading the charge with the schooners when we have a social gathering.”
JAMIE WATTS (GLEN INNES MAGPIES)
Lock – Group 19
A real personality in the New England area, the man affectionately known as ‘Ducky’ is still getting stuck in at the ripe old age of 36 – and has even made the switch from hooker to lock in recent years because he loves the contact so much.
“He’s an 80-minute player in the middle – he’s unreal,” said Glen Innes president Amelia Williams. “I do a bit of first aid stuff for them every so often and if he comes off for a spell he does everything he can to just get back out there. He just doesn’t stop.”
Williams added: “He’s the bloke that everyone wants to play footy with. In a sense he’s our marquee player at the Magpies. Great bloke off the field. Lends a hand where he can, goes out and gets wood for us to raffle off so we can get money for the club.”
DYLAN SUTTON (GUYRA SUPER SPUDS)
Winger – Group 19
It’s a running joke at Guyra about how long the 22-year-old will last on the field before his shoulder goes again.
“He goes on injured 90 per cent of the time because he popped his shoulder out in a trial match,” said Guyra secretary Kylie Sutton, who doubles not only as the team strapper but also as the winger’s mum.
“He came back early, so he tries to strap it but can’t be told – a typical male. Everyone just wonders how long he’s going to last, how many tackles he can make before he gets injured again. He goes on for five minutes and then comes off. It’s a big joke amongst the team.”
Thankfully for the Super Spuds, Sutton has had plenty of practice sitting on the sidelines and makes good use of himself when on the bench.
“When he’s not playing he’s running the bench and psyching everyone up – he just gets the side fired up and ready to play.”
GARTH WALLS (GUYRA SUPER SPUDS)
Front-rower – Group 19
They say a picture says a thousand words, and in the cult hero stakes this very much applies to Guyra prop Garth Walls.
With flowing ginger locks, it’s not hard to see why he is a crowd favourite, with plenty of anticipation around the park every time he winds up from the back fence.
“He’s got the long luscious red hair,” said Guyra secretary Kylie Sutton. “He’s a bit of a character. The crowd really like him and get behind him every time he gets the ball.”
RHYS HAMBLY (GRAFTON GHOSTS)
Halfback – Group 2
Loves a drink, loves a laugh and (allegedly) doesn’t let the truth get in the way of a good yarn, Rhys Hambly seems like the type of bloke for whom the term ‘cult hero’ was made.
“Good for a night out, good for a laugh – all round good bloke. Thinks he should be playing NRL but he’s just a perfect reggie,” said Grafton Ghosts president Adam Slater.
“He’s a larrikin. He’s always got one of those ridiculous stories for the boys where you don’t know whether it’s a lie or the truth. He’s just an absolute pest, to be honest. I could go on with loads of other things but I don’t know how much would need to be censored.”
JOSH FOX (COFFS HARBOUR COMETS)
Front-rower – Group 2
A big personality with a big mouth who’s certainly not afraid of getting in trouble with the ref, “the Fox” has long enjoyed cult status with the Coffs Harbour Comets – and it’s easy to see why.
“He’s the loudest person around, you can hear his voice from anywhere. He’s very opinionated, has lots to say about everything,” said Coffs secretary Emma Spencer.
“If anyone’s going to get sent to the sin bin – apart from one other player – it’s going to be Josh Fox.”
At 44 he’s still going strong in ressies, and has a rig that puts most others in the club to shame.
“He’s very fit for 44. He likes to look after himself and look in the mirror.”
JOEY CUDMORE (COFFS HARBOUR COMETS)
Halfback – Group 2
Part two of the Comets’ pair of experienced larrikins, the 40-year-old halfback is another who loves the niggle as much as he does footy.
“He’s renowned for getting sent to the sin bin, talking to the ref, milking a penalty – and he’s always trying to crack some jokes,” said Coffs secretary Emma Spencer.
“He’s the biggest pest, some would say even bigger than Foxy.”
