New and old: 56 talents to light up the Macarthur Rugby League competition this season

The Macarthur region’s vast array of rising talent and established stars will be on full display in 2023. We’ve put together a list of 56 performers to keep an eye on this season in the local league.

Macarthur Rugby League 2023

IT’S time to buckle up for another season of Macarthur Rugby League.

In what’s been a busy off-season, each team has bolstered its playing stocks for what shapes as a gripping race towards the finals.

With a healthy mix of new faces and established talent, we list 56 stars to keep an eye on as the rounds unfold.

BRETT LAHEY (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES)

A longtime instigator of the Eagles’ attack, Lahey returns to torment opponents from centrefield. Equally effective at finding runners with short and long balls, the crafty playmaker is just as dangerous with his prodigious left boot.

FELIX SMITH (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES)

A hard running backrower, Smith knows how to spot a gap and in last season’s decider powered over from a Lahey short ball. Without the ball, he’s a feared right edge defender.

East Campbelltown’s Abiarthur Tuilaepa is a centre on the rise. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp

ABIARTHUR TUILAEPA (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES)

One of East Campbelltown’s rising stars, the teenage centre will be better for last season’s grand final experience. A powerful runner on the right edge, Tuilaepa is just as reliable in defence.

EDWIN CONNOR (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES)

A scheming halfback, Connor was a feature of the Eagles’ Sydney Shield glory days. A popular team man, the No.7 is also a noted superboot and last year topped the point scorers’ list with 162.

Edwin Connor has been a reliable performer for East Campbelltown. Picture by Julian Andrews.

BLAKE CLAYTON (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES)

Blake Clayton is a quality finisher on the end of East Campbelltown’s backline. With nine tries last year, the winger finished one behind Lahey on the club’s try scoring list.

TOBY HUXLEY (CAMDEN RAMS)

In a pack already stacked with workers, Huxley brings even more grunt on his return to the club following a stint in the Massey Cup with Mounties. Known for playing big minutes, his signing is sure to pay dividends when the big games roll around.

DANNY FUALALO (CAMDEN RAMS)

Without peer as the best prop in the competition. Fualalo was dynamic in the Rams’ title charge last season and walked away with the Macarthur first grade player of the year award.

Still only 28, the former NRL bookend for Canterbury has plenty left in the tank.

Danny Fualalo on the charge for the Rams and back in his NRL days for Canterbury.

HARRISON MEREDITH (CAMDEN RAMS)

One of Camden’s young halves, Meredith is a former NSWRL junior rep returning to footy after a season’s break. Definitely one to watch, especially if he regains the rhythm of old.

BRAD SPEECHLEY (CAMDEN RAMS)

Camden’s never-say-die leader thrives in the spotlight of a challenge. A halfback riddled with creative nous, the No.7 is just as gifted at dropping the big-boppers in centrefield.

JOHN RYAN (CAMDEN RAMS)

A diminutive winger in headgear, Ryan knows his way to the stripe. Picked up 14 tries last season including a grand final double.

Rams winger John Ryan on his way to a double in last season’s grand final. Picture: by Julian Andrews.

STEELE BROWN (CAMDEN RAMS)

Had a 2022 to remember. In addition to playing centre in the decider, Brown bagged nine four-pointers and finished the year with 73 points.

JYE MCRAE (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS)

A replacement for long serving skipper Michael Stevens, McCrae is a hooker with big boots to fill. But with skills developed from his time in the NSW Cup, it looks like the Kangaroos have picked a winner.

CHRIS WILLIAMSON (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS)

Fourteen seasons and counting. That’s Chris Williamson, who has committed to another year as the chief of City’s pack. Absolute steel in defense, last season his damaging lines returned a remarkable nine tries.

Campbelltown City’s Chris Williamson will back up for season no.15 in 2023. Picture by Julian Andrews.

Shannon Gallant is always busy for the Kangaroos. Picture by Julian Andrews.

SHANNON GALLANT (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS)

Among a sea of new faces, the 37-year-old’s NRL experience will prove invaluable to new captain-coach David Fauonuku. Still light on his feet, the probing fullback remains a serious threat in attack.

TYRONE TSAGALIAS (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS)

Still only 18, Tsagalias is a local speedster with his sights set on the top grade. Watch for him to grab an opportunity in the halves or No.1 jersey.

HARLEY SANCHEZ (CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS)

One of City’s emerging youngsters, Harley Sanchez joins Campbelltown’s pack after a season in the Dragons Jersey Flegg squad. Tough and uncompromising, look for him to challenge his own teammates with his renowned work ethic.

KYLE FRASER (OAKDALE WORKERS)

A powerful backrower, Fraser spent a good part of last season filling in at centre where his damaging charges yielded 10 tries. A longtime leader, he takes another step forward this year in the role of captain-coach.

