Local Rugby League Wrap: All the latest local footy news from the big leagues around New South Wales
A new title contender has emerged in Newcastle, Queanbeyan continues to dominate in Canberra and Bosco enhanced its claims in Cronulla. See all the latest from across the state in our local footy wrap.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A new title contender has emerged in Newcastle, Queanbeyan continues to dominate in Canberra and Bosco enhanced its claims in Cronulla.
See all the latest from across the state in our local footy wrap.
MORE LOCAL FOOTY COVERAGE
Local Footy Wrap: Maitland shines on King’s Birthday weekend
Macarthur RL: Oakdale rebounds from early onslaught
NRRRL: Competitions leaders taken to the wire
Central Coast: Ex-NRL stars on show in local thriller
Penrith RL: Young half’s magic flips key contest
Group 2: Wolgoolga makes statement with big win
CANBERRA
West Belconnen rocketed into a share of top spot with a dominant 46-10 defeat of Belconnen United at NSWRL HQ.
The Warriors held a 16-6 advantage at halftime, before racing right away with the result in the end.
Tom Haddad and Kylen Edwards both crossed for multiple tries.
The Queanbeyan Kangaroos were forced to work for their win over Gungahlin, prevailing 30-20 in a tough encounter.
They looked in full control at 14-0 up, before four tries on either side of the break lit the fuse for a Bulls run as they led 20-14 with 23 minutes remaining.
That’s when the Kangaroos stepped it up a notch, with a double to Bayley Hitchcock putting them in front for another success.
They’re joined at the top by their neighbours, the Blues, after they hammered Yass to the tune of 58-6.
Goulburn City came back from 18-6 down to force a draw with Woden Valley, with the two locked at 18-all.
The Bulldogs trailed by 12 twice throughout the afternoon after Daine Spencer scored a double.
They hit back hard however, firstly through James Croker and then Cooper Ferries to claim a valuable point.
STANDINGS: Kangaroos 12, Blues 12, West Belconnen 11, Woden Valley 8, Gungahlin 6, Belconnen United 6, Goulburn City 5, Tuggeranong 2, Yass 2
Yass stamped its authority in its best outing of the season, smashing the Queanbeyan Blues 70-0.
They raced in 13 tries at Seiffert Oval, with Samara Afele scoring four tries and doubles to Emily Banks and Dominica White.
Aaliyah Lomas was on fire with a hat-trick and Jasmin Huriwai was perfect with the boot as West Belconnen powered to a local derby win over Belconnen United.
Huriwai slotted all eight conversion attempts as the Warriors ran away with a 48-6 victory.
Woden Valley maintains top spot after crushing Goulburn City 46-0.
STANDINGS: Woden Valley 13, West Belconnen 13, Belconnen United 12, Gungahlin 10, Yass 6, Tuggeranong 6, Goulburn City 2, Blues 2, Kangaroos 0
GROUP 9
Young are the new holders of the Challenge Cup, but slipped out of the top four after a narrow 18-16 loss to the undefeated Wagga Kangaroos.
Receiving a 12.5 points start for the Cup, the Cherrypickers held a 10-4 lead at the break after Devon Makoare-Boyce scored on the stroke of halftime.
But scores to Unaloto Suli and Angus Clark in the space of four minutes turned the game on its head, keeping Wagga’s undefeated start to the season intact.
Junee was forced to come from behind to edge out Cootamundra 26-24 at Laurie Daley Oval.
The Bulldogs took an 18-12 lead early in the second half, before the Diesels struck thrice to push themselves ahead once again, including a second to Jordan Walker.
Nikola Sovatabua had his second for Cootamundra to give them a late chance, but they were unable to land the decisive blow.
Malik Aitken scored four tries for Tumut in a big 42-20 defeat of Brothers at Twickenham Oval.
The strike centre was untouchable as the Blues piled on the points to get their points differential almost back on parity.
Gundagai had to work hard to get over the top of a defiant Southcity Bulls side, eventually prevailing 22-14.
Toby Dasey and Jack Elphick both scored twice for the Tigers, although errant kicking from them kept the door ajar for the Bulls.
Albury produced another stellar effort, forcing Temora into a 22-all draw.
Lachlan Hampton had a double for the Thunder, with Jock Ward scoring two for the Dragons in a tense affair at Nixon Park.
It’s Albury’s second draw of the season, after jagging a point against Tumut.
