Macarthur RL season preview: Every club profiled ahead of the 2024 season
The Macarthur RL season kicks off this weekend. With plenty of changes at all 11 clubs, see who is leading the charge for your team in our comprehensive 2024 season preview.
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The southwest’s premier rugby league talent are set to take the field once again in the Macarthur Premiership season.
The 11-team competition kicks off on Saturday night, March 16, when The Oaks Tigers host Picton Magpies at Dudley Chesham Sports Ground.
Played over 18 rounds, reigning premiers Thirlmere Roosters will face fierce competition as the race for top five spots heats up ahead of the finals in late August.
We reached out to every club competing in this year’s competition. See how your team shapes up in 2024.
CAMDEN RAMS
Captain: Brad Speechley
Coaches: Brad Speechley
Home ground: Kirkham Park
Major new signings: Trent Peoples (ex Rabbitohs NSW Cup), Josh Goulton (returns), Eddie Aiono (ex NSW Cup, Mounties)
Departures: Kienan Power-Tempest (Souths Logan Magpies), Toby Huxley (Wollongong)
Players to watch: Powerhouse props Danny Fualalo and Bailey Dickinson are once again expected to lay the foundation for Camden’s strike out wide. The pair were crucial in Camden’s 2022 success and will be eager to reverse last year’s grand final heartache.
The departure of gun edge forward Toby Huxley has been offset by the addition of Trent Peoples. With four seasons of NSW Cup under his belt and two top grade appearances for South Sydney, Peoples is a respected addition.
Atini Gafa is a genuine threat on Camden’s left edge and despite missing several games through injury last season, the strike centre still managed to cross for nine tries.
Surprise packet: The arrival of Eddie Aiono is sure to excite Rams fans. Primarily a winger in his seven seasons of NSW Cup, the elusive speed machine could prove a smash hit at Kirkham.
Why they will be competitive: Last season’s minor premiers were only minutes away from back-to-back titles before going down to Thirlmere in a nail biting grand final.
Respected half Brad Speechley returns to guide a side that has added strength with several key off season signings. With all bases covered across the park, for many tipsters, Camden enters 2024 as the premiership favourites.
Opening three rounds: Collegians (H), South West (A), City Roos (H)
Last season: Minor premiers (runner up)
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): 10 - 1948, 1951, 1978, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2016, 2022
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS
Captain: Ava Seumanufagai
Coach: Ava Seumanufagai
Home ground: Fullwood Reserve
Major new signings: Ava Seumanufagai (Leigh - Super League), Obed Karwhin (Redcliffe), Alex Smith (Dewsbury Rams - England), Elias Harrison (England - Universities), Junior Moors (Featherstone, ex NRL), Brayden Topine (Western Australia), Amos Manu
Departures: Chris Williamson (retired), Shannon Gallant (retired), Tyrone Tsagalias (Mounties)
Players to watch: After an injury plagued 2023 City have added strength across the park. Upfront, former NRL bookends Ava Seumanufagai and Junior Moors head a formidable engine room that is set to complement English ball playing recruit Elias Harrison.
Alex Smith is another experienced signing from the UK, and the star No.7 will look to guide the Roos around the park while building a combination with exciting fullback Ben Williams, who returns after impressing last season.
Surprise packet: Late bloomer Flynn Keenan continues to work his way through the grades at City. A resilient and committed playmaker, the 24-year-old is now starting to realise his capabilities and appears destined for a shot in the top grade as the season unfolds
Why they will be competitive: For a proud club like City, last year’s slide down the table was always going to be met with change. The arrival of Seumanufagai has lifted spirits and from all reports the squad has embraced the measured and assured approach of the new captain-coach.
With a bye in the opening round, the challenge of building a network of new combinations starts in round two when they host the Jets. And all going well, a return to the finals wouldn’t surprise.
Opening three rounds: Bye, Narellan (H), Camden (A)
Last season: 10th
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): 11 - 1946, 1949, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1980, 1983, 2017
CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS
Captain: TBA
Coach: TBA
Home ground: Bradbury Oval
Major new signings: Byron Fruean, Jermaine Mati-Leifi, Teefa Iuta, Amani Tofaeono, Veiru Mapesone, Tim Crawford, Salesi Funaki (ex Q Cup)
Departures: Netane Masima (Mounties), Samuel Kimi-Ioane (Mounties)
Players to watch: Prop Salesi Funaki returns to Collies and brings a wealth of experience after several seasons in the Q Cup. Club stalwart Aaron Tearki-Varu returns for another season, and will help guide a mobile pack that includes the majority of players who featured last year.
