Central Coast Rugby League: your ultimate guide for the 2023 season
The Central Coast Rugby League competition is just around the corner. Ahead of start of the season, we’re previewing all teams lining up in this year’s first grade competition.
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Local footy is back.
After a long off-season, the Central Coast Community Rugby League competition kicked off on April 1.
Following two seasons affected by Covid-19 and last year’s heavy rains, players, coaches, fans and administrators alike will be hoping for a relatively ‘normal’ season free from disruptions.
To prepare for the season kick-off, we’ve taken a look at how all first grade sides are shaping up in 2023.
Wyong Roos
Captain-coach: Todd Lewis
Major ins: Brae Verheyen (Woy Woy), Terence Seuseu (Wyong’s Denton Cup side), Isaac Akuoko (Helensburgh), Darcy Gilchrist (Terrigal), Quentin Fui
Prospects: Redemption is on the minds of the Roos after coming painfully close to making the grand final last year. In what was arguably the most thrilling game of the season, Wyong went down to Toukley 19-18 in extra time of the seesawing preliminary final. They then had to watch on as the Hawks blew Erina out of the water in the grand final to claim their first-ever first grade premiership.
“I think last year hurt us, especially being so close and knowing that Toukley beat us by one point and then went on to win it, and there’s a sense of redemption knowing that we were so close but yet so far,” said captain-coach Todd Lewis.
The Roos have bolstered their squad for this year with the likes of frontrower Brae Verheyen from Woy Woy, Darcy Gilchrist from Terrigal and exciting young centre prospect Quintin Fui, while winger Isaac Akuoko has returned to the club from Helensburgh in the Illawarra competition.
And while players from Wyong’s CCRL first grade side are inevitably taken throughout the season to play in the Roos’ team in Newcastle’s Denton Engineering Cup, there are undoubtedly some benefits to the situation, with former NRL and Samoa international Terence Seu Seu dropping back from Denton Cup commitments to play for Lewis’ outfit this year.
With this sprinkling of experience among a keen young side, Wyong are expected to once again be in the running this season.
Players to watch: With Terence Seu Seu on board, the Roos are set to benefit from his skills and experience in the halves. “He’s an ex-NRL player, has played for his country, and his leadership has just been phenomenal. I’ve probably learned more from him than I have in a lot of other periods,” says Lewis.
Elsewhere, another of the team’s key players is fullback Aaiden Wright. “He’s just electric when he gets the footy, anything can happen when he gets it.”
Young guns: With a fairly young squad on their books, the Roos have plenty of good young kids in the ranks. He might have been around for a few years, but 21-year-old backrower Jye Boyle is looming as a key player this season. A former junior rep player who was in and out of the Denton Cup side last year, Boyle has a huge future ahead of him.
Another promising player who has continued his rapid rise has been outside back Bailey Frost. As someone who started last season in third grad before finishing the year in the first grade preliminary final, Frost has had a strong off-season and looms as an important player on the back of his effort and dedication.
Why they will be competitive: With a team that went within one-point of a grand final appearance last year, the Roos are confident that they have the right mix to go a couple of steps further and bring home the club’s first premiership since 2016.
The acquisition of former NRL player Terence Seu Seu in the halves, who will play alongside captain-coach Todd Lewis, is a huge boost for the club, while other recruits will add to the already-strong roster.
Even though the Roos went down to Toukley again in round one, Lewis took a lot of positives out of the resolve of his team in that performance, and is confident that last year’s heartbreak will add an extra level of determination in 2023.
“The group that we’ve got at the moment is buying into what we’re trying to do, we’ve got a good culture and the boys are turning up for each other,” he said.
Last season: second (eliminated week two of the finals)
Woy Woy Roosters
Captain-coach: Toby Marks
Major ins: Brydon Ramien (Dubbo CYMS), Lima Teaupa (Wyong), Blake Mattei, Rhys Ryan (year off)
Prospects: After a disappointing season with just three wins to their name, the Roosters have their sights set on plenty of improvement in 2023. Returning for his second year as captain-coach, Toby Marks has teamed up with assistant Blake McLean to strengthen the squad by signing players in key positions, many of whom are returning to the peninsula.
