Local Penrith footy stars: Male and female rugby league guns profiled ahead of finals
It’s rugby league finals time, and from this weekend the cream of the crop face-off in the Penrith and District finals. We look at the top 19 men and 15 girls shooting for glory.
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Local footy is all about strapping on the boots and flying the flag for grassroots rugby league. Now, the best of the Penrith and District Junior competitions are braced for finals action.
After chatting to the coaches of the six Open Men Division 1 sides and five U17 Girls Div 1 teams, we shine a light on the wide variety of talent shooting for local bragging rights.
Check out our list of the 34 players to watch in the local Penrith finals:
OPEN MEN DIVISION 1
MALAKI MALAKI (ST MARYS)
Halfback
An experienced campaigner, the St Marys skipper will be desperate to guide the minor premiers all the way to the title. As chief organiser, the No.7 has the keys to an electric backline and offers plenty of points with the kicking tee.
XAVIOR VAOLIKO SAVESI (ST MARYS)
Fullback
A rock at the back, Xavior is elusive with ball in hand and dependable under the high ball. One to keep an eye on out wide and probing through the middle of the ruck.
TAINE PETERSEN (ST MARYS)
Winger
Knows his way to the try line and enters the finals in peak form after last week’s hat-trick against Colyton. Light on his feet, Taine always supports the ball carrier and has a happy knack of popping up in the right spot.
ALI CHRARA (ST PATRICKS)
Five-eighth
An extremely tough competitor with a stunning array of skills, Ali is electric off the mark and his unpredictable nature makes him tough to coach.
Flagged as a genuine finals X-factor, St Pats wouldn’t have it any other way.
RUAKAPANGA HENARE (ST PATRICKS)
Centre
No stranger to accumulating four-pointers, it’s no surprise the boom centre is among the leading try scorers in the competition.
Henare started the opening round of the season in the pack before lighting up the backline, in one of the smartest coaching moves of the season.
JOSH FRASER (ST PATRICKS)
Second row
Fit and lean, Josh is a hard edged backrower who revels in the tough stuff.
With plenty of experience in the Ron Massey Cup, the right-edge weapon is considered the side’s glue in the pack.
RYAN EISENHUTH (EMU PLAINS)
Second row
A highly versatile backrower who is just as capable in the halves, Ryan’s unique passing skills and low centre of gravity are a lethal mix on the left edge.
Still in his early 20s, the younger brother of Storm forward Tom is rumoured to be one of the best talents to come out of the famous footballing family.
SAM MCKENDRY (EMU PLAINS)
Prop
At 34, McKendry has done it all. And despite putting his body on the line for Penrith in a decade-long NRL career, the former Kiwi international still smashes out big minutes.
Now dominating the ruck for Emu Plains, he’s revered by the juniors and remains a positive influence around the club.
THOMAS ROMER (EMU PLAINS)
Lock
An Emu Plains warhorse, Tom is a local junior nudging 300 club appearances. Now in his early 30s, the captain’s one-two punch in conjunction with McKendry is a nightmare for opposition coaches.
With an engine for 80 minutes, the big fella mixes brute force and deft offloads.
JAKE BENTLEY (EMU PLAINS)
Fullback
The son of Panthers premiership winning centre Col, Jake has returned to form after injury and recently showed his versatility at five-eighth with a slashing hat-trick.
In addition to tries and strong carries, the rising fullback has his head screwed on and hopes to become a town planner.
AIDAN RYAN (WINDSOR)
Second row
Small in stature, Aidan joined Windsor from the Wellington Cowboys in the states central west. An absolute beast in collisions, the versatile backrower demands early ball and delivers on his ‘Mad Dog’ reputation.
TYRONE SHELLEY (WINDSOR)
Hooker
Brings a wealth of Ron Massey Cup experience and remains as slippery as ever from dummy-half. His 14 tries are second on the chart and he never shirks his work in defence.
A real Jack-in-the-box, Tyrone gets the team around the field as is one the boys look up to.
RIKI WILLIE (WINDSOR)
Centre
The master of tough carries, Riki is just as lethal in space. Fast and deceptive with a strong fend, the co-captain and former Sydney Shield star only needs half a chance to open the backfield.
JAMES ROSS (COLYTON)
Fullback
A force down back, the 22-year-old brings a wealth of experience from the Panthers pathways program.
Steps off both feet, and with speed to burn the crafty custodian is no stranger to crossing the stripe.
JOSHUA ROSS (COLYTON)
Second row
James’ older brother, Joshua is just as athletic and uses a background in basketball to create havoc on the left edge. Plays the game tough and so far this season the 24-year-old has been one of the club’s best.
KOHEN WRIGHT (COLYTON)
Second row
Back at Colyton after a stint with Windsor in the Ron Massey Cup, the dynamic right edge backrower is a damaging force in combination with Josh Ross. Still ramping up after a stint on the sidelines, his mesmerising ball skills are a feature.