Attacking weapon Norwin Latu trialled in the halves, but the gifted speedster is just as dangerous from fullback. Centre Ofa Felila bagged nine tries last season, and with an even share of possession will once again prove a headache for the opposition.
Surprise packet: Tim Crawford is an honest local junior known for his uncompromising efforts in centrefield. A hard working forward, his inspirational charges and reliable defence are set to be a welcome addition.
Why they will be competitive: While Collies are yet to name a full-time coach, the squad hasn’t cut any corners in a challenging off-season and are ready to capitalise on the giant steps the side made last season.
The departure of inspirational half Netane Masima is a major blow, but with a number of new recruits having played in the NSW Cup, Collies shouldn’t be underestimated and despite a tough opening three rounds are expected to challenge for the top five.
Opening three rounds: Camden (A), East Campbelltown (H), Thirlmere (A)
Last season: 8th
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): None
EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES
Captains: Sean Connor and Tom Morrison
Coach: Jake Tonitto
Home ground: Waminda Oval
Major new signings: Penita Tuavao (St Marys RMC), Salesa Tavui, Michael Matagia (Liverpool CC), Kilifi Tia-Kilifi (Minchinbury), Nick Soloa-Toomata (Picton), Dechlan Gunning (Picton), Ryan Delponte, Martin Sua (Campbelltown Collegians), Shaun Sauni-Esau (ex NSW Cup), Jacob Esau (ex NSW Cup and Q Cup), Ray Redman (returns)
Departures: Felix Smith (Narellan), Jurrado Smith (Narellan), Luke Williams (Oakdale)
Players to watch: In a bid to return to the finals, the Eagles have added strength in the middle with the addition of experienced props Jacob Esau and Penita Tuavao. Both bring speed and skill to the middle, and will be out to make an immediate impression in the Macarthur competition.
The departure of Luke Williams opens the door for Baden Stewart to lock down the No.9 jumper. Known for his utility value, Stewart has been an Eagles regular for many seasons and is expected to quickly gel with the side’s established halves.
Brett Lahey returns after an injury plagued 2023 and with a lengthy list of new arrivals, the experienced five-eighth will play a crucial role in pointing his teammates in the same direction.
Surprise packet: Ray Redman played for the Eagles back in the Sydney Shield days. Small in stature, the aggressive tackling machine is one to watch, and comes with a reputation for continually folding blokes in half.
Why they will be competitive: Former Picton coach Jake Tonitto leads the Eagles into a new era following the departure of Richard Barnes after 16 seasons at the helm.
Desperate to return to the finals after a disappointing 2023, East Campbelltown has retained the majority of its experienced campaigners and added class across the park with numerous quality recruits.
Fit and raring to go, the Eagles enter the season blessed with depth and will only get stronger with the addition of up to eight players from the Wests Magpies junior reps.
Opening three rounds: Thirlmere (A), Collegians (A), South West (H)
Last season: 6th
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): One - 2012
MITTAGONG LIONS
Captain: Keiran Rankmore
Coach: Keiran Rankmore
Home ground: Mittagong Sports Ground
Major new signings: Jake Brisbane (Warilla), Jordan Tencate (Wollongong)
Departures: Thomas Maloney (Corrimal Cougars), Ben Arandt (France)
Players to watch: Jake Brisbane joins from the South Coast and fills the boots of departing half Thomas Maloney. Tall for a No.7, the imposing playmaker has represented Country and brings plenty of strike power to an already dangerous backline.
Speaking of dangerous. Fullback James Coyne returns, and if the elusive opportunist doubles down on last year’s 20-try haul then Mittagong are sure to feature at the pointy end of the season.
Liam Henry showed touches of class at centre last year. With size and pace, the youngster has been flagged to transition to the pack in 2024 where he’ll look to rise to another level.
The loss of respected prop Ben Arandt to France creates an opportunity for Harrison Fletcher to bed down a first grade starting spot. A consistent performer in a strong reserve grade side, the nuggety powerhouse is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Surprise packet: Another Wollongong signing, Jordan Tencate is a big and fast winger who arrives with a reputation for solid efforts at both ends of the field.
Why they will be competitive: Keiran Rankmore takes over from James Grehan as captain-coach to lead a classy Mittagong outfit that came within seconds of reaching last year’s grand final.
With the bulk of the squad returning, the Lions will once again field a dynamic pack fuelled by speedy No.9 Blake Barbuto.
Dependable veteran Bryson Goodwin returns, and with a healthy mix of youth and experience, Mittagong will once again prove difficult to beat.