LUKE SHIELDS (MACKSVILLE SEA EAGLES)
Forward – Group 2
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Horse’ due to his size, Shields is the type of player who excites the crowd when he takes a hit-up and can seriously whack in defence.
“He’s seven foot tall, he’s a bit of an enforcer for us. He’s got a bit of a bad record in the fact that because he’s so tall he creeps up a bit with his tackles. But he’s got a bit of a cult following here,” said Macksville president Dean Hillery.
“A Lot of opposition players quiver when he gets the ball.”
TROY ROBINSON (ORARA VALLEY AXEMEN)
Halfback – Hastings League
The playmaker holds the rare distinction of not only being a local cult hero but also having played in the NRL, with Robinson turning out for two top-grade games for South Sydney back in 2003.
Now 42, he’s still going strong and showing his class for Orara Valley in the Hastings League.
“He’s an absolute character, sometimes for the wrong reasons, but he always puts on a show and is one of the leaders of our club as well. He’s certainly well renowned in this region,” said Orara Valley president Stevan Cetinich.
“He’s good for banter, absolutely loves giving a bit of stick to the opposition. He’s also good for a spray behind the line with his own players if we haven’t done the right thing. But he’s the first to put his hand up as well when he makes a mistake, so he’s got that humility about him as well. He’s just hilarious, good for cracking jokes and is great to play with.”
BLAKE O’CONNOR (BELLINGEN VALLEY/DORRIGO MAGPIES)
Fullback/centre – Hastings League
With Bellingen making its return to senior footy in 2025, the talented fullback/centre has been a real shot in the arm for his hometown club after coming back to help the Magpies re-establish themselves as a force on the Mid-North Coast.
“He’s a bit of a fan favourite. He’s a local lad, he’s a bit of a character and is good for a laugh,” said Bellingen president George White.
“He’s a leader in the club as well and does really well to encourage the young fellas.”
IVAN MADDEN (LOWER MACLEAY MAGPIES)
Lock – Hastings league
A tough-as-nails middle forward who isn’t afraid of the hard work, it isn’t hard to see why Madden is a favourite of fans and teammates alike for the Lower Macleay Magpies.
“You see him play, he does it all on his own. He barely misses a tackle, he takes 20-30 hit-ups – one of those blokes,” said Lower Macleay president Jimahl Toby.
“He’s the type of bloke you’d want to have on your team, rather than one of those pretty boys who doesn’t like to get tackled.”
CAMERON SAVAGE (BEECHWOOD SHAMROCKS)
Front-rower – Hastings League
A practical joker of the side who’s always got a smart comment for whoever comes his way, the big front-rower from Aberdeen in the Hunter Valley has become a fan favourite since moving to the Mid-North Coast.
“He’s a real joker around the club and is a friend of everyone at the local as well,” said Beechwood Shamrocks president Jason Brooks.
Savage is also fond of having a chirp on the field, and it’s clear that not everyone shares his sense of humour in the heat of battle.
“His mouth does run sometimes and he does get in some trouble with referees,” said Brooks. “We nearly had to buy him his own seat, a comfy one, for the dressing sheds a few years ago because he spent more time in there than on the field.”
KEITH HOLLIS (LONG FLAT DRAGONS)
Forward – Hastings League
A real gentleman of country footy. He might be big and whack hard in defence, but Hollis plays with the old-fashioned class and sportsmanship the game was built on.
“Keithy’s a gentle giant. He’s a big, tall fella, a straight up and down hard footballer. A real leader,” said Long Flat secretary Karen Mumford.
“The type who will hit hard on the field and then shake your hand and pat you on the back.”
CHRIS PIPER (LAURIETON STINGRAYS)
Lock – Hastings League
A legendary Mid-North Coast rugby league figure, the 40-year-old has finally traded first grade action for local pub footy after joining Laurieton for 2025 where his will remarkably play alongside his son Cuban Quinlan-Piper.
With a lengthy list of accolades that includes playing Q Cup, representing Country and winning the Koori Knockout, Piper is still showing his class for the Stingrays.
