Local Penrith Rugby League: Juniors and opens, 48 grand final guns to watch
Penrith’s big spectacle is here with grand finals across two big days. To celebrate we take a look at the future stars and best seniors with 48 young men and women to watch in the deciders.
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Penrith Rugby League’s finest talents will be on show this weekend with a host of grand finals across two big days.
From the up and coming stars, junior reps prodigies and seasoned veterans looking to hoist the trophy, a diverse spread of talent is looking to bring glory home to their teams.
To celebrate, we look at the 48 players to watch from U15s through to the senior grades in this weekend’s grand finals.
MEN’S DIV 1
NICK MURPHY (WINDSOR)
Fullback
Has come to the club from the country and has made a big impression, stepping up from U19s to A-grade. A livewire fullback who is young, fast and can score a try from anywhere on the field.
TORI WILLIE (WINDSOR)
Five-eighth
The veteran of the team who has played at more clubs than Jimmy Barnes. Has got a very calm head on his shoulders and is someone who the team will look towards when the chips are down.
TUNI TAUALII (WINDSOR)
Front Row
The man they call Junior is only 21 years old and is enjoying a monster season. He won’t back down from a challenge and will need to be at his best against some quality front rowers from Emu Plains.
JAMES RIIK (EMU PLAINS)
Centre
Crossed for the all important try in last week’s qualifier and has been one of the team’s most consistent players all season. Tall and rangy, James is dynamic on the right edge and offers plenty of punch carrying the ball out of trouble.
BILLY HAYES (EMU PLAINS)
Utility forward
An Emu Plains local, Billy revels in the tough stuff as the side’s reliable toiler. A capable fill-in at hooker, he has an eye for detail and doesn’t mind landing a big shot.
SAMUEL COOKSON (EMU PLAINS)
Centre/Second row
Returned from injury last week and played a blinder. Powerful with a low centre of gravity, Sam is expected to line up at centre in the decider. A genuine character with a quick-wit, his Sydney Shield premiership success last season could prove invaluable.
MEN’S DIV 3
RAY XUEREB (WINDSOR)
Front Row
Every club needs a player like Ray on their team. Is having his first season back after a long stint and is the ultimate clubman. Everyone loves him and he is always prepared to do the hard work on the field.
VILIAMI FONOKALAFI (WINDSOR)
Wing
Tough as nails and is the ultimate utility player in every sense of the word. Can play anywhere from the front row, second row, centres or on the wing. Does his job for the team and will have a big impact.
WAYNE BONEY (WINDSOR)
Five-eighth
A cross between Matty Bowen and George Rose. A very skilful player who is as cheeky as they come. His moves on the field are only bested by those on the dancefloor, or so the club has been told.
SAM FELKIN (ST PATRICKS)
Lock
A mainstay in the middle who is able to get through a mountain of work in both attack and defence. Tough player who is a leader of the group.
JESSE RAMOS (ST PATRICKS)
Hooker
The smallest man in the team but has the biggest heart. Is always the first up for the tough stuff and doesn’t take a backwards step.
TODD HOOPER (ST PATRICKS)
Halfback
His eyes-up football and huge amount of experience is what helps guide St Patricks around the park every week. A key man if they are to win.
U19 DIV 1
FRANCIS MANULELEUA (ST MARYS)
Five-eighth
From New Zealand, the talented playmaker started the season in Penrith’s SG Ball team before returning to St Marys after an injury. Creative in the same mould as Josh Schuster, his ad lib style is a joy to watch.
ZEDRICK TUPULUA (ST MARYS)
Lock
He’s the humble workhorse teammates want to play alongside. Churns out big minutes and after a couple seasons with Manly in the NSW junior reps he could soon fall under Penrith’s radar.
KYE ELDRIDGE (ST MARYS)
Second row
The St Marys backrower is following in the footsteps of his father at the proud club. Brings pace and skill to the right edge, and is no stranger to slicing through the first line of defence.