Opening three rounds: Oakdale (A), Thirlmere (H), Picton (H)
Last season: 3rd
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): 10 - 1937, 1945, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1988, 1991, 1995
NARELLAN JETS
Captain: Levi Dodd
Coach: Levi Dodd
Home ground: Narellan Sports Ground
Major new signings: Tyrone Harding (ex NSW Cup), Elijah Yalikitoga, Alivereti Dodomo, Jeremiah Yavala, Paul Ben, Maliko Filino (ex NSW Cup), Andrew Pritchard (ex RMC), Danny Ghantous (Wests Tigers - Jersey Flegg), Will Saunders (North Ryde RMC), Malakai Houia (Penrith SG Ball), Felix Smith (East Campbelltown), Jurrado Smith (East Campbelltown)
Departures: Eddie Faalua (South West)
Players to watch: One of several key signings with elite pathways experience, Tyrone Harding is a speedy outside back returning this season after overcoming an ACL injury in 2023.
Ball playing lock Andrew Pritchard joins the Jets and looks set to complement aggressive middle, Josiah Tamasi.
At No.9, the Jets welcome Danny Ghantous who has the opportunity to control the ruck using the knowledge gained with Wests Tigers in the Jersey Flegg competition.
Surprise packet: In the halves, pocket rocket Malakai Houia is one to watch. A former rep with Penrith SG Ball, he’ll cause havoc when the forwards win the advantage.
Why they will be competitive: After a slow start last season, the Levi Dodd inspired Jets claimed some big scalps as the season unfolded.
Now in the second season of a major rebuild, Narellan have picked up numerous handy signings and will be eager to open their account in round one against South West.
With the injury gods on their side, the Jets are in good shape to climb the ladder.
Opening three rounds: South West (H), City Roos (A), The Oaks (A)
Last season: 9th
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): Two - 1996, 2004
OAKDALE WORKERS
Captain: Kyle Fraser and Jason Thompson
Coach: Kyle Fraser
Home ground: Sid Sharpe Memorial Oval
Major new signings: Cooper Smith (The Oaks), Luke Williams (East Campbelltown), Elliott Moaga (Liverpool CC), Josh Burke (returns)
Departures: Jake Steadman (retired), Bailey Steadman, Nathan Davis, Alec Bush (Wollongong), Mitchell Gough (retired), Cleveland McGhie (Wagga)
Players to watch: Michael Bullock saddles up for another season and the workhorse middle will once again roll up the sleeves while the likes of towering backrower Josh Carr continues to pepper the line from close range.
In the halves, former City premiership winner Josh Burke will call the shots at five-eighth, and if the silky playmaker hits top gear the points should flow.
Elliott Moaga is a lightning quick fullback whose rise up the ranks included a stint in the Cronulla Sharks junior reps. Does all the tough work down back and is known for a quick play the ball.
Surprise packet: The brother of halfback Jacob McKinnon, Brandon is a super slick speedster who will start the season on the wing but has all the skills to be a threat from anywhere in the backline.
Why they will be competitive: After a slow start last season, Oakdale hit the finals in peak form before eventually falling to Thirlmere in a week two thriller.
Strike centres Nathan Davis and Cleveland McGhie are notable omissions from 2023, but the signing of young tearaway Cooper Smith helps fill the void, and alongside several other new faces Oakdale still look formidable.
With a third grade side now on the books, the Bears are stacked with depth and have several youngsters in peak shape ready to make the transition to first grade.
Opening three rounds: Mittagong (H), Picton (A), bye
Last season: 4th
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): Two - 1993, 2011
THE OAKS TIGERS
Captain: Mitchell Brasington
Coach: Mitchell Brasington
Home ground: Dudley Chesham Sports Ground
Major new signings: Joseph Ualesi (Oakdale), Chris Taripo (ex NSW Cup), David Morrissey (ex Picton)
Departures: Cooper Smith (Oakdale), Daniel Smith (retired), Evrett Vaurasi (retired)
Players to watch: The retirement of Evrett Vaurasi is a major loss upfront for the Tigers, but the void presents a golden opportunity for Oakdale recruit Joseph Ualesi to step up as the new leader of the pack.
Bleached blonde and ready for action, Hayden Bunce won’t take a backwards step as the prop battles to free space for electric halves Daniel Payne and Mitchell Brasington.
Out wide, former Newtown flyer Chris Taripo brings size and speed, while a bulked up Casey Timmer returns on the wing looking to replicate last season’s 10-try haul.
Surprise packet: A member of last season’s reserve grade premiership winning side, skilled centre Challis Tupuola could well transition to the top grade. Strong and light on his feet, he has the speed and hands to create plenty of opportunities out wide.
Why they will be competitive: The Oaks were considered under size last season but still managed to squeeze into the finals. This year, the departure of several key players has been offset by astute recruiting and with stability in the halves points shouldn’t be a problem.