“He’s just a really good footballer. A proper gun,” said Laurieton president Jarryd Gaskin.
“He’s still the fittest in the team, running rings around these young fellas. But he’s just a top bloke, real humble. He’s just easy going and is all about the team.”
ADAM GRECH (DENMAN DEVILS)
Hooker – Group 21
For some players it’s the sight of them that makes them unique, but for Denman’s 34-year-old reserve grade captain-coach, it’s the sound of his voice sets him apart from the rest.
“Grechy has a voice so that everyone knows when he’s on the field,” said Denman secretary Virginia Chapman.
“When you’re in the crowd you can hear him. He’s got a sort of high-pitched voice. He’s very vocal, he celebrates everything; he’s always questioning the ref when decisions go against us, he always cheers and claps when decisions are for us. He’s got a ‘Haha’ laugh type thing.”
So iconic is his voice, local Hunter Valley team FootyFever mic’d Gretch up during a game last year, which made for some outstanding viewing.
TANIELA TOMASI (DENMAN DEVILS)
Front-rower – Group 21
With a big head of hair and an even bigger personality, the Devils’ first grade skipper didn’t take long to establish himself as a fan favourite when he arrived in the Hunter Valley from NZ three years ago.
“When he first came to us he had this big afro and you could spot him on the field from a mile away,” said Denman secretary Virginia Chapman. “He’s a bit of a crowd favourite really. He’s got a big personality and he’s really fitted in with our club.”
She added: “He’s one of those front-rowers who will play 80, always taking those big hit-ups off the back fence.”
DANIEL HOOGERWERF (ABERDEEN TIGERS)
Hooker – Group 21
A newly minted milestone man, ‘Hooges’ recently played his 250th game for Aberdeen, with the Tigers pulling out all stops to upset Singleton 36-18 on the special occasion.
“He’s a club man through and through,” said Aberdeen’s Jhi Tanner. “Top bloke, modest, down the line.”
It was a fitting result for the Aberdeen veteran, who is well and truly a crowd favourite at McKinnon Park.
“He takes control of the game and is a really good leader out there for the young blokes coming through,” said Tanner.
BRETT CASTLES (RAYMOND TERRACE MAGPIES)
Lock – Newcastle Hunter
He’s the Magpies D-grader with the A-grade locks, and for Brett Castles it’s a ranking he’s happy to claim. While a tad heavier and a little slower these days, the mullet remains as lush as ever.
KENE TE WHATA (TOUKLEY HAWKS)
Front-rower – Central Coast
A powerful figure on the field and a loveable character off it, big Kene is at the top of a long list of very popular players at Central Coast powerhouse Toukley.
“He’s invested in the club, he’s a good club person and the crowd goes off when he goes on or scores a try,” said Toukley president Phil Gearside. “He gets a lot of support and a lot of it comes from the kids in the club.”
KALLIN ADAMS (TOUKLEY HAWKS)
Middle forward – Central Coast
One of the absolute workhorses in a pack that has helped bring two premierships to Toukley in recent years, Adams arguably best epitomises the grit and determination that has come to define the Hawks in the modern era.
“He plays long minutes in first grade. He’s not the biggest bloke by a long shot, he’s not the best player by a long shot, but he just plays consistent all the time,” said Toukley president Phil Gearside.
However his work on the field is just half the story of what makes Adams – who has four kids who play for the club as juniors – a cult hero.
“He’s very eccentric,” said Toukley president Phil Gearside. “He’s got a very easygoing personality. Likes taking the piss out of people, doesn’t mind the piss getting taken out of him. He’s always making sure everyone’s laughing and having a good time.”
BRENT RADBURN (OURIMBAH MAGPIES)
Forward – Central Coast
When it comes to the sheer dedication and commitment to a club, no one comes close to Ourimbah’s Brent Radburn.
Starting in the under-7s in 1992, way back when Paul Keating was prime minister and the Brisbane Broncos won their first premiership, Radburn has been a regular fixture in black and white over the past 33 years and brought up the remarkable achievement of playing his 500th game for the Magpies in 2023.
