Group 2 rugby league: Ultimate guide, players to watch for the 2024 season
With some big name recruits and better numbers across the board, Group 2 Rugby League is set for a huge season. Check out the ultimate guide to 2024.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Local footy is back.
After a long off-season, the Group 2 rugby league competitions kicked off on April 13.
Following an exciting 2023 that saw Woolgoolga take home the premiership, seven teams return for the first grade competition this season after Bellingen pulled out of the competition.
With the season starting, we’ve taken a look at how all seven clubs are lining up below.
NAMBUCCA HEADS ROOSTERS
Last season: 4th (eliminated in preliminary final)
Coach: Warwick Jones
Major ins: Jay Melrose, Jacob Welsh, Elijah Edwards, Peter Conroy, Willy Baker
Outlook: Coming off a season in which the first grade side played finals football for the first time in a decade, there is a sense of optimism sweeping over Nambucca as the club continues to build after returning to the competition in 2022.
One of the hallmarks of the resurgence has been the return of a string of former Roosters, who moved elsewhere to play when Nambucca folded at the end of the 2018 season.
“A few local boys who were away for the last few years have decided to come home and rejoin the club, and we’ve had a couple of guys want to get involved in the club and we’re happy to have them,” said coach Warwick Jones.
They include the likes of former Group 2 player of the year Jay Melrose, hooker Jacob Welsh, forwards Elijah Edwards and Peter Conroy, and centre Willy Baker, who last year was the leading tryscorer for the entire Group 4 competition as the Moree Boars took out the minor premiership.
“They’ve strengthened our depth and the fresh faces have brought a new enthusiasm to the club. They’re excited to be back and that’s made the boys around them excited,” said Jones.
In addition to the new recruits, the club has retained the bulk of last year’s squad and also has some talented young juniors coming through the ranks.
They include 17-year-old halfback Toby Batten, who was impressive for the North Coast Bulldogs in the junior rep season at the start of the year and has even spent some time with Canterbury’s lower grades in Sydney.
“If he’s performing we expect Toby to really be putting a lot of pressure on the guys in first grade and I’m sure he’ll get an opportunity this year,” said Jones.
“He’s brought a lot back from down there (Canterbury), it’s been a great experience for him and his development.”
Players to watch: A constant threat at fullback, former Gold Coast Titan Tyrone Roberts-Davis once again looms as a crucial player for the Roosters after a stellar 2023 in which he was named best and fairest for the entire Group 2 competition.
Meanwhile in terms of the new recruits, Willy Baker will add even more strike power to the outside backs as he hopes to continue his excellent tryscoring form while Jay Melrose was absolutely outstanding for Nambucca in round one with the number 13 on his back.
Why they will be competitive: It has only taken one round of the competition to suggest that Nambucca will well and truly be competitive in 2024, with the Roosters demolishing defending premiers Woolgoolga 42-10 to kick off the season in style.
Despite the strong pre-season and excellent round one result, Jones is keeping his feet on the ground.
“Every year you want to improve, and we just want to do that,” he said.
“I’m really happy where we are all round the park. We’ve got real strong forwards and a lot of flair in our attack to score tries. We’re strong in the backs.”
And while the team hopes to build on last year’s excellent result, the coach said he focusing more on week-to-week performances than predicting where they might finish on the ladder.
“We’ve got no real expectations, it’s all performance based. I think we’ll be competitive with the stronger teams. I think it’s a pretty strong comp, to tell the truth, but I think we’ll be able to give the higher teams a lot of competition.”
SAWTELL PANTHERS
Last season: 8th
Captain-coach: Sam Johnstone
Major ins: Sam Johnstone (Villefranche XIII Aveyron), Jake Thornton (Wests Tigers Mackay), Jayden O’Shannessy (Sarina Crocodiles), Corey Willis (Saint-Gaudens), Luke Hetherington (Moree Boars)
Outlook: After winning just three games over the past two years in what has been a tough period for the club, there is plenty of positivity around Sawtell that things are about to improve in 2024.
A string of quality recruits has bolstered the squad amid raised expectations for the current campaign.
“I’m not really looking too much into last year, I’m looking more at what we’ve got this year,” said new captain-coach Sam Johnstone.