STANDINGS: Kangaroos 16, Gundagai 12, Temora 11, Tumut 11, Young 8, Albury 8, Junee 6, Southcity 4, Cootamundra 4, Brothers 0
ILLAWARRA
Dapto put together its best 80 minutes of the season with a convincing 46-18 victory over De La Salle at the Showground.
A Callum Leikvoll hat-trick within the opening 25 minutes sparked them to a 22-0 advantage, before De La Salle hit back to get within 10 at the break.
The result was soon beyond doubt as Jason GIllard scored a quick double early in the second half to lift the Canaries to victory.
Thirroul scored twice with 12 men, but they left their run too late as Wests came out 20-10 winners.
The Devils led 14-0 at halftime, before the Butchers responded to the sin binning of Nelson Sharp with two quick tries, setting up a thrilling finish.
It was former first grader Tautau Moga who put paid to an unlikely comeback, scoring with three minute left to seal the win.
Collegians remains in top spot on differential after a 38-12 victory over Corrimal at Ziems Park.
They held a big 26-0 lead at one stage, before Tom Carr scored either side of the break to keep the Cougars in with a chance, before Collegians closed out another win.
STANDINGS: Collegians 10, Wests 10, Dapto 6, De La Salle 6, Thirroul 4, Corrimal 0
NEWCASTLE
Macquarie had to dig deep to deny the Northern Hawks their first win of the season, coming out on top 12-10.
Jarome Haines and Lachlan Williams gave the visitors a 10-6 lead at the break.
They held that advantage up until late in the game, before big Malik Deyaolu proved too hard to contain from close range, scoring under the posts to give the Scorpions the win.
It wasn’t the only time we saw that scoreline over the weekend, with Maitland edging out Cessnock 12-10.
In a low-scoring affair, Gary Anderson and Lincoln Smith propelled the Pickers out by 12, before Netane Masima pegged the lead back before the break.
Harvey Neville brought the Goannas back within two inside the final 20 minutes, but it was as close as they would get.
Wyong’s unbeaten run is now at four after a 22-6 win over Lakes United.
The Roos moved into fourth place after their four-try effort, turning a 10-6 halftime lead into another win.
Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu moved onto top spot on the pointscoring tally in the process.
Wests flexed its muscles in a big way, keeping Kurri Kurri scoreless in a 26-0 victory at Harker Oval.
Aidan Storrie had a double, while former first graders Will Smith and Kavin Naiqama both got across the stripe.
STANDINGS: Maitland 13, Wests 12, Souths 12, Wyong 11, Cessnock 10, The Entrance 10, Lakes United 8, Macquarie 8, Kurri Kurri 8, Central 6, Northern Hawks 2
Lakes United is keeping pace with the top teams after an impressive 34-0 demolition of Wests.
The Seagulls were on top from the outset, led by a Jessica Potts double.
Dummy half Kyana Patten inspired the Northern Hawks to a 32-6 defeat of Macquarie.
She scored two tries to notch their second win of the season.
Maitland was forced to work for its 10-4 win over South Newcastle.
The Lions struck early through Brin Trisley, before Anika Butler popped up on the wing to give them the lead.
Shanti Kennedy sealed it 12 minutes from full-time.
STANDINGS: Maitland 10, Lakes United 6, Central 6, Northern Hawks 4, Souths 2, Wests 0, Macquarie 0
NSWRL OPEN WOMEN
Pennant Hills Cherrybrook ended Redfern’s winning start to the season, restricting them to a 28-all draw at Greenway Oval.
A back-and-forth encounter between two strong teams saw All Blacks star forward Yilara Widders add another two tries to her incredible season tally.
But a Shenae Cassidy double saw the dummy half inspire her team to a draw.
Mascot moved within one point of the top after a 24-8 defeat of Cambramatta.
The defending Silver premiers kept their Gold title aspirations in check with a five-try effort at New Era Stadium.
Rachel Lawless had a double in the centres.
STANDINGS: Redfern 20, Mascot 19, Mounties 18, Wentworthville 16, Pennant Hills Cherrybrook 14, Cabramatta 13, Milperra 12, Marrickville 10
SOUTHERN CORRIDOR
Corrimal and Cronulla Caringbah were unable to be split, with the two Southern Corridor title contenders finishing level at 8-all.
Centre Saane Kolomaka had two tries for the Cougars, with Felila Fakalelu and Keely Smith getting over the line for the home side.
It leaves Corrimal in front by four points at the top of the ladder.