Among the new recruits is Brydon Ramien, brother of Cronulla Sharks’ centre Jesse, who played in the Dubbo CYMS team that made last year’s grand final in the Peter McDonald Premiership. Another returnee is Lima Teaupa. Having played for the Roosters in 2021’s Covid-interrupted season, the forward is back after spending a season with Wyong in Newcastle’s Denton Engineering Cup, and will bring plenty of experience and size to the pack.
Capping off the set of returning Roosters are halfback Blake Mattei and backrower Rhys Ryan, who are back in the Red V after some time away from football. Adding to the club’s depth, Mattei’s vision and game management skills will be a huge bonus, while Ryan’s effort both in attack and defence will bolster the pack.
These new signings, along with the retention of key players such as Marks and last year’s best and fairest Justin McDermott, have the Roosters faithful confident of a strong season.
Meanwhile on a broader club front, the return of the Roosters’ open grade side – and with it, some former club legends – has created a great atmosphere at Woy Woy Oval, with the club particularly looking forward to the peninsula derby with the returning Umina Beach Bunnies in round three.
Players to watch: On the back of his excellent season in 2022, hooker Justin McDermott will be a key player for Woy Woy in 2023, as will captain-coach and Central Coast rep player Toby Marks.
New recruits Ramien and Teaupa will bring plenty of experience and strike power, while Jesse O’Neill has been impressive in the pre-season and trial matches, and is one to keep an eye on.
Young guns: While he spent last year in reserve grade, backrower Darby Williams is a player who has impressed over the pre-season and earned a spot in first grade for the opening game of the year. On the back of on excellent attitude to training and putting in extra work with a sprint coach, Williams’ dedication has ensured that he poses as one of the Roosters’ biggest improvers of 2023.
Why they will be competitive: On the back of improved depth, particularly in key positions, the Roosters are confident of putting on a far more competitive showing in 2023. In addition, the appointment of a four-person leadership group, consisting of McDermott, Mattei, Ryan and Scott Gowans, is expected to leverage the experience the club has in the squad and free up Marks a little more on match days.
Aside from the on-field reinforcements, the return of the open grade side and some fresh faces on the committee have brought about a positive atmosphere to the club, which the Roosters believe will hold them in good stead for a successful season.
“Everyone is in such a good headspace, all are really stoked with the team, which is the best we have had in a while. All the boys are at training, everyone is happy, it’s going to be a great year,” said captain-coach Toby Marks.
Last season: seventh
The Entrance Tigers
Coach: Kyle Whiteford
Major ins: Jerry Ratabua (Newcastle Knights Jersey Flegg), Aaron Hill (Forster-Tuncurry Hawks), Logan Sipple (Terrigal)
Prospects: The Tigers will be looking to bounce back from a difficult 2022, which saw the club’s depth severely tested as injuries and other absences meant that a significant number of players were called up to the club’s team in Newcastle’s Denton Engineering Cup.
“Last year we started off quite well but after the 14 rounds we’d used just over 40 players. I think I had 17 different spine combinations throughout the year, so it was very hard to get that consistency,” said coach Kyle Whiteford. “The good thing out of it is that lots of young guys got some opportunities. We were still very competitive, but just lacked that polish due to the constant changes.”
With depth an issue last year, the club has gone about bolstering the playing stocks, signing the likes of skilful half/fullback Aaron Hill from the Forster-Tuncurry Hawks in Group 3 and backrower Jerry Ratabua, who spent last season with the Newcastle Knights’ Jersey Flegg squad. “He’s got a big motor, he’s a big bloke, he runs good lines and I wouldn’t want to be tackled by him. He’s a good defender,” said Whiteford.
The club has also picked up some players from rivals in the local competition, including winger Logan Sipple from Terrigal.
“Hopefully this year we can have a bit more luck, injury-wise, and with that extra depth we can hopefully put it together,” said Whiteford. “My goal is to certainly be right up that top end of table come finals time.”
Players to watch: Perhaps one of Whiteford’s best new signings has come with within the club, with Matt Nelson stepping back from Denton Cup commitments to play in the Central Coast competition. An experienced campaigner who is in good shape, the winger is a dangerous finisher and will have plenty to offer the rest of the squad.
