Macarthur RL: London bound, injury concerns and pace to burn – latest news

The opportunity to play overseas was too good to refuse for one outside back, while another is proving tough to catch in open space. All that and more, Macarthur RL talking points.

Jason Hosken

@HoskenJason

2 min read

June 18, 2025 - 9:50AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Brandon Webster-Mansfield has made a successful transfer from Picton to London Broncos. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

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The opportunity to play overseas was too good to refuse for one outside back, while another is proving tough to catch in open space.

Macarthur RL round nine talking points.

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FROM PICTON TO LONDON

In a blow for Picton, Brandon Webster-Mansfield’s stint at the Magpies has come to an end after just five appearances.

After tackling The Oaks in early June, the rugged centre struck a deal with English Championship side London Broncos, and last weekend made his debut in the 24-16 loss to Toulouse in the south of France.

On the plus side, the Magpies have welcomed Damon Goolagong. A highly regarded centre with NSW Cup experience, Goolagong made several strong runs in Sunday’s loss to Oakdale.

OAKDALE EXPRESS

If you haven't seen highlights of new Oakdale fullback Oshay Tyerman in full flight, you’re missing out.

Sure to become a feature at the top of opposition cheat sheets, the speedster lit up Victoria Park last weekend. Seemingly cornered after fielding an attacking kick, the No.1 snaked his way through the oncoming traffic before running the length to score the Workers’ opening four-pointer.

While Oakdale assistant coach Richard Barnes isn’t sure if he’s the fastest in the comp, he wouldn’t trade the No.1 for anyone.

“He just looks effortless,” said Barnes. “He just glides across the park, it’s unbelievable – he’s a freak.”

DIGGING DEEP

With their depth already tested across the opening rounds, Thirlmere were dealt a hammer blow in the countdown to Sunday’s clash with the rapidly improving Campbelltown City.

Forced to elevate players from their winless reserve grade side following the late withdrawal of several top grade regulars, the Roosters looked like scoring a morale boosting victory until the Roos hit the front with two late tries.

This week, they face the struggling Jets, but are expected to be without Curtis Scott, who is facing suspension after being sent off following a verbal exchange with the referee.

Mick Stevens has helped City climb the ladder. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

IN THE GROOVE

Still on the Roos, with five wins from their past six outings, Ava Seumanufagai’s side is making a rapid transition from finals smoky to top-five certainty.

After back-to-back losses to start the season, another challenging campaign loomed. Now, after eight matches, City are fifth with one more victory than they finished with last season.

With veteran Mick Stevens alongside Sadee Sub Laban, City now boasts a stable halves combination behind a strong pack. It should make for a big crowd when defending premiers Camden arrive at Fullwood Reserve on Sunday.

OLD TRICKS

After testing himself in the Newcastle competition last season, Mitch New hasn’t taken long to unleash one of his favourite tricks.

Now with The Oaks, the former Thirlmere No.9 used to put opposition teams on high alert whenever he packed into the back of a scrum.

Last Sunday at Onslow, it was a play that caught South West short. After scooping the ball up at lock, he exploded through centrefield before coming to rest under the posts.