Luke Lewis Cup: Cronulla, Penrith RL communities unite in the Shire
On a day where community rugby league stood tall among a sea of smiling faces, Penrith departed the Shire with the inaugural Luke Lewis Cup. Full wrap and reactions.
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Heavy rains forced a venue switch, but they couldn’t wash away the roaring success of the inaugural Luke Lewis Cup on Saturday afternoon in the Shire.
In a clash of A-grade’s finest, Penrith and Cronulla faced off for community rugby league’s newest silverware at Corea Oval, Sylvania.
Prior to kick-off all the talk centred on bragging rights. But as fans swarmed the streets and juniors filled the undercard, the chat quickly changed to the magnitude of the event.
Conservative estimates suggest a couple of thousand were in attendance. Most smiling, even when Penrith skipper Thomas Romer hoisted the trophy after the Panthers’ 36-14 victory.
John Mannah paid tribute to the visitors’ performance, but the Cronulla Juniors chairman was just as enthusiastic about the efforts on the other side of the fence.
“The Cronulla boys played really hard, but to Penrith’s credit they were incredible,” said Mannah.
“It was a clean game played before a massive crowd, it was unbelievable.
“Even the spectators were well behaved. There was no swearing, cursing at the referee or misbehaving. If we could replicate the same atmosphere and attitude at every senior game, football would be a better place for everyone.”
On a day where junior teams from both districts provided the pre-game and halftime entertainment, Mannah shined a light on the benefits of the recently introduced National Development Framework.
“All the parents and kids on the day were having fun and it comes on the back of the new PDF,” Mannah explained.
“There were a lot of negative comments about the new non-competitive rules, but we saw parents and kids having fun rather than getting upset.”
And even though Cronulla left empty-handed, Mannah is delighted with the new concept and is already counting down the days to next year’s return clash out west.
“I love it. I really can’t wait until next year, maybe we can bring it home.”
FAST START SINKS LOCALS
Dual-premiership winner Luke Lewis kicked off his NRL career at Penrith, now the cup named in his honour is following a similar path after Thomas Romer’s Panthers Juniors downed Cronulla Juniors 36-14.
After an even opening the Panthers struck in the 11th minute through Alex Myles. Stationed on the right-edge, the elusive Emu Plains backrower sliced through Cronulla’s defence to kickstart a player of the match performance.
Hungry to make the most of a rare trip east the Panthers doubled down, posting another two in quick succession to lead 18-0.
Windsor winger Luke McDonald broke clear with a kick return for Jesse Poulsen to score, and when Tori Willie grubbered for Cambridge Park backrower Henry Tuiafiso, the game as a spectacle looked over.
With the Shire’s reputation on the line, captain Tom Carr turned the tables with several touches of magic.
First, the Aquinas fullback put centre Callum Tutauha across with a clever flick pass. Then in the shadows of halftime, the No.1 showed his speed along the left touchline before winger Marco Tetevano launched himself into the corner to make it 18-10.
Backed by a boisterous home crowd, Cronulla continued to dominate but the points didn’t eventuate and they eventually lost momentum when Windsor playmaker Connor Mason extended the margin to 14.
With Carr already off the field with an injury, Cronulla’s hopes of a comeback were further dashed when gun five-eighth Harrison Hood limped from the field with half an hour remaining.
The margin blew out when Panthers livewire Aidan Ryan crossed twice within a handful of minutes, before Cronulla had the final say through Como centre Samson Mairi.
Following the post-match presentation, Romer reflected on a special day.
“It was very physical contest. We got the early jump on them but then made it hard for ourselves and they took full advantage,” said the 31-year-old, who last year captained Emu Plains to the local title.
“Myles was excellent for us, he’s a step ahead of everyone. Mason, Tori Willie and halfback Issac Thompson went well too.
“Tinirau Arona was exceptional for us in the middle, especially in that first 20 minutes where the win was set up.”
Cheered on by a mass of travelling locals, Romer is excited by what may unfold on home turf in the return bout next season.
“I think the concept is great for both comps, he said.
“There were quite a few players and people from Penrith who made the trip. The recognition for A-grade players is excellent, and it will be great to host it next year.”
PROFILES: MEET THE PLAYERS
Community rugby league takes centre stage on Saturday when the best of east and west collide in the battle for the inaugural Luke Lewis Cup.
Named in honour of the Panthers and Sharks premiership winner, the top A-graders from both districts will shoot for glory in the Shire at Corea Oval.
Ahead of the big clash, we profile every player before the squads are trimmed for kick off.
CRONULLA JUNIORS
RYAN BARDEN (ENGADINE DRAGONS)
Halfback
A halfback with big wraps, Barden was part of the Dragons under-19s SG Ball Cup side in 2022. A right side threat, the Australian OzTag rep isn’t afraid to take the line on.