Elsewhere, hooker Chase Partridge has impressed in the pre-season. “He’s a little livewire and certainly one to keep an eye one,” said Whiteford. Meanwhile, half/utility Sione Tonga is shaping as another key player for the Tigers. “He’s very skilful and can create a lot from nothing,” the coach said. In the forwards, the likes of Shaun Sinclair and Daniel Pepper will be expected to lead from the front with a strong physical presence.
Young guns: A lot of the club’s young guns who received opportunities to play first grade last year have spent the pre-season with the Roosters’ junior rep program and will bolster the squad once they return. As for those making an impression at EDSACC Oval, young half Jake Slee has impressed the coaching staff with his form in the pre-season.
Why they will be competitive: While Whiteford says that the having the Denton Cup side calling on players hurt his side’s chances last year, he admits that when the club has a clean bill of health, it can be a real bonus.
“We’ve had a really good pre-season and put in a lot of hard work,” he said. “And even though it can sometimes be a disadvantage to have that side above us, when everything’s fit and firing it gives us a lot of depth as well as a higher-quality opponent to compete against and train against week in, week out.”
Indeed, with former NRL and Super League forward David Fifita signing on to play in the Denton Cup, Whiteford says his footy intellect and presence at training has been a huge boost for all in the club.
“He’s been a wealth of knowledge to help out all the coaching staff and younger players, regardless of whether they are frontrowers or not. He’s sort of leading the way, and when guys see an ex-NRL and ex-Super League player come in and do the hard work then they want to do that too,” he said, noting that he can’t wait for the weekend.
“I can’t wait to get rid of this pre-season stuff and start playing for some points.”
Last season: fifth place
Terrigal-Wamberal Sharks
Captain-coach: Dylan McKeown
Major ins: Aaron Groom, Beni Balu, Josh Moffitt
Major outs: Logan Sipple (The Entrance), Jay Jones (Toukley)
Prospects: Up against some of the Central Coast’s powerhouse clubs, the Sharks did well last season to finish in the top four. Looking ahead to 2023, the club will be looking to emulate or even better that effort, with forward Dylan McKeown taking the reins as captain-coach for the first time.
“It’s definitely a learning experience,” he said. “I was captain last year, but running the whole team is just another step up. You’ve got to manage players, who’s coming to training, what to do at training. But I’m enjoying it, and am keen to keep learning and progressing in this role.”
He hasn’t wasted any time putting his imprint on the squad, using his connections from his time in Sydney’s Ron Massey Cup to strengthen the spine with the addition of former NRL halfback and Fiji World Cup representative Aaron Groom; former Parramatta under 20s, Guildford and Hills Bulls player Beni Balu; and Australian touch footy representative Josh Moffitt, who is expected to play either five-eighth and fullback.
Players to watch: With plenty of experience at the top level behind him, new recruit Aaron Groom will be key to Terrigal’s chances this season as he marshals the troops around from halfback. Likewise, fellow recruits Beni Balu and Josh Moffitt will add plenty of flair and quality to the team. Meanwhile, although he played the last couple of games for the club last season, backrower Elih Jackson has returned for 2023 after playing for the Newcastle Knights in the NSW Cup, and is expected to bring plenty of steel to the pack.
Young gun: One of the most exciting young players in the competition is Hemi Knebel. The young five-eighth/fullback started last season as part of Terrigal’s under 19s side before getting his opportunity in first grade. He has come back from pre-season in top shape and is set to be one to watch in 2023.
Why they will be competitive: In his first season juggling the football with the clipboard, McKeown has sought to focus on the fundamentals to improve on last year’s impressive season.
“We have a really mobile and fit middle, and our spine is very good with Aaron Groom, Moffatt and Hemi,” he said. “As captain-coach, that’s what I wanted to focus on, and we’ve pretty much nailed that.” As for aspirations, while the goal will be the finals, McKeown is aiming high.
“Of course we want to make the top four again, but ideally we want to finish in the top two.”
Last season: fourth (eliminated week one of the finals)
Kincumber Colts
Coach: Brad Bennett
Prospects: As is the case with a number of teams in this year’s competition, Kincumber will be looking towards its youth this season as it seeks to challenge for the finals.
“We’re going to have a fairly young side, sprinkled with a couple of older heads, which will be good,” said coach Brad Bennett. “They’ll progress a bit quicker than they usually would. I’m very confident with how we’re sitting.”
