Harold Matts and SG Ball: 20 Wests Magpies squad players to watch in 2025
After missing the finals in SG Ball and coming close to nailing the Harold Matts title, the Wests Magpies had a mixed year in junior reps. Here’s 20 squad members to watch in 2025.
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It was a season of mixed fortunes for Wests in the NSW junior reps this year. In a major surprise, the under-19s failed to qualify for the SG Ball Cup finals, while the U17s made it all the way to the Harold Matthews Cup decider.
With the summer squads already named for 2025, we profile a selection of up-and-comers who could run hot next year.
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HAROLD MATTHEWS
KEYNAN PES
He’s not the biggest No.9 going around, but this Oaks Tigers junior is eager to show his credentials in junior reps.
Captained The Oaks to last season’s U16s silver title and scored two tries in the grand final.
ISZAK ISDALE
A nippy fullback, Iszak is quick off the mark just like his Cronulla Sharks bound older brother, Alex.
An East Campbelltown junior, the livewire No.1 is expected to keep the Magpies selectors on their toes.
BROCK ACHURCH
Having suited up for Macarthur Wests Tigers in the U16s Andrew Johns Cup, Brock remains on track to transition to Harold Matts in 2025.
A clever playmaker and dummy-half, the East Campbelltown product is a noted try scorer with vision and an even temperament.
ASHTON LARGE
Just like his in demand brother Onitoni, Ashton Large is rising through the ranks juggling pathways league and U16s rugby union with the NSW Waratahs.
An elusive hooker, the in-demand Scots College teenager is set for another season of Harold Matts after playing in last season’s grand final loss to the Warriors.
KINGSTON FINAU
A five-eighth sensation who represented NSW CHS at this year’s U15s carnival, Kingston is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Elite at his craft, the No.6 has starred for the Narellan Jets on the local scene and is sure to turn heads in junior reps.
AIDEN GRIMA
He might be a teenager, but this Camden Rams front-rower already operates on old school values.
Loyal to his club side since U6s, he’s popular among teammates and knows how to inspire with spirited performances.
RUBEN TOGA
Another in the squad selected from the premiership winning Camden U16s side, Ruben is a switched on forward known for his wholehearted efforts.
Comfortable upfront or in the back-row, he is well placed to build on his stints in the Andrew Johns Cup.
LUKE SEVERIN
A strong defender, Luke doubles as a major attacking threat in the No.1 jumper.
One of three in the squad from The Oaks Tigers, he’s known for his strike power on the edges and uncanny ability to create chances through centrefield.
JORDAN TRUCKLE
An East Campbelltown centre who refuses to take a backwards step, Jordan is all heart when it comes to helping his mates over the line.
Aggressive with ball in hand, he crossed for a double in last season’s local U16s grand final.
JHEVON LELE
Jhevon showed he’s up for the challenge of junior reps last season. After starting out in the Andrew Johns Cup, the committed five-eighth was rewarded with a spot in the Magpies’ Harold Matts side.
With a try in last season’s grand final at CommBank Stadium, the No.6 returns eager to take the next step.
SG BALL
SONNY EDWARDS-MOEKE
The speedy back returns for another season of SG Ball where he is tipped to rise to another level. Comfortable in the halves and with enough pace to hold down the No.1 jersey, Sonny’s utility value is a key attribute.
One of several pathways players to taste first grade in the local Macarthur competition, Sonny was a key member in Oakdale’s finals charge.
RILEY OITMANN
An absolute flyer down back, Riley is in the mix to cement his spot at fullback or on the wing. No stranger to the junior reps, the Camden speedster is an excellent finisher and continues to work on his passing game.
KOHAN LEWIS
A familiar face in the pathways, Kohan’s thirst for work continues to impress. A reliable middle forward, he has already adapted to the senior ranks with The Oaks and won a starting spot in this year’s Macarthur RL grand final.
He’s one of eight players short-listed for the Wests Tigers U21s Jersey Flegg squad.
BROOKLYN MILFORD
One of several in the squad from the East Campbelltown Eagles, Brooklyn is a budding No.9 with Harold Matts experience.
Knows how to control the ruck and pick apart the opposition, and backs it up with a relentless presence in defence.
ARCHIE DUNCOMBE
When it comes to shooting stars, this rising backrower fits the bill.
Last season Archie made the most of his chance in the Laurie Daley Cup (U18s) before stepping up to finish the season with several stints in Jersey Flegg. All going well, he’ll be too good to waste in SG Ball next year.
KIMBALL LIUFAU
Strong as an ox, this hard running prop loves punching holes in the line and is one that not many enjoy lining up against.
A former Australian Schoolboys rugby union rep, Kimball has been in the pathways for several seasons.
DYLAN SMITH
One to keep an eye on when the final squad is announced, Dylan is a livewire No.9 who captained Camden to last season’s U18s title.
Knows when to jump out of dummy-half, and doesn’t mind crossing the stripe.
PHOENIX GODINET
A schoolboy powerhouse, Phoenix is a damaging edge backrower the Tigers are desperate to keep long term.
Crossed the stripe in last season’s Harold Matts grand final, and could well jump a grade next season and bed down a full-time spot in Jersey Flegg.
BYRON LAUPEPA
Another backrower capable of opening up the back field, Byron was a key member of the Blacktown Patrician Brothers side that won this year’s Peter Mulholland Cup.
Brings plenty of junior reps experience, and with a bright future ahead he’ll be desperate to enhance his credentials.
DENZEL SCHAAFHAUSEN-MINO
A pivotal piece in the Magpies pack, Denzel is a former winner of the club’s best forward award in Harold Matts.
With a season of SG Ball already under his belt, the rising middle could well take his game to another level.
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