New Oakdale Workers captain-coach, Kyle Fraser. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp

MICHAEL BULLOCK (OAKDALE WORKERS)

A rock in Oakdale’s middle, the unfashionable prop returns for another season where his penchant for 80 minutes is recognised by all.

JAKE STEADMAN (OAKDALE WORKERS)

A consistent performer in the No.1 jumper last season, Steadman was a reliable go-to picking up eight tries. With off-season player movements, he is a chance to join the halves where fans will see his full repertoire.

Oakdale’s Jake Steadman will be aiming to fly high again in 2023. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp

CLEVELAND MCGHIE (OAKDALE WORKERS)

Arrives at the Workers with plenty of wraps. McGhie is a gifted backrower with a stack of athletic ability and smarts gained from his time in the Canterbury and Canberra pathways.

HAMISH OXLEY (OAKDALE WORKERS)

Injury cut short the tall winger’s season last year. Now fully recovered, Fraser will be hoping he regains his touch at both ends of the field, and builds on the five tries he scored in 2022.

NATHAN DAVIS (OAKDALE WORKERS)

The one-time NRL centre for the Gold Coast and Parramatta is set to become an x-factor on Oakdale’s left edge. Tall and powerful, the long striding Davis will take a power of stopping.

BAILEY STEADMAN (OAKDALE WORKERS)

After captaining the Goannas to last year’s second-tier title, Bailey joins brother Jake at Oakdale where he will be given the chance to call the shots in a playmaker role.

JARROD BRACKENHOFER (PICTON MAGPIES)

The well travelled Brackenhofer is an all-round footy talent who arrives after a season with the Penrith Panthers. With a wealth of Massey and NSW Cup experience, the 29-year-old can play on an edge or direct traffic in the middle.

Jarrod Brackenhofer during his time with Mounties. Picture: Mounties Facebook Page

HARRISON FOSTER (PICTON MAGPIES)

The slipperiest customer in the comp by the length of the straight. An out-and-out speed merchant, Foster blitzed the try-scoring chart last season with 20, and broke just as many hearts with his long range efforts.

MICHAEL LETT (PICTON MAGPIES)

A four-time premiership winner for Picton, Lett remains as cagey as ever. Last year the 36-year-old fullback asked plenty of questions in attack, and backed his own pace on route to posting nine tries.

Picton crowd pleasers: Michael Lett scores a try back in 2015, winger Harrison Foster eyes another four-pointer.

ALEC SUSINO (PICTON MAGPIES)

Picton’s big off-season signing, Susino brings a power of learning from Penrith’s premiership winning NSW Cup side and a stint with Italy at the World Cup. Strong in the middle, he’ll strengthen an already formidable pack.

MATTHEW WHITE (PICTON MAGPIES)

Another Magpie from Picton’s golden era, White is a coach's dream. Does a ton of work in the middle and fights hard for the entire 80 minutes.

ANTHONY PROVOST (PICTON MAGPIES)

The Magpies favourite does it all. The team captain and reliable No.9, Provost drives the side from dummy-half, slots goals and has no trouble covering in the halves.

Anthony Provost will once again put his body on the line for Picton in 2023. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp

KYE MADDEN (THIRLMERE-TAHMOOR ROOSTERS)

The dependable skipper rolls the sleeves up for another season. A wholehearted worker upfront, Madden will make it his responsibility to put the Roosters on the front foot.

HAYDEN SUTTON (THIRLMERE-TAHMOOR ROOSTERS)

Sutton arrives at Thirlmere with a winning attitude. A member of the title winning St Marys Sydney Shield outfit, the lightning fast young fullback could prove lethal in an experienced Roosters backline.

BLAKE FERGUSON (THIRLMERE-TAHMOOR ROOSTERS)

After a stint with Leigh in the UK Super League, the nomadic Ferguson’s return to Thirlmere is sure to get the turnstiles clicking. At 33, the former international outside back promises to cause havoc out wide and possibly in a creative roll closer to the ruck.

Blake Ferguson hopes to reach similar heights with Thirlmere. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

JAMES LEE (THIRLMERE-TAHMOOR ROOSTERS)

Another of Thirlmere’s rising speed machines, Lee was crowned Macarthur under-18s player of year in 2022. Flagged as a genuine talent, watch for him to grab an outside back spot as the season unfolds.

CURTIS SCOTT (THIRLMERE-TAHMOOR ROOSTERS)

Still only 25, Curtis Scott’s best days lie ahead. After six seasons in the NRL, the gifted centre brings class, power and a competitive edge.

Curtis Scott should give Thirlmere fans plenty to cheer about in 2023. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

MITCHELL NEW (THIRLMERE-TAHMOOR ROOSTERS)

Mitchell New is set to go off like a firecracker when the big boppers control centre-field. Electric out of dummy-half, the No.9 livewire promises to open plenty of doors to accumulate points.