One big bonus for the club is the return of its under 19s team after Covid reduced the competition to just five clubs in 2022.
“The coach last year, Mick Ahearn, did an awesome job. He worked closely with the under 17s and 16s on the junior side of things and gave them a familiar face, so when they step from juniors to seniors they already know people and are ready to go. That’s made the transition for the boys seamless.”
Players to watch: In addition to the likes of regulars Bryce Holland, former UK Super League player Curtis Naughton and Josh Starling, the Colts are also looking for a big year young backrower Tyson Potger. “He’s just getting better and better each year,” says Bennett. In addition, new English recruit Dylan Turner has impressed during the pre-season and primed for a big year.
Young guns: A star for the Roosters’ SG Ball Cup side, young prop Zack Visconti is one of the brightest young prospects on Kincumber’s books, with the club hoping he can make the step up to playing against men in the open age divisions this season.
Why will they be competitive: As a smaller club that doesn’t have the resources of some of the local leagues club-backed powerhouses, Bennett says the Colts’ attitude will hold them in good stead in 2023.
“They’ll be playing for each other. The trainer’s getting the boys fit and ready to go. I think we’ll just fight for everything we go for,” he said, noting that the club had increased depth this season. “We’re shaping up well, even those people on the fringe, so that’ll strengthen reserve grade.”
Last season: sixth
Berkeley Vale Panthers
Coach: Michael Sullivan
Prospects: It’s been a lean few years for the Panthers, who went winless throughout 2022, recording just one draw in their disappointing campaign. This came after the club recorded just one victory in 2021. With former Cronulla, Warrington and Canterbury hooker Michael Sullivan taking over as head coach, the club will be looking towards youth, and in particular promising young players from the NSWRL junior representative competitions, to drag them off the bottom of the table.
“I think some previous habits needed to be addressed and we’re looking for some young blood to do that,” he said. “We obviously want to keep the core of our side, but we want some new young blood around them. We want a good attitude out of the guys coming into our system and hopefully some success will breed out of that.”
Players to watch: Despite the difficult results of previous seasons, there are plenty of green shoots for the Panthers, who have a number of promising young players. Coming off a strong 2022, backrower Blake Mulhare has been impressive in the pre-season, as has fellow forward Pacey Crutcher, hooker Baileigh Grim and outside back Josh Martin.
Young guns: One of the Panthers’ junior rep brigade, Jet Hassett looks primed for a big season after bulking up over the summer. Currently part of the North Sydney Bears’ SG Ball squad, the 18-year-old outside back will re-join the Panthers at the end of the NSWRL representative season.
Why they will be competitive: The Panthers came close to a few victories last season, and Sullivan believes the pre-season preparation will leave them better at icing crucial points in their games in the upcoming campaign.
“I think just handling big moments better, by those little disciplines at training and emphasising week in week out how important those little efforts are and not allowing them to slip at training,” he said.
With a focus of building up footy fitness by spending plenty of time with the ball in hand over the pre-season, Sullivan believes this will hold the team in good stead for 2023.
“Not only are they getting in their short, sharp efforts, but they’re also getting their hands on the ball. So I think in under-pressure moments, that’s what they can fall back on: repeatedly doing those little things right.”
Last season: eighth
Erina Eagles
Coach: Dane Allen
Captain: Lincoln Tubridy
Major ins: Riley Stevenson (Kincumber), Zade Besley (Kincumber), Toby Elliott (Burleigh Bears), Finn Douch (Wyong)
Prospects: It was a tough end to a fantastic season for the Eagles in 2022, who went through the regular season with only one loss to claim the minor premiership before going down to Toukley in the grand final. With only some minor turnover from last season, Erina are expected to well and truly be in the mix to go one better year in 2023.
“It’s going to be great motivation once the season starts. I think we’re in a good position. All the men’s grades were in the grand final last year, so the depth in the club at the moment is quite strong, so we’ll rely heavily on that,” said coach Dane Allen.
They have been bolstered by the signing of Kincumber playmakers Riley Stevenson and Zade Besley, as well as the return of local juniors Toby Elliott and Finn Douch, who have joined to the club from Burleigh Bears in the Q Cup and Wyong, respectively.
