Macarthur Rugby League: 30 stars, game changers to shine on grand final day at Campbelltown
The biggest day on the Macarthur Rugby League calendar arrives on Sunday with six senior sides chasing grand final glory. We list 30 stars to light up Campbelltown Stadium.
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After six months of preliminaries it's now time to crown the champions of the Macarthur Rugby League.
It what promises to be a magic day of local footy at Campbelltown Stadium this Sunday, teams from the three senior grades will battle for the ultimate bragging rights. The best of the women’s open age kicks off the action, before the men’s reserve and first grade sides round out a massive day.
To celebrate, we look at 30 players to watch in this weekend’s grand finals.
FIRST GRADE: CAMDEN RAMS V THIRLMERE
JOHN RYAN (CAMDEN RAMS)
Winger
Bagged a double in last year’s decider and hasn’t stopped piling on the four-pointers since.
A reliable contributor at both ends of the field, Ryan has crossed 16 times on Camden’s left wing, making it a whopping 30 over the last two years.
JACK MILLER (CAMDEN RAMS)
Second row
A rock solid defender on the right-edge, Miller’s experience with Mounties has been invaluable in Camden’s quest for back-to-back titles.
Equally effective in attack, Miller has 11 tries to his name including a last start double, both from Brad Speechley grubbers.
CHRIS BROWNE (CAMDEN RAMS)
Five-eighth
A calming influence, the veteran is no stranger to the big dance having already claimed the trophy in the top grade before. Returns to Campbelltown where he’ll look to build on last year’s success in the reggies.
Has had some big days out with the boot, and sits second for most points with a season tally of 186.
BAILEY DICKINSON (CAMDEN RAMS)
Prop
One of several immovable beasts in the Camden engine room, Dickinson’s persistent rumble through centrefield constantly sets the opposition on the backfoot.
Is prone to crashing over the line, just as he did in last season’s grand final victory.
BRAD SPEECHLEY (CAMDEN RAMS)
Halfback
No player knows the grand final ropes better than Camden’s leader. The Rams captain-coach won the player of the match award in last year’s decider and has continued that form into this season’s finals.
Already a genius on the clipboard, Speechley was crowned Macarthur first grade coach of the year at last week’s annual awards.
JOSHUA BRYANT (THIRLMERE ROOSTERS)
Centre
Has made more comebacks than KISS, but it was Bryant who outpaced the best of Mittagong at the death last week to earn Thirlmere a shot at the title.
A veteran who loves the big stage, the speedster got his name on the scoresheet in both Thirlmere grand final victories in 2019 and 2020.
DAMON NEW (THIRLMERE ROOSTERS)
Halfback
A quality half, New has recently returned from injury to steady the Thirlmere ship.
Organises the forwards and creates plenty of options from close range. Kicks well long and short in general play, and is reliable from the tee.
MITCHELL NEW (THIRLMERE ROOSTERS)
Hooker
Can turn a match with his blinding speed just as he did from the back of a scrum to end Oakdale’s season. Has been consistent all season, but has still managed to find another gear in the finals.
Has 14 tries to his name, and is known for rushing opponents with swarming defence.
TIM SIMONA (THIRLMERE ROOSTERS)
Five-eighth
The former NRL star has eased his way into Thirlmere’s line-up. A calming influence, Simona’s silky skills and vision constantly unlock the best defence.
Capable of launching towering spiral bombs, he’ll have Camden’s back three on edge all day.
KYE MADDEN (THIRLMERE ROOSTERS)
Lock
Leads the Roosters through the middle with aggression and power. Thrives on hard work and fights for the entire 80 minutes.
Has a nose for a sneaky four-pointer, and can strike when least expected just as he did for Thirlmere in the 2020 decider.
RESERVE GRADE: THE OAKS TIGERS V MITTAGONG
TONY CAMPBELL (THE OAKS TIGERS)
Prop
Sports a moe like Eels enforcer Reagan Campbell-Gillard, but the similarities don’t end there.
A workhorse prop, Campbell has drifted between reggies and the top grade all season. Dangerous from close range, he’s known for powering off his right foot.
CAMERON WILLIAMS (THE OAKS TIGERS)
Halfback
Just loves footy, and from all reports sleeps with one too. A fierce competitor, Williams is the side’s chief organiser and will be desperate to hoist the trophy after the Tigers missed out on qualifying for last year’s decider.
Leads the comp for points scored, and has 14 tries to his name.
BRENDON HEARNE (THE OAKS TIGERS)
Centre
Loves a try almost as much as a celebratory dance. So far this season the centre has 10 against his name, and alongside winger Brad Dawson the pair have built a formidable combination on the right edge.
Sharp on his feet, Hearne is no slouch in the No.1 jersey either.
