Macarthur RL: Lethal duo, unexpected signings, latest news

They’re the Oaks Tigers duo who have been combining forces for years, while two other clubs couldn’t be happier with the way their rosters have turned out. That and more, round eight news.

Ragen Gilbert has made a great start to the season with The Oaks. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

They’re the Oaks Tigers duo who have been combining forces for years, while two other clubs couldn’t be happier with the way their rosters have turned out.

That and more from round eight.

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BOND ON SHOW

With a hat-trick against Picton, Ragen Gilbert was on fire for The Oaks last Sunday. The backrower/centre did it all himself in the first half, before striking twice after the break in combination with a familiar face.

Totally in tune with Daniel Payne’s creativity, Ragen crossed twice after the break. First, running an inside line of his halfback before the No.7 sent him away on the outside.

“I’ve played with Payney for years, we’re both Picton juniors,” said Gilbert.

“We played growing up, and then we came out here. It’s like we’ve been bonded forever,” said Gilbert.

Daniel Smith hasn’t missed a beat on his return to The Oaks. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

YEAR AWAY, NO WORRIES

Gilbert and Payne weren’t the only Tigers roaring at Dudley Chesham. In a welcome return home to The Oaks this season, Daniel Smith has blown away the cobwebs in a return to his electric best.

“Dan is killing it,” said Gilbert of the popular fullback.

“His fitness is unbelievable, and the way he takes those high balls is just amazing. To come back after a year off and play like that is unbelievable.”

EAGLES RECRUIT SPARKLES

Evidence of the mid-season trade window was on full show at Waminda Oval last Sunday.

In a stunning first outing for the Eagles, Tyran Pettit-Young guided his new side to an unassailable halftime lead in the victory over South West.

Less than a month ago, the gun half was running around for Penrith based club Brothers in the Ron Massey Cup. But in a swap deal, he took his opportunity in a move that now sees Joseph Romeo in the No.3 jumper at Brothers.

Sonny Edwards-Moeke has moved on from Oakdale. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

GIFT FROM ABOVE

Another player to jump ship is Wests pathways rep Sonny Edwards-Moeke.

In sparkling form for Oakdale after a full season of SG Ball, the fullback has since relocated to Canberra.

With replacement Bryce Wilson handed a long-term suspension, the arrival of the super talented Oshay Tyerman before last weekend’s clash was like a gift from the gods.

OITMANN EXPRESS

Riley Oitmann’s season continues to improve. After crossing twice on his first-grade debut in round five, the speedy fullback increased his tally to six tries in just three outings following a four-try performance at Thirlmere.

Highly regarded in junior reps, Oitmann finished the SG Ball season for the Magpies with seven tries in eight appearances

Riley Oitmann is enjoying the top grade. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

ROUND SEVEN: CATCH UP GAMES

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

Campbelltown Collegians v Campbelltown City, Bradbury Oval

Mittagong v The Oaks, Mittagong Sports Ground

Picton v East Campbelltown, Victoria Park