More than just a player, he was a key figure in keeping the club alive when it dropped out of the Central Coast first grade competition between 2020 and 2024, and now 40, hasn’t missed the opportunity to play first grade footy again after the Magpies triumphant return to the top grade this season.
“He’s a straight shooter who just plays the game and says it how it is,” said Ourimbah president Warrick Faint. “He just loves the club and loves footy.”
CHAD GOODHAND (TERRIGAL SHARKS)
Front-rower – Central Coast
If you counted minutes played, Goodhand would be at the top of most rugby league stats charts.
An inspirational second grade captain in recent years, the front-rower was almost every week putting in extras off the bench in first grade as he got stuck into the tough stuff in the middle.
“He’s a bit of a spiritual leader. He’s just that salt of the earth, do-anything-for-the-club type of bloke,” said Terrigal president Dave Lyons.
In fact, after initially stepping away from footy this year due to work and family commitments, the local junior eventually did come back – making his return to the field in typical fashion.
“As soon as I named him in second grade, the first grade coach said, ‘He’s with me too.’ So in his very first game back he played a double game,” said Lyons. “And he doesn’t bat an eyelid, he just shrugs his shoulders and gets on with it. He’s a wonderful leader for our club.”
BRAD BENNETT (KINCUMBER COLTS)
Front-row – Rugby League Central Coast
It’s hard to be more ‘cult hero’ than making the evening news for getting into a brawl with a future NRL star.
That’s exactly what happened to Brad Bennett, who traded blows (and copped more than his fair share) with James Segeyaro while playing for the Manly under-20s against the Cowboys back in 2010.
“It’s on YouTube and it gets brought up every year. We normally play it at our sportsman’s lunch,” said Kincumber president Lyndon Duncan.
And while the brawl is a now iconic part of Bennett’s rugby league story, there is far more to the man than a few sloppy haymakers.
After playing at NRL under-20s level, in the Q Cup, as far and wide as Darwin and in countless Koori Knockouts, Bennett has in recent years returned to where it all started at his junior club Kincumber on the Central Coast.
“He’s our fan favourite and the reason why is that he’s such a likeable fella,” said Duncan. “He’s also around the juniors a lot, his whole family is part of the club. I think he might be our youngest debutant ever as a 16-year-old. He’s just an all-round top bloke.”
And while Bennett finished up as Colts captain-coach last year, he’s been back in red and white playing open grade in 2025, where in one particular game against Ourimbah earlier in the season he showed that he’s well and truly still got it.
“He’s 34, not in the best shape but can still put on some of the nastiest hits,” said Duncan. “His shoulder was just connecting with some poor blokes that day (against Ourimbah). He’s got muscle memory like crazy.”
TANE TUTAKI (BERKELEY VALE PANTHERS)
Front-rower – Central Coast
A life member with more than 300 games for the club under his belt, the big front-rower defies his age and often medical advice as he keeps turning out for Berkeley Vale – sometimes backing up for multiple games in a day.
“He’s in his 40s, still good enough to play first grade,” said Berkeley Vale vice-president Darren Crutcher. “He just puts his hand up every week and is ready to go.”
Aside from playing, he has also coached the Panthers’ women’s tackle and involved in the Central Coast Roosters’ Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team.
“Everyone loves Tane, he’s just one of those guys who just gets in and does what he can, he plays for free – he’s one of those cult heroes at our club, for sure.”
CHRIS HYDE (WOY WOY ROOSTERS)
How many local footy players can say they’ve been on a rugby league reality TV show?
Woy Woy’s Chris Hyde can, after the hooker took part and ultimately finished third in Channel 9’s The NRL Rookie program, which back in 2016 saw 15 aspiring footballers battle it out for a professional contract.
Close to a decade later – and after some outstanding years in the Newcastle competition and even a retirement – Hyde is back where it all began at the club where he won a premiership way back in 2006.
“He hasn’t skipped a beat since coming back,” said Woy Woy’s Daniel Markham.
