Local Rugby League Wrap: All the latest local footy news from the big leagues around New South Wales
Andrew Fifita made his debut for De La Salle in Cronulla, while La Perouse made an emphatic statement in its comeback. See our 20+ photo gallery from Yarra Reserve as local footy signalled its return.
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Local footy returned around the state to commence another bumper season of community rugby league.
We take a look around the grounds at some of the key competitions from around NSW.
MORE LOCAL COVERAGE
SOUTHERN CORRIDOR
The big name on everyone’s lips was Andrew Fifita who made his return to the field for De La Salle in the Southern Corridor competition.
The task wasn’t an easy one, coming up against the two-time defending champions in St Joey’s.
That was made harder when they found themselves down 14-0 early, before coming back to take a 16-14 lead.
Joey’s showed why they are the benchmark with a clinical finish to run out winners 26-22.
Fifita was certainly a target for the opposition, but he gave as good as he got it and loved being out there in the area where he won the 2016 NRL Premiership with the Sharks.
At Boystown Oval, St John Bosco were completely dominant in taking down Como Jannali 44-4.
Ryan Barden and Logan Clinch both finished with doubles in the rout.
It was a closer affair at ANZAC Oval, with Gymea prevailing 24-12 over Engadine to start the season on a winning note.
METRO COMBINED WOMEN
Halfback Lynda Howarth starred with a treble as defending Silver premiers Mascot ran away with a 24-12 defeat of Chipping Norton.
Stazier Hammond chipped in with a double off the interchange bench for the Jets, while Teleciha Filino scored twice for the home side.
Redfern survived a scare, but prevailed 24-18 over Pennant Hills Cherrybrook.
Wayward goalkicking kept the Stags in the contest courtesy of a Charlize Barrett double.
But it was Merinda Carney who was able to seal the result for RAB.
SOUTHS JUNIORS
La Perouse made a successful return to A-grade with a 56-0 drubbing of an undermanned Marrickville RSL.
Toby Key and Cody King-Pittman scored doubles as the Panthers delighted their home fans at Yarra Reserve against a nine-man Kings outfit.
Defending premiers Alexandria were humbled by last year’s grand finalists to the tune of 42-6 at Erskineville Oval.
New recruit Harrison Marsh crossed for a try and was on fire with the boot.
Redfern made a winning return to the top flight when downing South Eastern 24-14 at Pioneers Park.
RAB raced out to a 20-0 lead before a Rylan Barnes gave the Seagulls a fighting shot over the concluding stages, only for the visitors to hold on late.
Benedict Bonsembiante scored a double for Coogee Dolphins as they ran out convincing 36-16 winners over Mascot at Kensington Oval.
WOODBRDIGE CUP
Peak Hill put on a clinic in their opener away to Condobolin, running out 66-6 winners.
Caleb Cohen scored four tries as the second rower proved unstoppable out on an edge for the Roosters.
Eugowra got on the board in style after downing Cargo 40-18 at the Eugowra Sports Ground.
William Fonohema and Noah Girot-Serplet were the stars with doubles for the Golden Eagles.
Orange United overcame having three players in the sin bin to defeat Blayney on the road 32-8.
Kaiden Jones and Dion Jones both scored doubles for the Bears.
Manildra managed to overcome Trundle in a high-scoring affair at Jack Huxley Oval to the tune of 48-22.
The Rhinos ran in 10 tries in the victory, led by fullback Josefa Lasagavibau who posted a double.
Jayden Williams scored twice for Cowra as they edged past Oberon 14-8 in a fiery encounter at Sid Kallas Oval.
The Tigers saw two players spend time in the sin bin, with a double to Wil Melchers not enough to get them over the line.
The boot of Kade Barrow proved the difference for the Molong Bulls as they defeated Canowindra 28-24.
Both sides finished with five tries, but the accuracy of centre Barrow, who slotted four from five conversions, got them home.
CANBERRA
Woden Valley and West Belconnen couldn’t be split, playing out a 16-all draw in their season opener.
The visiting Warriors held a margin in the dying stages, only for big Jesse Martin to crash his way over from close range to snatch a point.
Jesse Croker scored an incredible five tries for Gungahlin as they hammered Tuggernanong Valley 40-16.
It was a day to remember for the winger as the Bulls halves ran riot.
The Blues claimed the battle of Queanbeyan, prevailing 28-22 over the Kangaroos.
After racing out to a 28-6 lead, the Blues had to hold off a late charge from their local rivals who got to within a try in the final minutes.
Mitch Cornish’s Goulburn City Bulldogs made a hot start to 2025 by knocking off Yass 32-18.
Byron Pinkerton and Max Flack both crossed the line twice in the solid victory.
KATRINA FANNING SHIELD
Yass piled on the points with a comprehensive 44-6 rout of Goulburn City, as Maddison Goodger, Gabrielle Davis and Samara Afele all posted doubles.
Gungahlin snuck home with a 30-24 defeat of Tuggeranong Valley, while a Rosaline Aumale double wasn’t enough to get West Belconnen over the line, as they drew 18-all with Woden Valley.
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