“We’ve recruited really well. I’m from Mackay in Queensland and I’ve brought a few blokes down who were playing in the competition up there, and then a couple of local boys who haven’t played for a few years have decided to come back and play. Overall, our squad is looking really good and really healthy.”
Indeed, the new signings are headlined by the new skipper. The big front-rower has an impressive CV that has seen him play NSW Cup for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Q Cup for the Mackay Cutters and most recently spend a season playing for Villefranche XIII Aveyron in the French second division.
Joining Johnstone in making the journey south from Mackay is fullback Jake Thornton, who has Q Cup experience, and outside back Jayden O’Shannessy.
The pack has been strengthened by the arrival of middle Luke Hetherington, who was last year named Group 4 prop of the season for his efforts for the Moree Boars.
“He’s a real no-nonsense front-rower, really strong ball carrier, good in defence,” said Johnstone.
Meanwhile halfback Corey Willis, a former Cronulla lower grader who the new skipper played alongside in France, is expected to arrive in the country in the coming weeks. “He’s a good talker with a really good kicking game,” said Johnstone. “He’s really good at directing the team around the park.”
Complementing the new recruits is the return of the likes of playmaker Tyke Kemp, outside back Darcy Collins, hooker and last year’s player of the year Jordan Starr and young forward Jovan Robinson.
“He’s only 19. He did a formidable job for them last year taking on all the forward packs by himself. This year he’ll have a bit of help so I’m really excited to see how he goes,” said Johnstone.
In addition, centre Robert Brilley is back fit after injury interrupted his 2023, while former Panther Todd Johnson has also returned to the club.
“There’s about 10 to 12 really good local junior players who’ve done really well for the last couple of years without getting results,” said Johnstone.
“The quality of the players is really strong, which makes me excited for the year. I think we’re going to have a really strong side.”
And while there are plenty of good vibes around the playing group, the skipper said the effects have also been felt further afield.
“Now that we’ve got some more talent around the club, there’s a bit of talk around the town and you can just feel it around the club and how excited the supporters are.
“They’re coming out in droves, they’re coming down to watch training, we’re having upwards of 50 to 60 blokes at training sometimes between reserve grade, 18s and us. The whole feel around the club is really positive and everyone’s excited for a big year.”
Players to watch: A tough half who plays off the cuff, local favourite Tyke Kemp is primed for a big season and is expected to benefit from having some extra strike power around him.
“He’s a local boy, he’s everything that you’d want a Sawtellian to be: he loves the jersey, would do anything for the club. He’s only 23 or 24 and is one of the blokes who’s been there through the tough,” said Johnstone. “I think having that extra quality around him will allow him to come out of his shell a bit more.”
Joining Kemp on the edge is former Panther and NSW Country representative centre Todd Johnson, who despite spending some time away from the game has been impressive throughout the pre-season.
“He and Tyke have got a nice combination on the right edge there, so I think it’ll be great to watch them build that chemistry,” the coach said.
Meanwhile in terms of the new recruits, fullback Jake Thornton is expected to provide plenty of X-factor with the ball in hand and organisation without it.
“Jake is really strong at the back,” said Johnstone. “He’s a really good talker but also breaks as many tackles as I’ve ever seen. For some reason he’s hard to tackle. He doesn’t look real fast or real strong but he’s just sort of got that football ability.”
And in terms of strike power, Johnstone said it’s hard to look past Jayden O’Shannessy, who has joined the club from the Sarina Crocodiles.
“He’s lightning quick, probably one of the quickest blokes I’ve seen over 20m on a footy field. He’s the type of player you can give the ball to 10m out and he’ll run the field.”
Why they will be competitive: With some quality and experience joining the club in key positions, the Panthers are confident of registering their best season in quite a while as they look to shake up the competition.
“Definitely the first goal will be getting a few wins back into the club and getting that winning culture back, which they haven’t had in a couple of years,” said Johnstone.
“We’ve gelled really well, which I think is important. I’ve tried to take training to another level around the club and I know the boys appreciate it and are responding really well. So in terms of goals, I think we’re definitely a team that will be playing finals football, and hopefully a couple of weeks into the finals and go on to trouble those top sides.”