“He’s just a competitor. He doesn’t niggle, he’s just like Cameron Smith, to be honest: looking at him, you might not always pick that he’s a footballer but on the field he’s just a competitor, always wanting to win and hates losing.”
And while Hyde might remind some people of a legend of the game in Smith, as he creeps into his late 30s some at Woy Woy are drawing another interesting comparison.
“We call him the ‘new Jade Mason’,” said Markham, referring to the Central Coast league player who holds the record for the being the oldest person to play first grade football at the age of 50.
“But he actually hasn’t heard that one yet.”
RILEY ‘MOTORBIKE MILK’ INGRAM (BERRY MAGPIES)
Prop – Group 7
This guy can do it all. Rides a Harley, has the voice of an angel and comes off the back fence harder than any front rower in Group 7. An absolute machine with the greatest leg sleeve of all time, everyone loves the “Milk”, arguably the definition of a cult hero.
TOM LEMMICH (COLLEGIANS)
Forward utility – Illawarra/Harrigan Cup
This former Bathurst Panther loves a tube of Deep Heat, and after a quick whiff of the invigorating cream he fires from the heart — kicking and screaming — then straps up again after full time, leading the team well past midnight.
STEVE MCCALLUM (HELENSBURGH TIGERS)
Forward utility – Illawarra/Harrigan Plate
The man called ‘Tower’ is pure Tigers. A premiership-winning captain and now juniors vice president, the club legend now enjoys watching his wife and kids make their own mark in the black and gold. Always packs his boots and fills in as required.
ROB CARROLL (ALEXANDRIA ROVERS)
Prop – Souths Juniors (Bronze)
Rob is the oldest registered player in the club he is on the wrong side of 40 but leads the charge each week for the team as the starting prop forward Off the field he is on the committee and oversees organising the open aged teams’ social functions and end of season trip. He comes off the back fence against players who hide in bronze division and takes it to them week in, week out, the younger kids look up to him he is Uncle Rob to them all and is often at games watching them play and giving encouragement to the kids and offering constructive advice to the opposition.
SANDRO PIRRELLO (TAREN POINT TITANS)
Lock – Southern Sydney Plate
He’s bled red and white since the under-10s. Now 20, the proud Titans skipper is just as fiery as his famous glowing locks. A crowd favourite at Taren Point, he never lets his teammates down and plays every moment at full tilt.
JACKSON ‘JACKO’ STEWART (DE LA SALLE CARINGBAH)
Lock – Southern Sydney Plate
You can bet the Maroons wouldn’t kick off to this bloke. Known to shove props out of the way to get the first run, “Jacko” would tackle a truck if it helped De La. Revs up the crowd, unsettles opponents, and with legendary cult status, signs kids’ training shirts on demand.
JACK SADLER (MENAI ROOSTERS)
Forward – Southern Sydney Plate
The real heart and soul of the Roosters reggies, everyone calls him ‘Dad’ — Jack’s the guy who’s always there with a smile, a good word, and a helping hand. He’s got wisdom, support, and that unbeatable vibe that keeps everyone strong.
VITALE JUNIOR ROQICA (CONCORD BURWOOD UNITED WOLVES)
Prop – Metro Open Age Silver
Appearances in Maccas ads say it all. Throw in the day the Fijian rep ripped off his cast and played in a grand final with a broken arm, and it’s easy to see why kids flock to the loveable Wolves junior. With his killer fro, Junior’s a crowd favourite at Goddard Park — tough to miss.
SCHNEIDER AUVA’A (MOUNTIES)
Centre – Metro Open Age Silver
A dedicated player, coach, and mentor, Schneider’s passion for the game is unmatched. Off and on the field, his selfless leadership inspires everyone and his unwavering commitment to both male and female footy makes him a beloved figure in the community.
ASH JOHNSON (SYDNEY UNIVERSITY)
Centre – Metro Combined Bronze
At the ripe old age of 38, Ash is Uni’s very own Benjamin Button. Still likens himself to Ellery Hanley in his prime and since arriving a couple of years ago, the proud Englishman often shares stories of coming up against Sam Burgess and representing Jamaica at fullback where he showcased his lightning speed.