BLAKE BARDEN (ENGADINE DRAGONS)
Utility
The back row/centre joins brother Ryan in the Cronulla squad. A willing and hard runner, Blake’s utility value will be an important addition from the bench.
JOSH BRIGGS (AQUINAS COLTS)
Prop
Known for his elite fitness, Briggs is a tough middle who refuses to take a backwards step. Still a youngster, this fixture could propel the Helensburgh junior onto bigger and better things.
TOM CARR (AQUINAS COLTS)
Fullback
A try scorer in last season’s NSW Cup grand final, Carr returns to local footy following stints with Illawarra, Canterbury, North Sydney and South Sydney. The long striding speedster will skipper the side from fullback.
CAMERON GOODGER (DE LA SALLE CARINGBAH)
Wing
The young De La centre gets his chance to shine at rep level. A strong defender, he’s known for his hard work and toughness on the edge.
MITCH HODGSON (GYMEA GORILLAS)
Back row/Prop
A product of the Sharks pathways, Hodgson is a hard working straight up and down backrower. Doesn’t mind the big occasion either, and last season celebrated with a try in the grand final.
HARRISON HOOD (ENGADINE DRAGONS)
Five-eighth
Harrison Hood is a lock forward who last year represented Cronulla in SG Ball. Can organise the attack on either side of the ruck, and is a danger stepping off both feet.
One of Cronulla’s top players, Hood is expected to start in the No.6 jumper.
JOEL KINGHAM (AQUINAS COLTS)
Centre/wing
A strapping outside back, Kingham has played left centre for Aquinas since his arrival from Campbelltown City in the Macarthur competition. Possesses a strong carry, and is adept at setting up his outside man.
SAMSON MAIRI (COMO JANNALI CROCODILES)
Centre
Another fresh face from the Cronulla Sharks pathways, Mairi is quickly making a name for himself on Como’s left edge. A powerful centre, he’s quick off the mark and has soft hands.
NATHAN MATEER (AQUINAS COLTS)
Back row
Difficult to miss, the towering red head is a tough proposition in the middle or on the left edge. Spent a few seasons in the Illawarra competition and will be eager to raise his profile against the visitors.
JORDAN HOLLIS (BOSCO BULLDOGS)
Prop
A big body, Hollis wears the No.10 jumper as captain of club side Bosco. With a background in OzTag, the skilful ballplayer is much more than a battering ram and kicks goals too.
JAMAINE MELCHIOR (COMO JANNALI CROCODILES)
Prop
A lumbering prop, Melchior can roll through the middle for long periods. Is tough to bring down and has a deceptively quick play-the-ball.
JAMES MIRCEVSKI (DE LA SALLE CARINGBAH)
Prop
The dependable prop and Da La skipper brings a sense of calmness and experience to the team. Adept at locking down the middle, he’ll prove tough to break down.
ABRAHAM PETERS (BOSCO BULLDOGS)
Back row
One of the mainstays of the pack, with a healthy head of steam Peters is difficult to bring down. Super fit, he’s capable of big minutes and one Cronulla will look to when the chips are down.
KURTIS SMITH (BOSCO BULLDOGS)
Lock
The team’s Mr Versatile, Smith usually plays in the No.13 jumper but is equally effective in the halves. One of the side’s leaders, he has enjoyed success in the Illawarra comp where his height and clever hands caught the eye of good judges.
JOSH TAYLOR-MYLES (AQUINAS COLTS)
Hooker
The clever No.9 is definitely one to keep an eye on. Tall for a hooker, Taylor-Myles is known for exploding from the ruck and is powerful enough to break the line. A noted try scorer, he often takes the correct option.
CALLUM TUTAUHA (CRONULLA CARINGBAH)
Centre
A centre/winger with a wise head following a stint in the Wollongong competition, Tutauha is equally suited at fullback. Won’t be fazed by the rise in standard, despite earning his spot from the local second tier comp.
MARCO TETEVANO (DE LA SALLE CARINGBAH)
Wing
Not one to miss a collision, Tevevano is a rising winger who thrives with contact. Loves a tough carry, and on the other side of the ball rarely comes off second best.
NIKAU WRATHALL (COMO JANNALI CROCODILES )
Lock
Fresh from a stint with Parramatta in last season’s Jersey Flegg competition, the imposing lock forward won’t look out of place in this contest. Tall and skilful, the ex-Eel also has enough pace to cause havoc in the backline.
COACHES: RUSSELL LEWIS, GAVIN CLINCH
PENRITH JUNIORS
AIDAN RYAN (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Back row
Small by modern standards, the busy backrower arrived at Windsor from the state’s central west. A menace with early ball, he thrives in contact and is a fearless defender.