Round one: BYE (Round two: Woolgoolga)
COFFS HARBOUR COMETS
Last season: 5th (eliminated week one of finals)
Coach: Scott Street
Major ins: Damien Dumas (Sawtell), Macauley Dawson (Bellingen), Luke Beaumont (Bellingen), Marty Ferguson (Bellingen)
Outlook: It’s a case of welcoming back some familiar faces and bringing in new recruits for the Comets as the team looks to better its fifth-place finish in 2023.
As is the case with a most of the clubs in the Group, player numbers are among the best they’ve been in recent years.
“Recruitment has been really good this year. We should have a fair bit of a depth for this season, which is a good headache to have,” said coach Scott Street.
“We’ll be able to play 17 straight each week instead of having blokes backing up.”
In particular, Coffs have welcomed back a string of former Comets to the club, with the likes of outside back Luke Beaumont, prop Cain Bunt, Justin Hull and playmaker Macauley Dawson all back at the club after some time away.
In addition, the Comets have picked up centre Marty Ferguson from Bellingen and fullback Damien Dumas from Sawtell, while they have also continued their long association with players from the northern hemisphere by picking up English trio James Hartley, Arthur Wilkinson and Kellen Wood.
And while pleased with the squad that he has assembled, Street said he’s not focused on setting lofty ladder position goals this early in the campaign.
“This year we’re not really worried about finals at the moment. We’ve got a heap of hurdles to jump through before we get to that stage,” he said.
“It’s just about getting better every week. If we can start strong, then get better every week and just compete for 80 minutes, it goes a long way to winning games. So if we can just do that week in, week out and keep improving, the rest will sort itself out.”
Players to watch: Returning after some time at Orara and Bellingen, Macauley Dawson is poised to play a key role for the Comets in 2024. Normally a five-eighth or fullback, Street said he’ll start Dawson in the number 13 jersey in the hope of getting him on the ball as much as possible.
“He’ll sort of be an extra playmaker in the middle and just chime in where he wants,” said Street.
Another fresh face expected to make an impact is fullback Damien Dumas, who the coach has tipped to add some firepower to the team’s attack.
“He brings an exciting brand of football coming out the back of our halves and the back of our leads. He’s got speed and skill,” he said.
Meanwhile fresh from a representative campaign with the North Coast Bulldogs in the Laurie Daley Cup, young utility Patrick Carey is one of the club’s local junior who expected to get some gametime in A-grade this season.
“He’s only 17 but he’s a proper footballer: short, stocky and has a proper football head,” said Street.
“He’ll come off our bench and will bring some footwork around the ruck. When opposition teams get a bit tired we’ll inject him in and start getting some speed around the ruck.”
Why they will be competitive: With much better numbers, some strategic recruits and talented youngsters coming through the ranks, the Comets look a far stronger side than the team that finished fifth in last year’s campaign.
And while there is quality all over the park, Street has identified one particular area where he thinks the team can shine in 2024.
“I think our edges, from the second-rowers to the centres,” he said. “Either edge we’ve sort of got a smaller but mobile forward pack but then size out wide, which can be a real advantage in attack.”
Round one: Macksville (A)
MACKSVILLE SEA EAGLES
Last season: 6th
Captain-coach: Matt Hyland
Major ins: Stephan Blair
Outlook: It has been a fairly stable off-season at Macksville, with much of last year’s squad returning for another crack in 2024.
“Most of the boys are back from last year and we’ve got a couple of newer faces to add to it so I think we’re looking pretty good,” said captain-coach Matt Hyland.
Building on the experience of former NSW Cup player Hyland, who will once again take coaching duties, ex-NRL and UK Super League forward Frank Winterstein is also coming back for another season.
And while the 37-year-old former Samoa international won’t be able to play every week, Hyland said his inclusion in the squad will be a huge boost both for the squad.
“He’s a big plus for us when he can play,” said Hyland. “A lot of these younger guys, just being around people like him, seem to get a lot more out of it.”
In terms of new arrivals, longtime Group 3 playmaker Stephan Blair is expected to bring plenty of creativity to the halves.
“That’s a big one for us,” said Hyland. “I’ve been trying to get him to come over for a while.”