KOBE CHAMBERLAIN (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES)
Second row – Macarthur
A loveable larrikin, the Eagles backrower has been grinding out metres for nearly a decade. Known for taking orders on the field, Kobe once fell out with the coach after ignoring instructions during a bye round — missing several weeks after he was run over by a golf cart at a mate’s bucks day.
JASON THOMPSON (OAKDALE WORKERS)
Prop – Macarthur
A man of few words, the proud Workers skipper leads with actions both on and off the field. A leader through the ruck, the dependable big man is highly respected throughout Oakdale.
BEN SCAMBARY (THE OAKS TIGERS)
Utility – Macarthur
A rusted on Oaks local, “Scambo” has literally filled every position on the books for the Tigers. The club secretary still loves to score a “meat pie”, and once the final siren has sounded, his game isn't finished until the game day gear is safely packed away.
MICHAEL LETT (PICTON MAGPIES)
Fullback – Macarthur
Since ending his NRL career in 2011, the fullback has remained loyal to Picton ever since. Wins trophies for fun, and when not in the company of his young family, he’ll be at club functions or doing business as a fiery.
RAY MU (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Wing – Macarthur
Proving he ticks all the boxes, the Collies crowd favourite recently repaid the Bradbury faithful with a game day swag of five tries. One of the smallest on the books, since stepping up from reggies a couple of seasons ago, the committed clubman hasn’t looked back.
GREG EASTWOOD (SOUTH WEST GOANNAS)
Prop – Macarthur
Since rising from the Brisbane Broncos to international honours, the proud Kiwi continues to give back. After taking a chance on South West — signing when the club was kicked out of the comp — he’s been a pivotal in its reinstatement. Often plays injured, never misses a function, and always has time for the next generation.
ELISALA TUILAEPA (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY)
Prop – Macarthur
Kangaroos fans can’t get enough of this thundering powerhouse. A reggies world-beater, the man they call “JT” brings the crowd to its feet with the trademark charges from the kick off, and was instrumental in the team’s charge to last year’s prelim.
JUSTIN SMITH (THIRLMERE ROOSTERS)
Second row – Macarthur
No matter the situation, this steadfast Rooster can always be counted on to put his body on the line for Thirlmere. Having experienced premiership success, he’s the first to step up when times are tough.
BAILEY DICKINSON (CAMDEN RAMS)
Prop – Macarthur
Much more than a skilled ball-playing prop, the multiple premiership winner and Rams junior is deeply connected to the club. From a proud family of Rammers, Bailey continues the tradition of proudly supporting the Macarthur-based club with wholehearted efforts on and off the park.
BRAYDEN TYBURSKI (COLYTON COLTS)
Prop – Penrith, Don Feltis Cup
The type of no-frills battering ram every club needs, this former Polish international has been at Colyton for 10 years. An old school workaholic, Brayden will punch out metres in any grade that needs them.
ONEIL TIKI (RIVERSTONE RAZORBACKS)
Wing – Penrith, Don Feltis Cup
When it comes to cult status, nothing tops home fans yelling your name with every carry. For this battle-hardened Razorback who does everything with a smile and shows no self-preservation, it’s a given, whether on the wing or asked to play in the middle.
PENITA TUAVAO (ST MARYS)
Wing – Penrith, Don Feltis Cup
The chief metre eater in the Saints pack, the barnstorming prop calls on a wealth of experience from the higher grades to help inspire the club’s young up-and-comers.
DANIEL ARONA (WINDSOR)
Prop – Penrith, Don Feltis Cup
The Windsor bookend has just about seen it all on a footy field. From high-level rugby union to carting it up for the Wolves, Windsor wouldn’t trade this tackle-busting machine for anything. Fiercely loyal, he’s also a big contributor off the field.
