Central Coast rugby league: 35 guns to watch from first, reserve grade, U19s, tackle, opens, league tag
It’s rugby league grand final time on the Central Coast. Ahead of the big day we’ve previewed all six games and profiled 35 players to watch across all grades.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There are try scoring machines, players with speed, an attacking threat, a great leader and a young player with x-factor.
After close to five months of football, the 2023 Central Coast Rugby League season is coming to a head on Sunday with a massive day of grand final action at Woy Woy Oval.
Fans are set for a six-game spectacular for the first time, with the inaugural women’s tackle decider to complement grand finals in league tag, under-19s, opens, reserves and first grade.
We’ve checked around the traps and tracked down some mail on the best and brightest players to watch on Sunday.
See below for match previews and 35 players to keep an eye on.
LEAGUE TAG
The Entrance v Erina – 8am
The Entrance will be hoping to put the cherry on top of a quite brilliant season when they take on Erina to kick off proceedings on grand final day.
Having scored an incredible 544 points and conceded just 72, the Tigers have won all 15 games they’ve played this season and will be looking to cap off a clean sweep against the Eagles.
The feat is even more impressive considering that they did so without four of their stars for the last few games of the season, as they were in Ireland for the International Tag World Cup.
“They’re a talented group of girls and I’m very lucky to be involved with them, to be honest,” co-coach Greg Walsh said. “They want to learn every week and they just keep getting better.”
Meanwhile Erina, coming off an excellent season themselves to finish second, will be hoping its fourth-time lucky after being beaten by The Entrance on all three occasions this season.
“Anyone can win finals games, they’re different to normal round games. There’s a lot of pressure to win, especially on those girls,” coach Adam Carlisle.
“Against a side like The Entrance you can’t make mistakes. You’ve got to make sure your kicking game is strong, make sure you’re catching and passing the ball well – you’ve got to do everything right.”
Ashlee Russell (The Entrance Tigers)
The centre has been a try-scoring machine for the Tigers, crossing for 24 four-pointers in the 14-round regular season. With that kind of strike rate, Walsh says she will be one to watch in the grand final.
“Just her speed and what she does in attack is outstanding,” he said.
Holly Buchanan (The Entrance Tigers)
Co-coach, fullback, goalkicker, Buchanan is one of the true superstars in the league tag competition and has been immense for her side throughout the season.
“Some days I think that if she puts herself to it and wants to change the game she can just do it all by herself,” said Walsh. “Just the way she competes on every level is ridiculous.”
Bree Dawson (The Entrance Tigers)
A welcome return to the side after some time away from the game, the playmaker was been pivotal in organising the team’s attack as the points have flowed this season.
“She’s really stood up and taken control in the halves this year,” said Walsh.
Rachael Mortell (Erina Eagles)
The fullback is a constant threat in attack and finished the season as the second highest tryscorer with 17.
“She’s just all over the field, she’s quite quick and puts herself into the right positions at the right time,” said Carlisle.
Ava Healey (Erina Eagles)
The crafty hooker has been instrumental in directing the Eagles’ attacking sets this season and always has an eye on any sloppy marker defence.
“She’s very, very smart around the ruck, so I’m hoping she’ll take off when the opportunity comes up for her.”
Shannon Higgins (Erina Eagles)
The skipper has led the team with distinction this season, controlling proceedings from five-eighth and coming up with big plays when needed.
“She’s just a very tough footballer,” said Carlisle. “She’ll do everything right – she’s a very, very good player.”
UNDER-19s
The Entrance v Wyong – 9:15am
It will be one versus two in what has been an incredibly tight under-19s competition this season.
Despite finishing one point behind Wyong in second, The Entrance has had the running against their rivals in 2023, recording two wins and a draw in their three matches, including a tight 16-12 victory in the major semi just two weeks ago.
Buoyed by the return of the likes of Cade Mellon, who has played a large chunk of the season in the club’s Denton Cup side, the Tigers will be hoping to atone for the narrow loss to Erina in last year’s decider.
Out to stop them will be the minor premiers Wyong, who similarly have had players Zac Gillett and Mason Stottelaar make their first grade debuts throughout the season, while Kyle Kane has spent some time in the Denton Cup.
The Roos will be out to flip the head-to-head form guide in the grand final.
“We haven’t beaten The Entrance yet, we’ve only had a draw. But hopefully we only have to beat them once, and that’s on Sunday,” said coach Michael Stewart.