GLENMORE PARK
A large majority of U19s Glenmore Park Brumbies squad have been with the club since mini/mod rugby league, with players reaching 50 to 150 game milestones this season. A number of players have also been recognised and are currently with the Penrith Panthers and other NRL clubs for the recent SG Ball and Flegg representative season. The Brumbies pride themselves on their ‘never give up’ mentality. The team values have been instilled into their ethos and are championed by head coach and former Panthers premiership player Joe Galuvao.
U17 DIV 1
KYE RAVEN (BROTHERS)
Lock
A ball-playing lock who was awarded the Penrith Panthers MVP for Harold Matthews this year. Played in the NSWCCC team and has a very bright future.
JAXEN EDGAR (BROTHERS)
Fullback
A livewire fullback who captained the Panthers in Harold Matthews, taking out the Player of the Year award. Another who played at the school nationals and looks set to kick on.
JACOB HALANGAHU (BROTHERS)
Second row
A blockbusting forward who was named St George’s Harold Matthews player of the year, plus got a start in SG Ball at just 16 years of age. An Australian Schoolboys representative to cap off an incredible season.
JARED HAYWOOD (ST MARYS)
Halfback
The team’s minister for energy, Jared also brings a wealth of nous from his stint earlier in the season with Balmain in the Harold Matthews Cup. Quick on his feet, the little general has already crossed the stripe on 12 occasions.
JOSIAH VAHAAKOLO-FIFITA (ST MARYS)
Second row
The big No.12 offers a mix of dazzle and power. Goes flat out for long periods and since transferring from rugby union, his progress has been recognised with a spot in Penrith’s SG Ball train-on squad.
MASSIMO MAESTRALE (ST MARYS)
Lock
In a team stacked with talent and good attitude, Massimo sets the standard. The co-captain and Panthers Harold Matts rep is light on his feet and ignites the outside backs with deft ball play.
U17 GIRLS DIV 1
MATOISHA KALEPO (ST MARYS)
Second row
The Hills Sports High student and Panthers Lisa Fiaola Cup rep brings a wealth of class to St Marys’ unbeaten line-up. Fit and skilled, Matoisha is a focal point on the right edge.
NAIOKA TUIPULOTU (ST MARYS)
Five eighth
With elite vision and quick feet, Naioka is just as capable playing in the halves or at hooker. Another from Hills Sports and Penrith reps, she has a bag of tricks to ignite the attack when the opposition least expect it.
HALLE SAVAGE (ST MARYS)
Wing/Centre
Arrives at the big dance in just her first season of rugby league. A noted speedster for Penrith in touch footy, the rising outside back has developed elite hand-eye coordination from her time in netball and cricket.
JENNIFER TUILAGI (EMU PLAINS)
Prop
Aggressive without malice, Jennifer plays with uncompromising toughness. Just as energetic at training, her remarkable improvement in fitness has led to a breakout season. With 10 tries to her name and a deceptive left-foot step, she’s seems destined for higher honours.
ANITA-JANE SAITO (EMU PLAINS)
Prop
As the team’s metre-eater, Anita rumbles through centrefield with monotonous regularity. A dedicated trainer who loves extras, she brings size and big minutes to a committed outfit.
ALYSSA GIBBONS (EMU PLAINS)
Centre
The strike centre arrived this season from the Mt Druitt Lions. A Lisa Fiaola rep, her background in athletics combined with good awareness makes her a weapon in attack. Has scored eight tries.
U16 DIV 1
HUNTER BELL (ST MARYS)
Five-eighth
An elusive playmaker from footy powerhouse St Dominic's College, Hunter is also a member of Penrith’s Harold Matts squad. Known for turning a contest in the blink of an eye, with 142 points, he is also the comp’s leading point scorer.
JHETT SYDIR (ST MARYS)
Halfback
The co-captain of St Marys’ unbeaten side, Jhett doubles as chief organiser where his silky ball play saw him rewarded with Penrith Harold Matts selection and a spot in the U16 NSW City side.
COOPER FLOOD (ST MARYS)
Lock
The other half of the captaincy combination, the Hills Sports student sets the middle platform for the side’s electric halves. Another dangerous ball runner, Cooper never shirks the tough work and leads by example.
MARCELLUS IAKOPO (ST CLAIR)
Center
One of the best centres in the competition. Can step off either foot with a strong fend, has great balance, speed to burn and tackles like a middle. When you have Marcy in your team, you always feel confident. Played with Penrith in Harold Matthews and is incredibly humble.