GREG ALDERSON (EMU PLAINS)
Centre – Penrith, Don Feltis Cup
A self confessed footy nerd, the Emu Plains veteran has proved to be a versatile asset since arriving in 2024. Gifted with skills to fill the boots of anyone, his tactical nous has been well received by captain-coach Tom Romer and the club’s rising teenagers.
MARLI SINI (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Five-eighth – Penrith, Don Feltis Cup
Big body, big hair, and an even bigger heart — that’s Marli Sini. Silky skills and a commanding presence have Cambo fans captivated at Allsopp Patterson Oval, especially when he’s in beast mode with the tryline at his mercy.
ZACH NUTTALL (BROTHERS)
Five-eighth – Penrith, Don Feltis Cup
A loyal clubman since 2005, Zach has risen from under-6s all the way to Sydney Shield where he was named rookie of the year in 2019. With more than 250 games under his belt, the Brothers all-rounder hasn’t skipped a season since day one.
COLLIN GILLHAM (BOGGABRI KANGAROOS)
Rusted on fan
Known as “Mad Dog” during his playing days, Dogsy is the definition of a Boggabri cult hero. He’s been around for years with more stories than anyone can count. With a heart of gold and a never-fading passion for the club, he’s one of the biggest supporters and is always the first to lend a hand and the last to leave.
For Boggabri, Dogsy isn’t just part of the team – he’s the spirit that keeps it going.
TROY WHILEY (QUEANBEYAN KANGAROOS)
Front Rower – Canberra Raiders Cup
Troy ‘Wildman’ Whiley is the epitome of a Queanbeyan Roos cult hero. A four-time first grade premiership winner (2010, 2011, 2013, 2024) and the club’s most capped First Grade player with over 260 games, Troy’s legacy spans generations.
Having guided the U18s to premiership glory in 2011 and captain-coached reggies to a title in 2022, his leadership has been unmatched throughout the years. Now serving as president, he continues to shape the Roos’ future with the same passion he shows on the field. A devoted husband, father, community man, and all-round legend, Troy’s commitment and character have cemented him as the heart and soul of the club.
BILLY INGRAM (YANCO-WAMOON HAWKS)
Lock – Group 20
Billy is a salt of the earth, all-round top bloke. He has only ever played for Yanco Wamoon Hawks and has stayed with them through the good times and the bad times. He is as quiet as a mouse and hates the limelight, except that one time he was the poster boy for the Yanco Wamoon 9’s competition. He will tackle and tackle and tackle and rarely lets anyone past him.
LARRY GOOLAGONG (HILLSTON BLUEBIRDS)
Second Row – ProTen Cup
Larry Goolagong
Larry is a local gentle giant. Although he towers over most of his opponents (and everyone else) he is one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet. Larry is an absolute powerhouse on the field and never backs down to a challenge. His commitment to the team this year both on and off the field has been outstanding and very much embodies the ethos of the Hillston Bluebirds.
RAYMOND LAMONT (RANKINS SPRINGS DRAGONS)
Utility – ProTen Cup
Raymond has played for Rankins Springs since 1982. He is the current oldest player in the Proten Cup competition at 58 years of age. Along with rubbing down all the players before every game and treating injuries with his homemade remedies of brown vinegar and lemon metho, Wally still laces the boots up to help out his mates whenever they are short on the bench. Raymond still plays despite cutting half his thumb off when he got it caught in the bus door during Mad Monday 2023. While playing Wally wears 4 pairs of undies and finds whatever he can to shove in his shoulder pads so they’ll look bigger. When Wally was reserve grade coach in 1997 (a premiership year) he blasted his players for playing so poorly, after a 70-0 win. A few weeks ago he was the last one chasing a 90m runaway try, and said if he came any closer he would have smashed him. Raymond spends his work day working for the local council, mowing and looking after the local footy field. Routinely voted best performance off the field, Wally’s dances and classic lines have featured regularly on Mad Monday’s social pages. The club wouldn’t have come back without him, and in our return year of 2018 he was made a life member of the club.
Originally published as Revealed: The 60+ top cult heroes of local rugby league in New South Wales
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