Bryce Davis (The Entrance Tigers)
The skipper has had a breakout season for the club, starring at lock for the under-19s and playing plenty of first and reserve grade over the course of 2023.
“When he plays with us he gets us through the whole game, he doesn’t need a break,” said coach Gavin Westwood. “He sort of puts the boys on his back and carries them through, which you want one of your leaders to do.”
Noah Goodman (The Entrance Tigers)
An excitement machine, the centre can turn the game in a moment and has had opportunities to test himself against hardened grade footballers in the Tigers’ Denton Cup and first grade sides.
“When he gets the ball something is always going to happen,” says Westwood. “He’s a big-game player – he knows when to insert himself into a game when we need a lift or when we need points.”
Harry Wilson (The Entrance Tigers)
The backrower was a standout for the Tigers in their 16-12 victory over grand final opponents Wyong in the major semi a couple of weeks ago, playing a pivotal role in the team’s win.
“He really got the team going forward when they needed it, and once again we’ll be looking for him to roll his sleeves up and do the hard work, which is what you need in a grand final,” said Westwood.
Mason Stottelaar (Wyong Roos)
The centre has been a standout for the Roos’ 19s team this season and was rewarded with deserved opportunities in the top grade.
“He’s just a great leader and competes on every play,” said Stewart.
Tyreece Arama (Wyong Roos)
On the other flank, Arama has been rock-solid for Wyong, contributing well in attack while also tucking the ball under the arm and putting in some tough carries when needed.
“He’s very powerful, very consistent and very good at sets getting out from our own end.”
Noah Hill (Wyong Roos)
A real X-factor on the edge, the backrower is one of the Roos’ strike players and has the potential to blow a game open with the ball in hand.
“He’s a really damaging runner of the football,” said Stewart. “He’s a big kid who makes barnstorming runs.”
OPEN GRADE
St Edwards v Woy Woy – 11am
St Edwards will be hoping it’s fourth-time lucky when the Bears line up in this year’s grand final, having lost three over the past seven years, including going down to Erina in last year’s decider 20-16.
It would be the perfect reward for the minor premiers, the nucleus of which has been together for the best part of a decade, with coach Mark Churcher currently in his 10th-straight season in charge of the team.
“We just hope the boys have learned a bit over the years about getting those nerves out of their system on grand final day,” he said.
Standing in their way will be a Woy Woy side in search of its own fairytale, with the core of the 2018 open grade premiership-winning team reforming this season to try and repeat their heroics from five years ago.
The Roosters have been in red-hot form of late, with the mid-season signings of experienced duo Chris Hyde and Luke Moore helping the team win their last five straight to ensure that it’ll be no walk in the park for the Bears.
“One of the best and most rewarding things from playing with these guys, this club, is that we have are all great mates, respect each other, respect the history of this great club and love that our families can be involved as well,” said Woy Woy captain-coach Tim Bovis.
Alex Rosario (St Edwards Bears)
The lock forward has been excellent for the Bears since returning to the club from Kincumber this season, with his strong defence and willingness to cart the ball up helping win the battle of the middle.
“He’s the sort of bloke who’ll look for two hit-ups in a set of six, he just loves charging into blokes,” said Churcher.
Dale Wilson (St Edwards Bears)
The winger was once again the leading pointscorer for the grade, crossing for 12 tries in his 128-point haul.
But as his coach notes, Wilson brings more to the team than simply points on the scoreboard.
“He’s safe as houses, has plenty of good carries and has been playing really well,” said Churcher.
Brodie Cooper (St Edwards Bears)
Safe at the back, a strong return runner and with a good sense of where to chime in when on the attack, Cooper has been key to St Eddies’ success this season and is likely to have another big say on who prevails on Sunday.
Beau Bovis (Woy Woy Roosters)
‘BK’ plays a huge role for the Roosters in the middle, with his tireless work and solid yardage providing a good platform for the team.
“We will be looking for BK to lead us from the front again this week as he has been in unstoppable form in the business end of the season,” said Bovis.
Jay Kissick (Woy Woy Roosters)
The playmaker has been a key part of part of the team’s late-season run, pulling the strings from halfback with some excellent performances as the Roosters have won five on the trot to qualify for the big one.
WOMEN’S TACKLE
Berkeley Vale v The Entrance – 12:45pm
Berkeley Vale and The Entrance will both be looking to etch their names into history this Sunday when they compete in the inaugural Central Coast women’s tackle grand final.