HAYDEN BUNCE (THE OAKS TIGERS)
Prop
A bustling prop who brings plenty of colour to the Tigers’ front-row. Bunce held his own in the top grade this year and his energy will be crucial on the big day.
Doesn’t take a backwards step and works just as hard in defence.
JAKE ENNIS (THE OAKS TIGERS)
Fullback
Safe as houses at the back, Ennis keeps just as busy in attack.
Pushes up behind the forwards and roams around the ruck until an opportunity presents. Capable of linking with the outside backs on either edge, the No.1 also knows when to go it alone and has scored five tries for the season.
HARRISON FLETCHER (MITTAGONG LIONS)
Prop
Nuggety and relentless, Fletcher is an old-school middle man who has replicated an outstanding 2022. Often bends the line with bullocking charges and works well in tandem with fellow prop Brendan Bayliss.
Arrives at the grand final in excellent form, and can kick goals too.
DAVID ECCLESTON (MITTAGONG LIONS)
Fullback
Will be hoping to replicate the try he scored against Camden in last year’s decider. Listed in the No.1 but just as capable operating closer to the ruck.
A solid defender with a vast array of skills, Eccleston’s utility value could become a unique point of difference.
NICK BELMONTE (MITTAGONG LIONS)
Second row
Tall and athletic, Belmonte is an inspiration in defence and a menace in attack.
No stranger to gapping the opposition with ball in hand, the busy backrower also brings steel to Mittagong’s left edge defence.
REGAN ECONOMOS (MITTAGONG LIONS)
Centre
The passionate Lions coach laces up for the final time this weekend. Bagged a double in last season’s heartbreaking grand final loss, and is desperate to help drag his squad over the line in what would be a glorious send off.
Calm and respected, he’s bound to inspire his teammates when they need it most.
LIAM BAYLISS (MITTAGONG LIONS)
Five-eighth
Super light on his feet, Bayliss has crossed the stripe seven times this season. Skilful and cunning, the No.6 directs the Lions around the park.
Crossed for an early try last week against the Rams, and also put on another with a sublime short ball.
WOMEN’S OPEN AGE: NARELLAN JETS V CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS
JEMMA CRANE (NARELLAN JETS)
Lock
An all-round talent, Crane returns to the grand final after wearing the No.7 for Camden in last year’s decider.
A former Australian Oztag rep, she mixes elusive foot work and strong defence with a competent kicking game. Was instrumental in Narellan’s upset win over Collies two weeks ago and was recently crowned Women’s Open Age player of the year.
BROOKE WILKINS (NARELLAN JETS)
Centre
Has already tasted premiership success with Mounties this season, and the pacy centre is definitely one to watch at Campbelltown.
Light on her feet, Wilkins has scored nine tries for Narellan in just eight appearances this year.
ASHANTI PENNELL (NARELLAN JETS)
Hooker
Kick starts the Jets attack from dummy half with consistent and reliable service. Represented Wests Tigers in the Tarsha Gale Cup (U19), and is just as useful in the halves.
Unassuming, the No.9 reads the ruck and knows when to strike. Alongside Wilkins, she is Narellan’s equal top try scorer with nine.
ELLA FIELDING (NARELLAN JETS)
Second row
The young backrower has developed her game in the Wests Tigers pathways program, and is likely to play big minutes in the grand final.
Tall and powerful, Fielding hits hard in defence and with the ball, takes on the line or links well with the outside backs.
PIPER SUTTON (NARELLAN JETS)
Prop
A regular in Narellan’s front row, Sutton revels in physical contact and is one of the side’s forward leaders.
Has a high workrate and never dies wondering in defence.
SOFAIA VAKI (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Second row
Was near unstoppable in last season’s grand final win over Camden, crossing for a double in a performance that saw the dynamic backrower named player of the match.
Strong and mobile, Sofaia is under the Wests Tigers’ radar and is one to watch working in tandem with the dummy half from close range.
AGGIE DEAN (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Hooker
The voice and inspiration that drives the Collies squad, Aggie constantly challenges the opposition with ball in hand and punishing defence.
Loves to score a try, and is one to watch from the base of the ruck close to the line.
ADI KELERA TURAGANIVOLO (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Prop
One of the most damaging forwards in the competition, Turaganivolo is often seen carrying multiple defenders on her back as she charges up field.
May start on the bench, but is certain to stamp her authority when she gets her chance.
IMOGEN LOWE (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Halfback
Will be looking to use her speed and guile to add to the six tries she has already scored this season.
A clever playmaker, this year the half was a key member of the Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale team.
FANAAFI FAUESE (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Centre
Big and powerful, the centre strikes fear into the opposition with menacing defence. Runs clever lines in attack and is a handful powering into space created by the Collies pack. Has scored five tries this year.
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