Macarthur Conference: Camden Rams appoint Mason Cerruto, Brad Speechley co-captain coaches

The Camden Rams brains trust has put their faith in the untested coaching combination of former junior Mason Cerruto and five-eighth Brad Speechley for the 2022 season.

Five years ago, Camden Rams were the toast of Group 6 after winning four premierships – first grade, reserve grade, under-18s and women’s league tag – on a September weekend in 2016.

Since then, the dominant club hasn’t had another taste of first grade premiership glory leading to the Rams’ brains trust to back an untested coaching combination in 2022.

Former Rams junior and fullback Mason Cerruto, 25, will join forces with five-eighth Brad Speechley, 26, as captain-coaches with the young leaders hopeful of taking the club to premiership glory in the new-look Macarthur Conference.

Camden Rams fullback Mason Cerruto. Picture: Stephen Bullock

Camden Rams playmaker Brad Speechley. Picture: Stephen Bullock

The appointment follows the departure of halfback and 2021 captain-coach Jarrod Brakenhofer, who has linked with a NSW Cup squad for next season.

Speechley joined with the Rams this season after stints with Mounties in the Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup competitions, as well as winning a 2018 Illawarra Division premiership with Wests Devils.

The playmaker said the club’s proud history was evident immediately on his arrival and he was hopeful of continuing Camden’s winning tradition.

“We had the team to win it last year, we just didn’t perform like it,” he said. “If we can tweak a few things and get a couple of the old boys back, we’ll be on the right path. I’m pretty excited to build something.”

Speechley (carrying ball) playing for Mounties in 2017. Picture: Danny Aarons

Mason Cerruto representing Italy in 2017. Picture: Evan Morgna

The incoming captain-coach conceded the team was “bullied” at stages last season and a lack of depth proved costly.

“To be honest, the team we had on paper – we underperformed last year,” he said. “It just shows talent doesn’t really mean anything. We had a great team on paper and we sort of fizzled out after three or four games and a couple of injuries.”

Mason Cerruto in the 2018 Intrust Super State Championship Grand Final. Picture: Dean Lewins

Speechley, who believes the Macarthur Conference is now stronger than the Sydney Shield competition, said he would bring enthusiasm and professionalism to the coaching role and, with Cerruto, would be leaning on the club’s senior players.

Cerruto boasts an impressive rugby league resume having represented Italy at the 2017 World Cup and been a member of the Canterbury Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers pathway systems, which has won the admiration of many Rammers.

“When Cerruto is on the field and no one is there he just tucks the ball under and ends up with about 30 to 40 carries a game,” Speechley said. “It is pretty inspirational.”

The club has recently signed former Canterbury Bulldog NRL player Danny Fualalo and former Rams playmaker Jackson Willis.

Harrison Fox has been named the club’s reserve grade coach for 2022.