Macarthur Rugby League: Returning Narellan Jets building a secure future in premier competition

He’s the former premiership winning coach with a history of lifting the Narellan Jets off the canvas. Now club president, Frank Marino heads a host of new faces rebuilding the Macarthur club.

THEY failed to finish last season’s Macarthur Conference competition, now the revamped Narellan Jets are eyeing a bright future.

And with footy pumping through the veins of new club president Frank Marino, Jets fans have reason for optimism.

As coach of the club’s maiden premiership winning side in 1996, Marino has successfully guided the club through tough times before.

After cutting his teeth in the 1970s during a distinguished first grade career with Penrith and Balmain, the former hooker picked up the clipboard. Two Group 6 premierships in the 90s and a stint in the Metropolitan Cup are testament to his coaching talent.

Now overseeing operations and backed by a new committee with a junior focus, the Jets are ready for takeoff.

Glory Days – Narellan Jets celebrate after victory in the Group 6 2008 pre-season competition.

“There are similarities between now and my first stint at the club in the mid-90s,” said Marino.

“Back then Narellan approached me to help rebuild the club. We were always on the road and played home games at Camden Showground, that’s why they called us the Gypsies.

“But the boys had a great attitude, we made the grand final in 1995 then won the title the following year.”

While acknowledging results will take time, Marino is impressed with how the club is coming together.

“The numbers are getting better at training, on Tuesday we had about 26 players across first and reserve grade, plus we had the girls,” the club president said. “It’s a slow build, but we are fortunate to have good sponsors on board who have given me and the committee a great platform to rebuild the club.”

Narellan’s new faces in 2023, (L-R) club president Frank Marino and captain-coach Levi Dodd. Picture: Narellan Jets Rugby League Club.

Levi Dodd has arrived from the The Oaks as captain-coach, headlining a list of recruits including Eddie Faalua who bring extensive NSW Cup experience.

“Levi has been coached by the likes of Des Hasler and Jason Demetriou, he’s very well respected among the people I spoke to at Canterbury and is a very decent man with a strong work ethic,” Marino offered in a glowing reference.

But it’s the changes in the front office that convinced Marino to return.

“I’m surrounded by a smart committee. Dave Bridges, Sue Wheeler and Dean Blunt bring a wealth of skills from the finance industry and they know how to run a football club.

Happy Jets, (L-R) Josiah Tamasi and captain-coach Levi Dodd have joined forces for Narellan in 2023. Picture: Narellan Jets Rugby League Club.

“They all have skin in the club too. Dave and Dean have played for the Jets and Sue’s daughter plays for the club.

“All three have worked so hard to get the club up and going, and I would never have taken this job without them.”

While Narellan’s performance in the top grade will be under the microscope in 2023, Marino will always have eyes for the juniors.

“The juniors are the future of the club. I’m passionate about seeing the young players and their parents move up through the grades and help us run the club.

“Sean McMenemy will coach the under-18s, he’s a Wests junior and played at the highest level for the Magpies. He’s currently the S.G Ball assistant coach and he’s well respected around the area.

“I want Shane to be a leading figure in our club, because with his experience we can build for a prosperous future.”