The Panthers, the pioneers of women’s tackle on the Coast, having played for several season in Sydney- and Newcastle-based competitions, will go into the game as favourites, having claimed the minor premiership and knocking over the Tigers 14-6 in the major semi a fortnight ago.
However, with a mix of youthful exuberance and experience, including former Panther and league stalwart Mel Sutton in their ranks, the Tigers will fancy their chances in the decider, having handed Berkeley Vale its first loss with an 18-14 victory back in round three.
It could well be a big day some of The Entrance’s players, with five lining up in both the tackle and league tag grand finals.
Jasmine Wolfe (Berkeley Vale Panthers)
Crafty, smart and always on the ball, the hooker not only provides good ball to the playmakers but is also a lethal threat in and around the ruck.
“She’s really good out of dummy-half and is really good at reading the game,” said Berkeley Vale captain Madeline Watson.
“She picks the right times to scoot and has scored a few sneaky tries from hooker. She’s just an all-round good player.”
Brittany Starr (Berkeley Vale Panthers)
Pretty much the perfect package, Starr has lived up to her name for the Panthers this season with a string of excellent performances in guiding the team around the park from halfback.
“She’s got really good game-management skills, is quick off the mark and her organisational and communication skills are fantastic,” said Watson.
Lucy Metcalfe (Berkeley Vale Panthers)
A recent convert from the round ball game, Metcalfe has proven to be a valuable utility player by lining up either as a middle forward or in the centres.
In addition to her excellent work rate in defence, Metcalfe has shown plenty of attacking flair with the ball in hand.
“She’s just so quick, can find gaps out of nothing and often runs the length of the field to score,” said Watson.
Oriana Evans (The Entrance Tigers)
The middle forward has been damaging upfront for the Tigers all season, providing the side with plenty of go-forward.
“She runs the ball and tackles as hard as pretty any guy running around in the Central Coast competition,” said coach Mark Jurd.
Ashlee Russell (The Entrance Tigers)
One of those lining up in two grand finals, the hard-running centre is another of the team’s power players and is particularly dangerous running the ball on the edge.
“She’s another one who runs as hard as any guy and hits like a Sherman tank. She’s a bit of a wrecking ball for us,” says Jurd.
Lailani Montgomery (The Entrance Tigers)
A young gun with an incredibly bright future, the halfback represented NSW Country under-19s earlier this year and has been training with the Sydney Roosters’ NRLW squad.
Closer to home, Montgomery has been a lethal attacking threat for The Entrance this season.
“Her footwork around the line and the way she can break a team in half and run straight through them is electrifying to watch,” says Jurd.
RESERVE GRADE
The Entrance v Erina – 1:35pm
Two outstanding teams will meet in a rematch of last year’s grand final in what is shaping as an absolute blockbuster to get the crowd in the mood for the main game.
The Entrance’s reserve grade side is the club’s second hoping to cap off a perfect 2023 on grand final day by going through the season undefeated.
Under captain-coach Haydn Green the Tigers have been absolutely outstanding this year and are motivated to get one over the Eagles who ran away with last year’s decider 30-4.
“We’re playing Erina again, so we’re hoping to give them a bit of payback,” said Green.
As for Erina, the team has received a boost with Darby Elton and Tom Peters returning to reserves after spending some time in first grade.
“A few have missed out in first grade and I’ve had to find spots for them, but that’s not the worst problem to have,” said coach Torren Cain.
Despite this, Cain is happy to play down his side’s chances.
“I’ll take the underdog status on the weekend. They’re undefeated so I think all the pressure is on them. We’re just training well and embracing the week.”
Jarrod Black (The Entrance Tigers)
An absolute clubman, Black has played a slew of positions over the years, but has stood out since moving from hooker to fullback in 2023.
“He’s one of those blokes who plays with his heart on his sleeve and loves it,” says captain-coach Haydn Green.
“He’s a deadset footy player and is one of those blokes who’s always played lower grades, always got overlooked, but loves his footy and really keeps the team together.”
Haydn Green (The Entrance Tigers)
In a team that has gone through the competition undefeated until this point, the captain-coach has been central to their success, guiding the side around from halfback and leading the competition in terms of tries (14) and points scored (116) during the regular season.
“If he wasn’t the captain-coach of the reserve grade side then he’d still be good enough to play in my team,” said The Entrance first grade coach Kyle Whiteford.
“Haydn’s a guy who’s been at the club forever. He’s a very good player. If you ask me, he’s close to the best player in that competition. But he won’t say anything about himself.”