Elsewhere, the club is also looking towards its youth after the Sea Eagles’ under-18s once again won the grand final last year.
“We’ve always got a pretty strong 18s team and it’s sort of that age where kids either stop playing footy or go elsewhere to further their career,” said Hyland. “But this year we’ve got a couple of good young kids coming through who are trying to go further in the game and should be available for us throughout the year.”
Players to watch: With a 13-year professional career in the NRL and UK Super League, Winterstein will certainly be one to keep an eye on whenever he takes the field for the Sea Eagles, with his big frame set to cause opposition teams plenty of headaches.
Elsewhere, new recruit Stephan Blair is set to add plenty of creativity in the halves, while one the club’s young guns in Rielly Laverty has been tipped to have a big season.
The young half, who spent part of the pre-season in Sydney with Canterbury’s Harold-Matthews team, was a standout for the North Coast Bulldogs in the Laurie Daley Cup regional junior rep competition and is one of Macksville’s most exciting prospects in recent years.
“I like to give the younger fellas a wrap,” said Hyland. “He’s only a 17-year-old but I think he’s destined for bigger things than Macksville. I think come halfway through and the back end of the year, he’s going to be a big part of our team.”
Why they will be competitive: While Macksville finished sixth last season, the tight nature of the competition meant that they were just one win away from a finals spot, with a couple of narrow losses ultimately proving costly.
That said, with much of last year’s team returning and a couple of crucial additions coming in, the Sea Eagles are confident that they will pose more of a threat with the ball in 2024.
“We’ve always got a pretty strong forward pack and that’s probably been our key,” said Hyland. “But with Stephan and a couple of other younger fellas in there I think that’s going to help us in the backs and that’ll be that little bit of difference where we can capitalise on the momentum that we can create in the middle.”
And if the forwards can do their job and the halves create enough chances, the skipper said it will just be a case of putting the fundamentals together for the team to make a charge at the title.
“It’s pretty much the same every year, the comp’s pretty strong. I suppose it’s just about not peaking in round one and building throughout the year so that we’re there at the back end of the year. I think the last few years we’ve started out really strong and then faded out, just through injuries and whatever else, but if we can build the other way, I think we can definitely be in with a shot.”
Round one: Coffs Harbour (H)
WOOLGOOLGA SEAHORSES
Last season: Premiers (second in regular season)
Coach: Sam Sinclair
Major ins: Steve Spencer (year off), Jason McGrady (year off), Kyle Miller (Sawtell)
Outlook: It’ll be unfamiliar territory – of the positive kind – for the Seahorses as the side enters 2024 as defending premiers for the first time following the club’s historic grand final victory last year.
And with celebrations carrying on long after Woolgoolga’s 26-10 win over South Grafton in the 2023 decider, coach Sam Sinclair said it took a little while for the boys to switch on to the new campaign.
“To be honest, it was pretty hard to get the boys motivated at the very start of pre-season when we started off for a few weeks in December,” he laughed. “But everyone had a bit of a freshen up over the new year and came ready to go in January. It’s been pretty positive.”
While managing to keep the core of the premiership-winning squad together – re-signing the likes of co-captains Michael Curnow and Bradley Collinson, gun outside backs Shayde Perham and Sione Fangupo, and former Gundagai trio Dane O’Hehir, Jack Elphick and Cameron Woo – the Seahorses have seen a little bit of movement in the off-season, with forward Bailey Connor among those to leave the club after moving to Melbourne.
“We’ve lost a couple of the boys. A few have decided to hang up the boots and a couple have moved away, so there is a bit of a change there,” said Sinclair. “But we were lucky enough to have a really good reserve grade side last year so we’ll be able to lean on a few of those boys.”
Offsetting these losses, the team has welcomed back local Steve Spencer and five-eighth Jason McGrady after a year away from the game.
“Spence had last year off and Jase was off through injury. They’re both really quality players and they’ll both find their way into our squad somewhere,” said Sinclair.
They’ll be joined by centre/backrower Kyle Miller, who joins from Sawtell after moving to the area.
Players to watch: One of the most outstanding players in Group 2 last season, fullback Dane O’Hehir will once again be key for Woolgoolga at the back and certainly one to keep an eye on throughout the season.
