Fresh legs, old heads: Spotlight on 20 guns in Macarthur RL senior grand finals
After six months of action the senior Macarthur RL grand finals are ready to rock Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday. Check out each clubs key weapons in the first and reserve grade deciders.
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Sound the alarms, it’s grand final time!
After six months of prelims, Macarthur footy’s top clubs will shoot for glory on Sunday at Campbelltown Stadium.
The high flying Camden Rams have pole position in first and reserve grade, but The Oaks and Oakdale will fancy their chances.
Check out the list of try machines, x-factors, enforcers and rookies who are primed to entertain fans on the final day of the season.
FIRST GRADE
TRY MACHINES
Eddie Aiono (Camden)
Wing
Still unbeaten in his first season at Camden, the one-time NSW Cup flyer has made the left corner his own. On the end of sweeping plays or finishing off kicks, with 16 tries, “Fast Eddie” can expect to see plenty of ball.
Daniel Payne (The Oaks)
Halfback
If not for Payney’s double last week, The Oaks’ season could be done and dusted. Loves a chat and with 15 tries already, there’s lots to talk about. A model of consistency, the quick stepping No.7 has crossed 52 times in the past three seasons.
POINTS KINGS
Jack Miller (Camden)
Centre
A serious jack of all trades, Miller played back row in last year’s decider before transferring to the backline. Missed five matches due to suspension, but still leads the way for points scored on 218.
A go-to man on Camden’s right edge, the centre’s impressive tally includes 16 tries.
Mitchell Brasington (The Oaks)
Five-eighth
Ever consistent, the Tigers captain-coach is a regular accumulator and last week brought up his double century in the victory over Oakdale. Has 12 tries, and even more assists.
A key figure as The Oaks shoot for their first title since 1992.
X-FACTORS
Steele Brown (Camden)
Utility
Suits up for his third straight grand final, but where he fits in Brad Speechley’s final lineup is anyone's guess. Started at centre in 2022, and last year played in the No.1 jersey.
In the major final, the gifted utility started on the wing before bobbing up in the halves with a couple of try assists. Has 11 tries to his name, and kicks goals too.
Ragen Gilbert (The Oaks)
Second row
An absolute shining star in the Tigers’ charge towards the title. Since starting from the bench in round one, Ragen shifted to centre before filling a void in the pack.
With 10 tries under his belt, the relentless No.12 brings try scoring form to the big dance. Runs clever lines and is dangerous in the air.
ENFORCERS
Danny Fualalo (Camden)
Prop
Following his five seasons in the top grade at Canterbury, Danny is on target to become a Rams legend. Already has one title with Camden and is a former Macarthur player of the season.
Features on every opposition cheat sheet but rarely comes off second best, and has an uncanny ability to lift the tempo the longer a game goes.
Joseph Ualesi (The Oaks)
Prop
A key off season signing from Oakdale, Joseph’s wholehearted efforts through the middle have transformed The Oaks into a serious contender.
Has improved throughout the season, and is one to watch with a head of steam from close range.
ROOKIES
Tom Chanter (Camden)
Lock
In a side loaded with experience, Tom is a local junior whose apprenticeship includes a reserve grade premiership medal.
A key defender in the middle, his one-percenters are crucial in maintaining a tight ruck.
Kohan Lewis (The Oaks)
Lock
A rookie aligned to the Wests Tigers pathways, Kohan debuted in first grade last season and only recently turned 18.
Known for tireless efforts in the middle, he arrives at the decider one week after smashing out 137m and completing an extraordinary 66 tackles.
RESERVE GRADE
TRY MACHINES
Lindsay Munro (Camden)
Wing
Returns to grand final day after crossing in Camden’s 2022 reserve grade title. Harder to run down than a greasy pig, Lindsay has had another electric season.
Leads the comp with 21 tries, and has another four to his name in first grade.
Logan Nori (Oakdale)
Wing
A rugby union convert, Logan is a confident winger with a massive leap. In just his first season of league, the teenager has notched twelve tries.
POINTS KINGS
Chris Browne (Camden)
Five-eighth
A multiple premiership winner at Camden, the veteran playmaker continues to shoot the lights out every season. Nudged the 200 barrier in first grade last year, and is now the current top point scorer in reserve grade with 217.
Has also scored nine tries.
Brandon Maycock (Oakdale)
Halfback
The goal kicking No.7 in the white headgear is difficult to miss. In a big year, the talented playmaker has drifted between the grades and arrives at Campbelltown with 98 reserve grade points.
X-FACTORS
Vann English (Camden)
Wing
On target to hoist the trophy in his second season at Camden, the reliable finisher is already making a name for himself.
Strong in the air, Vann has scored 15 tries and was rewarded earlier this year with a first grade debut.
Josh Burke (Oakdale)
Five-eighth
Oakdale’s veteran captain-coach hasn’t lost any nous since returning from a long term knee injury. Now in his sixth season with the Workers, he propelled the side into the grand final after orchestrating a miracle comeback win over City.
Won a first grade title with City in 2017, and will lean on that experience to upset the Rams.
ENFORCERS
Jack Simpson (Camden)
Prop
A punishing runner with the Steeden, Jack knows how to boss the middle. Picked up the reserve grade player of the match in the 2022 grand final and wouldn’t be out of place in the top grade.
Aiden Fornari (Oakdale)
Prop
A towering middle in his first year at Oakdale, the grand final will round out Aiden’s fourth season of rugby league. Had a taste of first grade earlier this season, and brings a big engine to the Workers’ pack.
ROOKIES
Bowen Roper (Camden)
Second row
An SG Ball rep with the Wests Magpies, Bowen is the type of backrower every coach needs with the trophy on the line. Enjoys the dirty work and turned heads with an impressive first grade debut a few months back.
Mathew Indlekofer (Oakdale)
Hooker/halfback
Equal part rookie and x-factor, Mathew started the season in the halves but is now a valuable contributor around the ruck. Can read the play, just like he did last week when he caught the City defence napping with a scorching solo effort.
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