Jim Ellison (The Entrance Tigers)
He might only be young, but the lock/front rower has shown real leadership for the Tigers this season with a string of excellent performances in the middle.
“He’s a young bloke coming through the ranks and got a crack at first grade this year,” said Green. “He’s another one who’s just dedicated – he loves the club and just loves his footy.”
Brayden Cain (Erina Eagles)
In a team with an average age of 21, the 38-year-old five-eighth has been instrumental in steering the young Eagles around the park with his skill and experience.
“He leads the whole team around, all the boys love him. He’s our captain, he’s a great kicker – he does everything,” said his brother, coach Torren Cain.
Max Lynn (Erina Eagles)
The try-scoring winger is a genuine matchwinner for the Eagles, crossing for 13 tries throughout the regular season and bagging another two in last weekend’s prelim final win over Wyong.
“He’s tall and rangy but he moves quite well and has a knack of finding the tryline,” said Cain.
Daniel Peters (Erina Eagles)
The 20-year-old backrower, who has been among Erina’s most consistent all season, will have the honour of playing a grand final with his younger brother Tom in what will undoubtedly be a special moment for the family.
“He’s big, strong and fast, he can run lines, he’s aggressive – he’s got it all, to be honest. He’s got a good footy brain and physique, is very fit and plays whole games,” said Cain.
FIRST GRADE
Erina v Toukley – 3:05pm
Footy fans will be treated to an absolute ripper of a main game, with Erina and Toukley going at it again in a rematch of last year’s grand final, which the Hawks won 20-10.
The two have undoubtedly been the best teams all season and will add another chapter to their excellent recent footballing rivalry.
In many ways these fixtures are an interesting clash of styles, with Toukley’s forward-focused defensive game coming up against the free-flowing attacking footy of the young Eagles side.
With the Hawks gunning for back-to-back titles and Erina desperate to atone for last season, the grand final is set to be an absolute blockbuster.
Riley Burke (Erina Eagles)
He might only be 17 years old and weigh just 70 kilos wringing wet, but the speedy winger has been an absolute revelation for the Eagles since making his top grade debut in round two, scoring an incredible 21 tries in the regular season and earning ultimate praise from coach Dane Allen.
“He’s an incredible talent,” he said. “Some of the tries he’s scored this year have been incredible, the margins for error have been so small,” Allen added.
“He just knows where the ball’s going to be. I’ve seen some good ones, but he’s right up there.”
Nick Newman (Erina Eagles)
Alongside halfback Cam Davies, the five-eighth has been one of the main reasons why the Eagles have piled on an incredible 500 points this season.
While crossing for nine tries himself, Newman has had a hand in creating several more with his excellent running and passing game.
Joel Frazer (Erina Eagles)
The leader of the pack, Frazer has been immense this season in guiding his young side through the competition, always turning up in defence and putting his hand up for the tough carries.
“He’s been unreal. Upfront, he leads by example every week,” said Allen.
Kallin Adams (Toukley Hawks)
In a team full of gun forwards, the lock has been one of the key cogs behind the Hawks’ success throughout the season, with his work in both attack and defence making Toukley’s pack the most effective in the competition.
Blake Carter (Toukley Hawks)
Along with fellow middle forward Kene Te Whata, Carter will retire after the grand final, closing the curtain on what has been an incredible career.
He will certainly leave the game right at the top, having been excellent for the Hawks in 2023.
“He’s been outstanding for us all year in helping to control that middle,” said captain-coach Jake Fitzpatrick.
Jake Fitzpatrick (Toukley Hawks)
The skipper, coach and heart and soul of the side, the 32-year-old has more than anyone else helped drag the club to the top of rugby league on the Central Coast.
After leading to the team to a historic first-ever first grade premiership last year and backing it up with an inaugural minor premiership in 2023, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the five-eighth once again pop up with a moment of magic to get his side home in the big one.
Grand final times, venue
All games will be played at Woy Woy Oval on Sunday.
League tag: The Entrance v Erina - 8am
Under-19s: The Entrance v Wyong - 9:15am
Open grade: St Edwards v Woy Woy - 11am
Women’s tackle: Berkeley Vale v The Entrance - 12:45pm
Reserve grade: The Entrance v Erina - 1:35pm
First grade: Erina v Toukley - 3:05pm
Pain game! Stairway to rugby dream for Waratahs young gun
It’s a time he hated with a passion 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 squads
‘Mates look after mates’: Footy star supporting mental health off the field
After spending his life helping people with their fitness, one local footy figure has turned towards an initiative to support others with their mental health.