Players to watch: The Eagles will once again be led by fullback and captain Lincoln Tubridy, who was excellent in 2022 and took out player of the year award for the whole competition. “He’s a good leader and a fantastic fullback,” said Allen.
Meanwhile outside back and local junior Finn Douch, who is returning to the club after playing with Wyong in the Denton Engineering Cup in Newcastle, is another to keep an eye on. “He’s very dangerous with the footy and a strong defender as well,” says Allen. “He’s come back with a lot more self-confidence and belief in himself.”
Young guns: In a good sign for the future, the Eagles have got about half a dozen youngsters who have impressed while playing for the Central Coast Roosters and North Sydney Bears in the NSWRL rep system. “From all reports they’ve been impressive so far and from the games I’ve seen I’ve been very impressed. We plan on using those guys throughout the year, giving them a taste of first grade and second grade,” says Allen. They include North Sydney SG Ball halfback and captain Sebastian Plaister, Roosters’ outside back Ben Taylor and Central Coast representative Tom Peters.
Why they will be competitive: As minor premiers who went through last year’s regular season with just one loss before being ambushed in the first half of the grand final against Toukley, Erina is bound to be in the conversation again in 2023. They are helped by maintaining the bulk of their squad, and will look to once again leverage the club’s depth for another shot at the premiership.
“I think the depth of the club is huge,” said Allen. “We got the club championship last year by a pretty fair margin and every men’s team made the grand final.
“The depth is something we relied on heavily last year and no doubt we will again this year. I think that’s where I’ve seen an improvement in the footy club, and that’s why we’ve been so good over the past couple of years.”
Last season: minor premiers (lost grand final to Toukley)
Toukley Hawks
Captain-coach: Jake Fitzpatrick
Major ins: Jay Jones, Ben Neville (The Entrance), Suni Fatialofa (Shute Shield)
Major outs: Chris Adams (Lakes United), Blake Carter (retired), Connor O’Beirne (France)
Prospects: 2022 was a truly magical year for the Hawks, who claimed their first-ever first division premiership after defeating minor premiers Erina 20-10 in the grand final. Even more incredibly, they did it after playing the whole season away from home. But with Darren Kennedy Oval back up and running, complete with a new canteen, the club is full of motivation to go back to back in 2023.
While they lost the likes of Chris Adams, Blake Carter and Connor O’Beirne, the Hawks have managed to hold onto the bulk of the squad that broke the club’s 55-year drought, adding the likes of fullback Jay Jones, outside back Ben Neville from The Entrance and former Manly and Penrith junior rep and NSW Cup player Suni Fatialofa, who most recently played in the Shute Shield rugby union competition.
Players to watch: Coming in as defending premiers, Toukley will look to much of the same players that got them over the line in 2022, such as the likes of captain-coach Jake Fitzpatrick, hooker Josh Veacock, backrower Jarrod Kessler and Brady Barwick. Local junior Jakob Giles was one of the club’s best last year and is set for another big season after coming back to pre-season in good shape, while new recruit Suni Fatialofa is set to offer plenty of strike power out wide. “He’s a massive human,” said Fitzpatrick.
Young guns: Youngster Kiran Page played on the wing in September’s grand final win, despite having only made a handful of appearances in the top grade. A good runner of the footy, he’s been impressive in pre-season and is set to take his game to another level in 2023.
Why they will be competitive: While they’ve got quality all over the park, Fitzpatrick says the team’s mentality will ensure that they’re fighting for the title again this year.
“As a whole, the attitude and resilience of our squad is our bread and butter. We didn’t play a single game at home last season. But this year, since we’ve come back the attitude of the guys is incredible. I’ve been around footy for 26 years and I’ve never been in a group where the attitude has been so good. To beat our side you need to beat us in the 80th minute,” he said.
On the football side of things, Toukley are looking to find the right combination between brilliance and brawn. “We’ve got such a good middle. When we talk about attitude, it all comes from our middle guys – they’re just so headstrong, tough, very, very hard to bend out of shape. And if your middles aren’t getting bent out of shape then it’s hard to lose a game of footy,” says Fitzpatrick.
“As far as outside backs, I think we’re stronger out wide this year than we were last year, so we’ve got a pretty good balance.”
Last season: Grand final winners (third after regular season)
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