“He’s been brilliant for us. In my opinion he’s the best player in the comp,” said Sinclair.
Elsewhere in the outside backs, centres Shayde Perham, who was the club’s best and fairest in 2023, and Sione Fangupo, the man of the match in the grand final and Group 2’s leading tryscorer, are once again expected to be more than a handful for opposition defences.
“He’s an absolute tank,” Sinclair said of Fangupo. “He’s in the centres but plays like he’s in the front-row. He’s an absolute defender’s nightmare.”
Why they will be competitive: As defending champions, the Seahorses showed in 2023 just why they will once again challenge for the title. However after transitioning from the hunters to the hunted, Sinclair said that the club will need to lift if it is to emulate its heroics.
“Obviously the goal is to go back to back but it’s going to be harder this year, a lot of clubs have recruited well and I think the competition is going to be a lot stronger. Every team will be out to beat us so we’ll have to step it up again this year.”
While strong all across the park, Woolgoolga boasts some incredible firepower in the outside backs that the coach believes can set his side apart from the competition.
“I think we’ve got a lot of X-factor out wide with our centres Sione and Shayde, so we kind of just need our middles to defend really well and get us up field, and then we’ve got that X-factor out wide to score us points,” said Sinclair. “Some of our outside backs are too good to be playing in Group 2.”
Round one: Nambucca Heads (A)
GRAFTON GHOSTS
Last season: 3rd (eliminated week two of finals)
Coach: Dylan Collett
Major ins: Toby McIntosh (Burleigh Bears), Jordy Gallagher
Outlook: There has been a slight shuffling of the decks at Frank McGuren Field, with centre Dylan Collett taking over from teammate Adam Slater as player-coach for the season.
In one of the biggest coups of the competition, he’ll be joined by fullback Toby McIntosh in the coaching staff. After having played for the Burleigh Bears in the Q Cup last season, McIntosh will act as an assistant to Collett as well as donning the number one jersey – and he has wasted no time making his presence felt.
“He’s obviously been playing footy at a high level and to bring what he knows and what he’s been coached down here has definitely helped me and that’s definitely going to help the team,” said Collett.
The fullback is one of the major signings for the club, who have also picked up former South Grafton halfback Jordy Gallagher.
“He’s a good young half and hopefully he can lead us around the park well,” said Collett.
And while experienced hooker Todd Cameron has moved across the river to the Rebels, things have remained reasonably stable for the Ghosts, who have managed to keep together much of last year’s squad that finished in third place on the ladder.
“We’re just backing up and building on the players we already have. We’ve kept some of the older fellas and we’ve also got a few young fellas coming through, so we’ll build on that and hopefully it goes well,” said Collett.
“I couldn’t be happier with the effort from the boys in the pre-season. It’s just about getting out there and ripping in now.”
Players to watch: As someone with state cup experience for Burleigh, a team that featured in last year’s Q Cup grand final, McIntosh will certainly be one to keep an eye on at the back for the Ghosts this year.
“He’s played footy at a pretty high level and coming back to country footy hopefully he has a big year,” said Collett.
Elsewhere, the club is expecting big things from Cooper Woods after a strong off-season.
“He was moved around a few positions the last couple of years, playing fullback and then back into the halves. But this year he’s had a full pre-season in the halves and hopefully he can come out and have a good year for us,” said Collett.
Why they will be competitive: Despite finishing just two points behind minor premiers South Grafton last year, a string of injuries really hurt the Ghosts late in the season as they were bundled out of the semi-finals in straight sets.
However with improved numbers and depth across the park in all grades, Collett believes the club is in much better shape to withstand those challenges this season.
“I think our main issue last year was depth. You hate blaming it on injuries but we got a few last year and we didn’t have much depth to cover it. But this year there’s a lot of competition for spots to make the A-grade side and that’s always a good thing.”
And while the team doesn’t need to change much to once again be in the running, the coach said he believes one specific aspect about his side could give the team an edge.
“I think we’ll have a pretty mobile pack and use the ball a fair bit. The more we can move the ball, the more we can use it, the better we’ll go,” said Collett.