The availability of young forwards Kohan Lewis and Ryan Polsen will be a welcome addition in April once they have fulfilled their SG Ball commitments with Wests.
Opening three rounds: Picton (H), bye, Narellan (H)
Last season: 5th
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): Three - 1976, 1977, 1992
PICTON MAGPIES
Captain: TBA
Coach: Simon Woolford
Home ground: Victoria Park
Major new signings: Daniel Roberts (ex NSW Cup), Leon Longbottom (Campbelltown Collegians)
Departures: Timothy Dengate (retired), Anthony Provost (retired), Michael Lett (retired), Nick Soloa-Toomata (East Campbelltown), Dechlan Gunning (East Campbelltown)
Players to watch: Former Mounties playmaker and off-season signing Daniel Roberts makes his return to footy after several seasons on the sidelines. May take several rounds to find his feet, but at his best offers utility value and plenty of zip in attack.
Busy and respected prop Alec Susino returns to lead the pack after picking up Picton’s top forward award in 2023. He’ll be joined in the middle by Steven Dengate, who finished last year in irresistible form.
Out wide, Collies recruit Leon Longbottom is just as slippery down back or in the centres, while in a struggling side last season, Rua Hona bagged a club-best 11 tries.
Surprise packet: Hard working backrower Emmett McCoskery was rewarded with a run in the top grade last season. With consistent intensity in defence, he’s set to become a first grade regular.
Why they will be competitive: Last year was a topsy-turvy one for the Magpies. After starting the season as a finals certainty, the wheels fell off before a late charge saw them just miss out on fifth spot.
Now with former NRL star and Super League coach Simon Woolford taking over the reins as head coach, Picton are expected to maintain a competitive edge across the 18 rounds.
The Magpies still field a strong pack, but with the retirement of three club legends in Tim Dengate, Anthony Provost and Michael Lett, it may take a while before they hit top speed.
Opening three rounds: The Oaks (A), Oakdale (H), Mittagong (A)
Last season: 7th
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): 13 - 1935, 1966, 1981, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018
THIRLMERE-TAHMOOR ROOSTERS
Captain: Kye Madden
Coach: Kye Madden and Darren McLeod
Home ground: Thirlmere Sports Ground
Major new signings: Ken Sio (Salford - Super League)
Departures: Damon New (Wollongong), Mitchell New (Macquarie Scorpions), Hayden Sutton (Macquarie Scorpions), Jacob Loko (retired), Joshua Bryant (retired), Louis Meehan, Curtis Scott (boxing), Bailey Nairn, Michael Wright, Harrison Coskerie (Penrith comp), Wiremu Tuiletufuga, Matthew Scott (Wollongong)
Players to watch: With only a handful of talent remaining from last season’s title winning side, the Roosters will look to the experience of former NRL stars Tim Simona and Ken Sio to take up the slack. The classy Simona returns in the No.6 while Sio adds spark out wide.
Skipper Kye Madden returns to lead a relatively unknown pack but can expect plenty of heavy lifting from former Wests SG Ball backrower Lachlan Bush, while Levi Bromfield will once again hold his own in the middle.
Surprise packet: James Lee collected a premiership medallion in his first full season in the top grade and didn’t let anyone down, filling the void in just about every backline position. Where he starts in 2024 is anyone’s guess, but there’s little doubt wherever he starts he’ll shine once again.
Why they will be competitive: With 12 players missing from last year’s decider, the Roosters will defend their title with a vastly different combination. Still in the market for middle and edge forwards, expect the Thirlmere list to grow as the season unfolds.
If they can win their fair share of games in the early rounds, they promise to be one to watch in the race to the finals.
Opening three rounds: East Campbelltown (H), Mittagong (A), Collegians (H)
Last season: Premiers
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): Seven - 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2019, 2020, 2023
SOUTH WEST GOANNAS
Coach: Jason Tonna
Home ground: Onslow Oval
Major new signings: Greg Eastwood (Glebe), Brad Takairangi (Dapto), Eddie Faalua (Narellan)
Why they will be competitive: To say South West has had a rocky off-season would be a major understatement.
Following a winless 2023, last November the Goannas were voted out of the 2024 Macarthur Rugby League competition, only to be reinstated during February.
Former New Zealand international Greg Eastwood and ex-NRL star Brad Takairangi head a list of recruits signed to get the club back on track.
With limited time to fill a complete roster and round out preparations, the Goannas seemed destined to start their campaign on the backfoot.
Opening three rounds: Narellan (A), Camden (H), East Campbelltown (A)
Last season: 11th
Number of titles (Group 6, Macarthur): None
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