DAMIAN RICHARDSON-GAUCI (NORTH WEST)
Fullback/Five-eighth
The creative ballplayer led the way for tries scored last season, and this year currently sits at the top with 15.
Reads the game several plays ahead of everyone else and knows how to exploit gaps. If there’s one thing he needs, it’s the Steeden in his mitts.
BEAU FERGUSON (NORTH WEST)
Prop
The son of coach Darrin, Beau has played league in the district since he was four and is rapidly closing in on 400 appearances.
An 80-minute regular, the nuggety prop leads from the front and always hovers in cover to shut down potentially damaging raids.
JAXON SAVAGE (NORTH WEST)
Prop/Second row
This towering middle is still only 19. Now in his second season of A-grade, the former Manly Harold Matthews rep doesn't take a backwards step, especially when he shares the field with brother Nikolas
A candidate for Jersey Flegg, Jaxon will take a power of stopping in the big games ahead.
U17 GIRLS DIVISION 1
MYA MULLER (ST MARYS)
Lock
Mya has been with St Marys since the U11s where she has developed into a hard running and skilful lock. Physical in defence, the cagey ballplayer could easily transition to the halves.
JULIE NOTISE (ST MARYS)
Centre/Second row
With 17 tries already, it’s difficult to believe this is Julie’s first season of footy. Fit, strong and blessed with spatial awareness and great anticipation, she uses her pace to maximum advantage.
JADE ELFORD (ST MARYS)
Fullback
The daughter of former Panther and Tigers premiership winner Shane, Jade has inherited her father’s speed and grace. A reliable one-on-one defender, the fullback’s all-round class was recognised this year with selection in Penrith’s Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17) squad.
MATILDA VELLA (EMU PLAINS)
Hooker/Half
An Emu Plains Junior, Matilda has represented NSWCCC, Malta and Penrith. A positive playmaker, the skipper plays great eyes-up footy and has already achieved a staggering seven years service at the club.
ANITA SAITO (EMU PLAINS)
Prop
A no-nonsense hard working forward, Anita revels in the tough stuff and has represented Tonga and played in the Panthers’ pathways.
ELLYSSA MYERS (EMU PLAINS)
Fullback/Five-eighth
Another of the club’s Lisa Fiaola reps, Ellyssa has risen through the juniors alongside Matilda. Thoughtful and considerate, her vast knowledge of rugby league is complemented by a diverse kicking game.
MARETTA FUIMAONO (ST CLAIR)
Utility forward
A power runner with a massive engine, Maretta is destructive in any position. This year she represented NSWCCC and Penrith in the Lisa Fiaola Cup. Still a year young, she is expected to once again represent the Panthers next season.
AMAL DANDAN (ST CLAIR)
Utility forward
Alongside Maretta, the pair share a unique desire for contact and brutal defence. Amal represented Metropolitan Schools this year and with an untapped love of the game, the powerhouse is set for a big finals campaign.
DANIELLE MANUEL (ST CLAIR)
Hooker
The former outside back wanted to be closer to the action, so this year her father and coach, Edward, moved her to hooker.
Still perfecting her craft, the pacy rake is trialing for a Tarsha Gale (U19) spot with both the Panthers and Tigers.
MICAYLA BOURNE (MINCHINBURY)
Second row
A class above, the multitalented backrower returned to the game this season after a four-year absence focusing on her tennis commitments. Determined and focused, she didn’t miss a beat and marched straight into the Panthers’ Lisa Fiaola pack.
SHELBI RANGI SZABO (MINCHINBURY)
Hooker
Small and petite, Shelbi doesn’t shy from the big boppers and constantly chops down girls twice her size. Smart with the ball, she creates opportunities and is another on Penrith’s radar.
LAKISHAR FEPULEAI (MINCHINBURY)
Utility forward
The silent assassin has been a dominant force for the Jets all season. Driven by desire, the promising backrower has transitioned to starting prop and already has 10 tries against her name heading into the finals.
Developing at a rapid rate, Lakishar is destined for higher honours.
GEMMA KING (ST PATRICKS)
Prop
A keen swimmer, Gemma is in her first season of league and captains the first female St Pats team in any competition. A self confessed gym junkie with broader shoulders, the powerful prop is no stranger to carrying multiple defenders along for the ride.
LILLIAN BAKER-FRANKLIN (ST PATRICKS)
Winger/Hooker
Lillian is one of the youngest in team, and despite her size, shows no fear in defence. Fast and athletic, she trains hard and her rapid development has caught the eye of the St Pats coaching staff.
BELLAH VITNELL (ST PATRICKS)
Five-eighth
Searching for more game time Bellah hasn’t looked back since arriving at St Pats this season. High in energy and motivation, the inspirational playmaker brings a never-say-die attitude and recently accepted a sporting scholarship at SEDA College in Homebush.
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