Round one: South Grafton (H)
SOUTH GRAFTON REBELS
Last season: Minor premiers (lost grand final)
Coach: Ronnie Gordon
Major ins: Brian Quinlin-Randall (Lower Clarence), Todd Cameron (Grafton Ghosts), Rich Roberts (Port City Breakers), Tyler Roberts (Port City Breakers), Conrad Lardner (Sarina Crocodiles)
Outlook: There are plenty of new faces and a different approach at McKittrick Park as last year’s minor premiers look to go one better after falling to Woolgoolga in the 2023 grand final.
“I’m pretty stoked with how things are panning out. It was looking a bit ordinary for a bit, we lost some really quality players but we did our recruiting and the side is looking pretty good again,” said coach Ronnie Griffiths.
Indeed, the Rebels lost some key players in the aftermath of last year’s decider, with backrower Nick McGrady moving up the coast to Lower Clarence in the NRRRL, centre James Torrens joining the Tugun Seahawks on the Gold Coast and lock Nick Torrens heading south to join Central Newcastle in the strong Denton Cup competition.
On top of that, second-rower Aiden Hyland is having a year off football, while young halfback Keaton Stutt is currently playing for Ipswich in the Mal Meninga Cup, and may not be back at all this season if he impresses and is picked up by the Q Cup side.
The Rebels have done well to offset the losses though, headlined by the return of former Group 2 player of the year Todd Cameron to his junior club.
He’ll be joined by forwards Rich and Tyler Roberts from the Port City Breakers, with the former captain-coaching the side to a premiership in 2022.
Hard-running centre Conrad Lardner joins the club from the Sarina Crocodiles in the Mackay competition, while Brian Quinlin-Randall returns after a year at Lower Clarence.
“I’m stoked to have him back, he’s so versatile and can cover a lot of positions for me,” said Gordon.
“We’ve picked up some quality players again.”
They’ll join a host of returning Rebels including the likes of Lewis Cooper, Bailey Sinclair and exciting young outside back Jye Boehme, Jamal Laurie and Damon Kirby.
“A lot of those boys who were the bulk of my team last year are back on board, which is good to see. But at the same time it’s good to see some new faces to freshen the place up,” said Gordon.
Players to watch: While some quality players have departed the club, some of South Grafton’s more explosive performers will once again run out in the red and white in 2024, with fullback Kieron Johnson and Jye Boehme among those to keep an eye on throughout the season.
Gordon has also highlighted a couple of the more experienced recruits to the club, and says there influence is likely to lead a change in playing style for the Rebels.
“We’re gonna play a different brand of football this year with the side that we’ve come up with. I think it’s going to be really physical so other strengths are going to come out.
“I think our lock Richie Roberts is going to be a player to watch and obviously Toddy Cameron. They’re pretty big hitters and they hit frequently as well. I think there’s going to be a lot of tough football coming from the Rebels this year as opposed to previous years where we played with a lot of flair.”
Why they will be competitive: As minor premiers last year and grand final winners in 2022, the Rebels don’t have to change too much to once again be one of the sides to beat in the upcoming season.
And while there have been some changes to the playing roster and the style of footy the team will look to play, the coach believes he’s struck a formula that can help his team go all the way.
“The big one for me is age. I feel age makes a big difference on the footy field and finding that balance is important,” said Gordon.
“Last year I had a fairly young side, the year before that I had a fairly experienced side, and I think finding that balance will be a strength for us. We’ve got some experienced blokes but we’ve also got some exciting young players like young Jye Boehme who’s in his second year of first grade and young Kalyn Squires who’s coming up from the 18s and will fill a spot somewhere for me.”
He added: “As far as positions go, I feel we’re pretty well balanced across the field. We’ve got strength in the middle and on our edges.”
Round one: Grafton Ghosts (A)
Join the conversation
Football4all: All abilities football event celebrates inclusion in 2024 gala day
The annual Football4all Gala celebrates inclusion for players with disabilities. Read how the grassroots initiative has inspired Alex Reggio and his love of the game.
Read more
Macarthur RL: Camden Rams’ triple treat
An extra time thriller and comebacks dominated a jam-packed Macarthur RL grand final day at Campbelltown Stadium. Winners and heroes, full wrap from all grades. 100+ PHOTO GALLERY
Read more