Andrew Johns, Laurie Daley Cup: winners, standout kids and grand final results
They are the young players already in the sights of NRL scouts. So who scored and who impressed in the grand finals of the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups?
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Roads were closed, training was held indoors and regular routines went out the window for the Central Coast Roosters as they prepared for the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup deciders but none of it phased the players on game day.
The club held strong on Saturday to take out both divisions of the prestigious junior NSW rugby league competitions at Blacktown.
It was a memorable performance for the club whose Andrew Johns Cup players won their grand final 14-2 and the Laurie Daley side claimed their decider with a 24-14 victory.
ANDREW JOHNS GRAND FINAL RESULTS, SCORERS, STAR PLAYERS
Under blue skies at H.E. Laybutt Field in Blacktown, the under 16s side got the ball rolling with their defeat of the Illawarra south coast Dragons.
In a low-scoring but high energy match, the Roosters prevailed 14-2 after leading the Dragons 2-0 at halftime.
“It was a pretty good game and they were very good in all the little areas and didn’t make mistakes which is what we expected on them,’’ said coach Jack Ellison.
“We were 2-0 at halftime but the boys were pretty good in the sheds. We spoke about keeping it simple and being good teammates.
“Then in the second half we got one lucky try which released the pressure and then two more which put pressure on them.’’
Jake Elliott deflected a kick and raced 95m to score the first try of the match after 42 minutes of action.
Tyrone Durrell then scored off a long ball from Malachi Smith with Zac Gillett scoring in the final minutes to help the Roosters to the 14-2 win.
Captain James Miller was awarded Man of the Match honours.
“Our standout was James Miller, he was outstanding as he is the same every week.
“Zac Gillett, our halfback, had his best game of the year.
“Our hooker Malachi was very quick for us and Jake Elliot came up with a runaway try so he was also very good.’’
LAURIE DALEY GRAND FINAL RESULT, SCORERS, STAR PLAYERS
The Central Coast Roosters defeated the Northern Tigers convincingly.
Jye Boyle (20th minute), Tyler Moriarty (33), Jye Boyle (51) and Tyler Moriarty (66) all went over for the Roosters.
Mitch Henderson (16) and Blake Johnston (25) scored for the Tigers.
“We came home strong and there were big efforts from our No. 9 Tyler Moriarty and No. 11 Jye,’’ said coach Ryan Southam.
“They were both exceptional for us. Jye got two and Tyler one and their work in defence and around the ball were really good.
“Our seven (Jessi O’Neill-Pethebridge) controlled the game really well. His game management and his kicking game was strong.
“We are a team which really works hard for each other. A real tight bunch and I think that got us over the line.’’
HOW THE ANDREW JOHNS AND LAURIE DALEY SEMI-FINALS PLAYED OUT
The wet weather stopped most sport in its tracks on the weekend but it couldn’t dampen two of NSW’s top junior rugby league competitions.
In horrendous conditions, three games were played on Saturday in Sydney with the final semi scheduled on Sunday.
And in each there were standout players who helped their clubs book spots in the grand finals to be played this coming weekend in Sydney.
TEAMS IN 2021 ANDREW JOHNS CUP GRAND FINAL
The Illawarra south coast Dragons will take on the Central Coast Roosters in the decider of the Andrew Johns Cup in 2021.
The Dragons beat the North Coast Bulldogs 22-0 to book their spot.
In the other semi-final the Central Coast Roosters defeated the Monaro Colts 18-0.
ANDREW JOHNS CUP GRAND FINAL, TIMES AND VENUES
(Check NSWRL website for latest updates due to weather)
SATURDAY MARCH 27
Central Coast Roosters v Illawarra south coast Dragons, 11am
VENUE: HE Laybutt Sporting Complex at Blacktown
KIDS WHO STARRED IN THE ANDREW JOHNS SEMI-FINALS
In the Dragons match Isaac Laughton scored twice in the 22nd and 28th minutes.
Teammate Dextar Grant also scored a double within a few minutes with tries in the 44 and 48 minutes
Clay Baldock converted three from four in the 29th, 45th and 49th minutes.
“Clay is our captains and our hooker Dextar has been outstanding,’’ said coach Aaron Hertsch.
“Backrower Ashton O’Dea and Bailey Marks were also very good.’’
In the other semi-final in the Andrew Johns competition the Central Coast Roosters defeated the Monaro Colts 18-0.
Noah Owens opened the scoring in the first minute with Jarred Dann scoring two tries in the 38 and 56 minute with Jack Legge scoring his in the 49th.
Malachi Smith converted one from four with the Roosters up 4-0 at halftime.
“Right through the whole series all of them have been good,’’ said Roosters Central Coast Academy manager Chris Warwick.
“Jake Elliot, a second rower, he can play in any position, he has got us out of trouble plenty of times. He’s one for the future we think, without putting the mocker on him.