Shellharbour picked up the three points after The Oaks was forced to forfeit the fixture.
STANDINGS: Corrimal 17, Cronulla Caringbah 13, Campbelltown Collegians 13, Helensburgh 12, The Oaks 10, Shellharbour 9, Campbelltown City 7
SOUTHERN SYDNEY
The boot of Ryan Burke proved the difference for the Bosco Bulldogs as they edged out Gymea 24-16.
They led 14-12 at the break, before Jack Clutterbucks’s second try of the day and Gymea’s fourth put them in front by two.
Bosco again pushed their noses in front, and sealed it over the dying stages when Ben Metcalfe put on a move at a scrum, allowing Luke Mason an easy passage to the tryline.
De La Salle has the top-three teams in its sights after a 43-18 smashing of Engadine.
Andrew Fifita got over the line and centre Rory Brownlie had two to keep them within a win of Bosco and Gymea.
Como Jannali almost pulled off the upset of the season, before ultimately falling to Joeys 24-18.
The Crocs led 18-6 at halftime against the defending champions and ladder leaders, before the class of Joeys came to the fore in the second half.
They drew level midway through the half, before Max DeMeio sliced through the line to score the matchwinner.
STANDINGS: Joeys 21, Bosco 19, Gymea 19, De La Salle 17, Como Jannali 12, Engadine 8
SOUTHS JUNIORS
Mascot put itself in the frame for the top-five after a 26-18 upset win over Redfern at Erskineville Oval in round nine action.
RAB came into the contest on an unbeaten run since round two, ironically with the Jets proving too good on that occasion again.
Mascot now sits in equal fifth, ahead of the Rovers on points differential, who notched their second win of the year.
They were able to get on top of Marrickville 28-4 with Kieren Mundine and Jamie Ingram both posting doubles.
Coogee Randwick moved into top spot courtesy of a 34-16 victory over South Eastern at Pioneers Park.
Harrison Marsh crossed twice for the visitors as they move a point clear with six rounds remaining.
La Perouse winger Saxon Lester scored two tries for the Panthers in a gritty 20-12 win over the Coogee Dolphins.
Second spot was on the line, with La Perouse able to improve to 6-1 with a game in hand.
STANDINGS: Coogee Randwick 13, La Perouse 12, RAB 12, Coogee Dolphins 10, Mascot 6, Alexandria 6, South Eastern 1, Marrickville 0
WOODBRIDGE CUP
Oberon sent a major statement to the rest of the Woodbridge Cup with a 40-0 shutout of Molong.
The Bulls had the chance to leapfrog the Tigers with victory, but were forced to settle for fourth at the end of round eight.
Oberon raced in seven tries with Senio Lefaoseu and Matthew Ranse posting doubles.
Manildra was forced to work to keep a share of top spot, eventually getting over the top of Eugowra 28-12.
The Rhinos led 16-0 at halftime, before the Golden Eagles set up a grandstand finish to trail by 10 with as many minutes remaining.
Jock Yelland’s second try proved the sealer however, keeping them in first on differential.
Cowra joins them on 14 competition points after downing Orange United 32-20.
The Magpies raced in seven tries at Sid Kallas Oval, including a double from Desmond Doolan, to overcome the Warriors, who were spearheaded by a Maleek Newman double.
Peak Hill has continued its resurgence after defeating Cargo 30-12.
After claiming two points against the departed Blayney side last round and a draw against Molong the week prior, the Roosters stayed in the finals race with second rower Caleb Cohen scoring two key tries.
Bailey Kennedy scored an incredible six tries for Canowindra as the Tigers dismantled Grenfell 66-6 at Lawson Oval.
Canowindra was relentless against the winless Goannas, racing in 12 tries with the flying winger accounting for half of those.
STANDINGS: Manildra 14, Oberon 14, Cowra 14, Molong 11, Canowindra 10, Orange United 10, Condobolin 10, Eugowra 8, Trundle 8, Peak Hill 7, Cargo 4, Grenfell 2
Originally published as Local Rugby League Wrap: All the latest local footy news from the big leagues around New South Wales
Man bloodied in shocking fight at races
A wild brawl broke out at Royal Ascot as two fired up racegoers threw haymakers, with one man getting decked in front of shocked punters.
Tennis star apologises for cheating on wife
A tennis star has apologised for cheating on his wife after the grand slam finalist was caught having a years-long affair with a model.