ALEXANDER MYLES (EMU PLAINS)
Back row
After a slow start to the season, this former Italian international backrower has found his legs. Damaging with a sharp turn of speed, he’ll be eager to cross the stripe.
BLAKE HILL (COLYTON COLTS)
Prop
Hill is a no-nonsense, no frills front-rower who goes all day if needed. A welcome addition to Colyton’s pack this year, his selection is well earned.
BRYSON DEMANUELE (ST CLAIR COMETS)
Hooker
A classy hooker with all the traits of a modern day No.9, Demanuele is the Comets’ shining light around the ruck. Blessed with pace and vision, he can also play in the halves.
CONNOR MASON (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Halfback
Joined Windsor this season following a brief stint for Penrith in the NSW Cup. A gun half, Mason is used to directing traffic and taking the right option.
DALLAS BURNS (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Back row
One of the tallest forwards in the Penrith comp, with a head of steam he’s a towering inferno. Attacks the line, but can also play ball from close range.
ETON LINDSAY (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Back row
Another from the Wolves’ feared pack, Lindsay is equally damaging from the bench or crunching out the entire 80 minutes.
HENRY TUIAFISO (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Back row
A regular on the Cambridge Park right edge, Tuiafiso is a rangy second rower who never shirks his responsibility. Goes about his work with minimal fuss and can pull off a thunderous hit.
ISAAC THOMPSON (EMU PLAINS)
Five-eighth
One of the form players in the opening rounds, Thompson is a highly rated playmaker with all the skills. Reached NSW Cup level, and is sure to rise to the occasion at Sutherland.
JAI WYNBERGEN (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Prop
A powerful middle, Wynbergen had a taste of Sydney Shield last season and has showed his class since arriving at Windsor. Strong with the ball, he’s used to brushing off defenders.
JAMES ROSS (COLYTON COLTS)
Centre
One of a number of local juniors to come through the Panthers pathways program, Ross is a fleet footed outside back equally at home in the centres or down back.
JESSE POULSEN (COLYTON COLTS)
Fullback
A former North Sydney pathways rep, Poulsen is a rising fullback/five-eighth who thinks run before pass. A noted try scorer, if the Penrith pack get on a roll, Poulsen could well ignite.
JOSHUA BARAVILALA (ST MARYS)
Wing
A dashing outside back, Baravilala is among the leading try scorers this season and oozed class against Brothers, scoring four tries down the right edge.
KENNETH KORO (GLENMORE PARK BRUMBIES)
Centre
A hard running centre, Koro has been on fire this year. Often punches holes on the right edge, and is one to watch in traffic with a miraculous ability to put his winger away.
KOBE KING (ST CLAIR COMETS)
Back row
Stationed on St Clairs’ right side, King plays backrow in a Comets outfit riding among the frontrunners. Hits good lines and goes low in defence.
LUKE MCDONALD (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Centre
A dependable centre, McDonald uses height and strength to hold together Windsor’s left edge. A genuine tackle breaker, he loves a tough carry.
MARLI SINI (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Centre
A hard running playmaker, Sini is at his best when taking on the line. A noted try scorer, the former Ron Massey Cup player has spent this season floating between the halves and centre.
RHYS FALCONER (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Lock
A highly rated lock with a full range of skills. At his best, Falconer can lay on a try or go it alone as a four-point regular.
RIKI WILLIE (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Centre
An ultra competitive centre who revels in the rough stuff, Willie is explosive off the mark with a dangerous fend.
SAMUEL COOKSON (EMU PLAINS)
Utility
An experienced ball-playing utility with Sydney Shield experience, Cookson has started the season in spectacular style. Loves to drift left and hit the winger with a cut-out pass.
THOMAS ROMER (EMU PLAINS)
Lock
Named as skipper, Romer got the nod after leading Emu Plains to last year’s title. A veteran in the middle, he’ll roll his sleeves up and go all day.
TINIRAU ARONA (ST CLAIR COMETS)
Back row
A calm head, Arona is a ball playing forward at the back end of a respected career that included a combined 12 seasons in the NRL and UK Super League.
TORI WILLIE (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Fullback
Willie knows the ropes better than most. An experienced fullback, he constantly roams the field eager to pounce on the slightest weakness. Kicks goals too.
TYRONE SHELLEY (WINDSOR WOLVES)
Hooker
Shelley is a crafty hooker who has played at the higher levels. As slippery as ever, his propensity to cross the stripe hasn’t diminished.
COACH: SCOTT THOMPSON (COLYTON)
ASSISTANTS: DARREN BELL (EMU PLAINS), TROY DARGIN (WINDSOR)
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