DANIEL PAYNE (THE OAKS TIGERS)

Has the potential to be the buy of the year. The former Magpie No.6 orchestrated Picton’s left edge raids last season and crossed the stripe for 16 of his own.

MITCHELL BRASINGTON (THE OAKS TIGERS)

A veteran of the local scene, Brasington returns to the Tigers as captain-coach where he’ll call the shots at five-eighth. With soft hands and a powerful boot, the playmaker is set for another dominant season.

Mitchell Brasington has left Oakdale to head up the Tigers attack. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Former Magpie try-sneak Daniel Payne has made the switch to the Tigers in 2023. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp.

EVRETT VAURASI (THE OAKS TIGERS)

The inspiration and voice leading the Tigers pack. Vaurasi will blend height, power and big minutes to drive The Oaks forward.

DANIEL SMITH (THE OAKS TIGERS)

With quality halves on either side of the ruck, look for the elusive fullback to inject his presence across the entire width of the field.

BLAKE BARBUTO (MITTAGONG LIONS)

Signed following a stint with Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup, Barbuto is a classy hooker charged with directing the Lions through centrefield.

KIERAN RANKMORE (MITTAGONG LIONS)

A South Coast recruit, the regular Country rep and lock-forward will inspire his Lions teammates with unwavering passion and energy.

THOMAS MALONEY (MITTAGONG LIONS)

A halfback on the rise, Maloney enjoys directing the troops and emparting his wide range of skill across all facets of play.

Former NRL regular Bryson Goodwin is ready to fire for the Lions. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

BRYSON GOODWIN (MITTAGONG LIONS)

Goodwin returns for another season at Mittagong looking to better the seven tries and 11 goals he landed in 2022. Brings a wealth of NRL and Super League experience to the outside backs.

BEN ARANDT (MITTAGONG LIONS)

An unfashionable prop, Arandt brings an old-school presence to the Lions pack. A punishing defender, he knows the ropes having spent time in the Dragons reps.

NETANE MASIMA (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)

Masima returns to Campbelltown having tested the waters in rugby union, Massey Cup and on the World Cup stage. A respected organiser, the half-back’s experience is a perfect fit among Collies’ flourishing squad.

Netane Masima brings plenty of skill to Collegians. (AAP IMAGE / Angelo Velardo)

SAMUEL KIMI-IOANI (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)

Kimi-ioani returns home after a season with the Moorebank Rams. The backrower brings a mix of punishing defence and powerful running.

JAYCOB OLOAGA (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)

Another forward returning from a stint in the Sydney Shield, Jaycob Oloaga is a noted defender with a high work rate.

LEVI DODD (NARELLAN JETS)

Levi Dodd joins Narellan as captain-coach. And with a ton of NSW and QCup experience under his belt, the organising backline star is the perfect man to steer the Jets back into the top grade.

The well travelled Levi Dodd in Jets colours and during his time with the Townsville Blackhawks in the QCup.

TYREECE REA-MILFORD (NARELLAN JETS)

A young playmaker, Rea-Milford is expected to guide Narellan around the park and arrives with a reputation of being able to assess the game.

EDDIE FAALUA (NARELLAN JETS)

A tough runner, Faalua has been signed to lead Narellan’s forwards with his midfield aggression. Brings plenty of size and is a highly regarded defender.

Eddie Faalua is Narellan’s new middle man. Picture: Narellan Jets Rugby League Club.

KAYDEN JONES-MOORE (NARELLAN JETS)

The 17-year-old hooker from Port Macquarie might have to make his way up through the grades, but if he does, don’t be surprised if the super fit No.9 makes his own mark on the competition.

WYLLEON BAKER (SOUTH WEST GOANNAS)

One of the Goannas from last season’s second-tier premiership winning side, look for the smooth moving fullback to create his own highlights reel in the top grade.

TONY WILLIAMS (SOUTH WEST GOANNAS)

T-Rex has jumped ship from Picton to head up the Goannas as captain-coach. Plagued by hamstring complaints in 2022, the former Origin powerhouse is back on track and eager to dominate on the left edge.

Goannas recruit Tony ‘T-Rex’ Williams arrives from Picton with a wealth on NRL premiership experience.

JOHNNY TAULAGA (SOUTH WEST GOANNAS)

A genuine footy journeyman, Taulaga is an old-school half who lands at Narellan with a resume that includes stints in rugby union and time in the QCup and lower grades at Canterbury.

RINALDO ‘RONNY’ PALUMBO (SOUTH WEST GOANNAS)

Rinaldo ‘Ronny’ Palumbo returns to Australia following several seasons in the UK and France. A tryscorer for Italy in last year’s World Cup, the backrower is sure to become a crowd favourite.

ORLANDO MANASE (SOUTH WEST GOANNAS)

An up-and-coming prop, the former Manly and St George junior rep can play long minutes and is one of several youngsters to keep an eye on under Williams’ guidance.