“Malachi Smith, he’s the kicker, hooker and dummy half, very skilful.
“Another standout, but they have all been great through the whole thing, at fullback is Dylan Coyte. He has done well and hasn’t missed a game. Captain James Miller is destined for a bright future as well.
“They are a group of 23 players and the majority of the squad have been together for two to three years in country championships.’’
TEAMS IN 2021 LAURIE DALEY CUP GRAND FINAL
In the Laurie Daley Cup the Central Coast Roosters defeated the Monaro Colts 12-6 in the semi-final to book their spot in the 2021 decider.
The second spot was secured by the Northern Tigers after their 16-10 defeat of the Western Rams.
LAURIE DALEY CUP GRAND FINAL, TIMES AND VENUE
(Check NSWRL website for latest updates due to weather)
SATURDAY MARCH 27
Central Coast Roosters v Northern Tigers. 12.40pm.
VENUE: HE Laybutt Sporting Complex at Blacktown
KIDS WHO STARRED IN THE LAURIE DALEY CUP SEMI-FINALS
Youngster Tyler Moriarty scored in both the first and second halves of the Roosters victory.
With tries in the 22nd and 50th minute he was one of numerous standouts for the Roosters.
Jessi O’Neil-Pethebridge converted two from two in the 24th and 51st.
The Roosters lead the Colts 6-0 at halftime with Monaro’s Joshua Latham scoring his try in 37th and Mitchell Evans converting.
“It was a real nailbiter, a great game,’’ said Roosters Central Coast Academy manager Chris Warwick. “It was 6-0, 6-6 and then we got ahead with solid defence.
‘They are a great bunch, a real knockabout bunch. They’ve been together for a fair while.
“Some guys who stood out include Jessi (O’Neil-Pethebridge), the halfback - and a slight halfback. He’d be close to being our best defender. He plays well above his weight.
“He’s one out of the box and very skilful.
“The hooker Tyler is going great guns. He’s from the Terrigal club and always been one of our best players.’’
In the Northern Tigers match on Sunday, Mark Simon scored in the 7th, Jake Clydsdale in the 15th and Blake Johnston in the 52nd while Mitch Henderson converted in the 8th and 16th minutes.
Tobias Miller (43rd) and Darcy Leadbitter (58th) went over for the Rams.
“Mark Simon in the frontrow, he’s been great, a real leader by example,’’ said Peter Stevens, Pathways Manager of Greater Northern Region.
“Harry Reed, he’s shifted to the area, he’s been outstanding and out lock Sam Fechner has been good, a good find for us.
“Our whole forward pack and the bench have done a really good job.’’
NRL SCOUTS MONITOR NSW JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE
They are only young but these talented schoolboys and teenagers are already being closely monitored by NRL experts.
NSW Rugby League’s Matt Parish said he expects representatives from almost every NRL club to be out in person or monitoring electronically the finals series games in this season’s Laurie Daley Cup and Andrew Johns Cup.
And with country caps on the line for the young players, Parrish expects the intensity to be high as the competition enters the semi-finals, then finals for the under 16s and under 18s NSW rugby league competitions.
“The scouts will be out,” Parish said.
“I imagine that someone from most clubs will be watching in some way.
“Some of these players will already be contracted but for others this could be the first time they are spotted.”
NRL CLUBS’ CONNECTIONS WITH JUNIOR COUNTRY RUGBY LEAGUE
Most teams in the two junior country competitions have relationships and ties with NRL clubs including the St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers, Canberra Raiders, Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights.
NSW COUNTRY RUGBY LEAGUE SPOTS UP FOR GRABS
Positions in the NSW under 16s and under 18s teams have also been up for grabs across the two competitions with teams to be revealed post the deciders in both age groups.
“City play country and there’s representative jumpers up for grab in both under 16 and under 18s,’’ Parish said. “You just never know who will be watching.
“They are playing for their first jerseys.
“Now they have the chance to represent regional NSW against City. It’s a clash that is very important. There’s a lot of history there.”
MORE SPORT
From loving league to rugby star in the waiting
Junior Amone part of young talent time at Dragons
Incredible: From near death to Olympic dreaming
Mum, young guns, NRLW stars in Wallaroos
MORE RUGBY LEAGUE AND LOCAL SPORT HERE
More Coverage
Waratahs trial standouts, Suaalii injury and a rugby dream for young gun
It’s a time he hated but this painful interlude in Waratahs young gun Henry O’Donnell’s life could well pave the way to his future success in the game. Tahs v Brumbies trial wrap
Read more
‘Best No.12 I can’: Rugby goal of son of an NRL gun Zach Fittler
After a code switch that surprised many, teen powerhouse Zach Fittler has spoken about his love of rugby, opening up on the rollercoaster that is playing with a famous rugby league surname.
Read more