CHARBEL KHEIRALLAH (ST CLAIR)
Front Row
Charbel is one of the most damaging forwards in the game. His determination to always beat the first player, he has great post contact metres with strong leg drive and speed. His late footwork at the line and ball playing is something that makes him hard to handle. The Penrith rep went on to play with City as well.
PHOENIX TUASA (ST CLAIR)
Second Row
Phoenix has it all, speed to burn and can come up with the clutch plays when there is nothing on and a fend that will beat some off the best defenders in our game. Phoenix is most dangerous when given early ball and its his size and strength that will be most damaging close to the line. A Manly Harold Matts rep.
U15 DIV 1
JOSIAH TOLEAFOA (ST CLAIR)
Second Row
Was very placid and quiet but has taken on more of a leadership role this year and really stepped out of the boundaries of his comfort zone. Has responded well and looks to have a big future in league if he chooses.
CRUZE CULSHAW-LUKE (ST CLAIR)
Centre/Hooker
Signed to the Panthers this year and is a versatile player who can fill a number of roles. Has that X-factor that can help in a big game, and can make an impact in both the centres and at hooker.
LEROY PETELO (ST CLAIR)
Fullback
A very humble young man with a strong work ethic. Another leader within the group who isn’t the loudest, but when he speaks the boys and officials listen. Another in the Penrith rep system.
TALMAGE BROWN (EMU PLAINS)
Prop
Talmage is in his second season with Emu Plains. A member of the Panthers Junior Elite Squad and recently selected in the U15 NSWCHS team, he’s a powerful front rower with good footwork and ball skills.
HAYDEN GILL (EMU PLAINS)
Halfback
A genuine chart topper, Hayden’s 15 tries are unmatched and he has scored a whopping 176 points for the season. Operates with the ball on string, and his rising talent continues to prosper with the assistance of the Penrith Panthers.
HAYDEN FINN (EMU PLAINS)
Lock/Second row
A non-stop worker and another in Penrith’s development squad, Hayden plays well above his weight at breakneck speed. Possesses deceptive footwork at the line and is a menace for tired defenders.
U15 GIRLS DIV 1
KATHREEN SIALE (MINCHINBURY)
Second Row
A robust, hard-running girl who is very determined to go forward and make metres for the team with her strong carries. Backs it up by being a strong defender as well.
LAVINI LATU (MINCHINBURY)
Halfback
A strong all-round player in a key position. A good runner of the ball and a half who can take the line on, but is also a good tackler and doesn’t let many get past her.
MARIAH EMELIO (MINCHINBURY)
Centre
A very dominant player out on an edge. A strong tackler who can put on a big shot, a good runner of the ball and has an ability to read the play very well.
ANASTASIA LEATUPUE (ST MARYS)
Halfback
Calls upon her experience of four years in the game to help direct the side around the park. Her 19 tries are the most this season, and next month she will represent the U15 NSWCHS at Port Macquarie.
HANNAH ISON (ST MARYS)
Fullback
Recognised among the elite one-on-one defenders in the comp, the NSWCCC rep is just as effective at busting tackles and has already crossed the stripe for 12 four-pointers this season.
FINNLAY BURCHELL (ST MARYS)
Five-eighth
Finnlay has only just turned 14, but that hasn’t stopped her from enjoying a winter development program with the Canterbury Bulldogs. A sound tackler, it’s her running and kicking skills that set her apart. Smart beyond her years, she has also scored 16 tries.
U15 GIRLS DIV 2
FRANKIE LUCAS (BROTHERS)
Fullback
Frankie ties the team together in defence, making sure the defensive line has no holes in it. Nothing much can get past her and she chimes in well in attack too.
ZOE LONG (BROTHERS)
Front row
Zoe is unstoppable with her attack. She is great up the middle with her defence, and as captain communicates with the team well and really leads from the front.
CHARLI WITEHIRA (BROTHERS)
Halfback
Since taking the reigns as halfback she has flawlessly led the Brothers team around the park with her running game and attacking kicks that lead to tries.
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