Macarthur Rugby League: Rib-rattlers, try of the week – round two wrap, talking points
When it comes to round two of the Macarthur Rugby League, some things are better left unsaid. While in centrefield, a big bopper got more than he bargained for. Eight talking points.
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Things started to fall into place for a number of teams following a rusty start to the season, while for others, round two was one to forget.
Here’s what is making news after round two of the Macarthur Rugby League.
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WATCH YOUR TONGUE
Bryce Wilson’s return to the Macarthur comp got off to a flyer before a slip of the tongue saw the new City fullback sent from the field.
Despite no obvious offence taken by the Narellan players, the referee had no hesitation in marching Wilson to the sheds.
With at least two suspensions handed out last season for similar incidents, officials have made it clear, there’s a low tolerance for derogatory comments.
BEWARE OF THE AXE
Ray Redman, remember the name.
The pint-sized Eagles backrower got under the ribs of Collies big-man Aaron Teariki from the opening kick-off.
Then after a Collegians try, the deceptive No.12 doubled down. Only this time the ball spilt free, and with points in the next set, the Eagles never looked back.
CLASH OF THE TITANS
Roads to premierships are usually paved by a dominant front-row, and there’s plenty of quality on show in Macarthur.
Camden’s Danny Fualalo and Bailey Dickinson arguably lead the way, but City’s new big boppers won’t back down.
Looking in peak condition, Ava Seunanufagai and Junior Moors are sure to be counting down the days ahead of City’s round three clash at Kirkham.
ALL ROADS TO COFFS
Even without James Coyne, Mittagong still managed to knock off Thirlmere.
But Lions fans have nothing to fear. The star fullback wasn’t missing through injury, he was up north in Coffs Harbour creating havoc at the Oztag state champs.
JETS CAN’T TAKE A TRICK
With Narellan skipper Levi Dodd still suspended for an indiscretion last season, the opening rounds have not been kind to the Jets.
After falling in round one, last week’s loss to a 12-man City was further compounded when gun half Tyrone Harding failed to finish after injuring his right hamstring.
The No.7 looked in good touch until he came unstuck during a 70m dash to score his side’s second try.
TRY OF THE WEEK
City’s Ben Williams finished a quality long range effort in first grade, but it was hard to go past the one scored by Nathan Lynch in reggies.
After willing a kick over the dead-ball line, Roos fullback Wade Zreika reluctantly recovered the bouncing ball and took off from the in-goal. Sensing half a chance, the No.1 linked with Beau Sanchez who sent Lynch free on the right edge.
Seemingly rounded up by a couple of Jets defenders on halfway, the centre shook free and kicked again, outpacing the cover to finish a superb 110m team effort.
FROM BLISS TO BASEMENT
After their historic victory over Narellan, it’s difficult to comprehend the magnitude of South West’s fall from grace.
An 80-8 scoreline proves Camden are worthy premiership favourites. But are the Goannas that bad?
With no play over the Easter break, how they respond against the Eagles in round three could be telling.
CENTRE OF ATTENTION
Oakdale look to be on a winner with new centres Cooper Smith and Jarrod Keppie.
The off-season departure of Nathan Davis and Cleveland McGhie left a significant void, but after two outings, the two former backrowers haven't skipped a beat.
Smith sizzled across the line for a round one match winner, while Keppie oozed desire and strength to finish with a hat-trick at Picton.
ROUND THREE (6-7 APRIL)
MEN’S FIRST GRADE
East Campbelltown v South West, Waminda Oval
The Oaks v Narellan, Dudley Chesham Sports Ground
Camden v Campbelltown City, Kirkham Park
Mittagong v Picton, Mittagong Sports Ground
Thirlmere v Campbelltown Collegians, Thirlmere Sports Ground
WOMEN’S OPEN AGE: FIRST GRADE
Minto v Warragamba, Benham Reserve
The Oaks v Glenquarie, Dudley Chesham Sports Ground
Camden v Campbelltown City, Kirkham Park
Thirlmere v Campbelltown Collegians, Thirlmere Sports Ground
ROUND TWO WRAP
East Campbelltown and Collegians opened round two on Saturday night, while on Sunday, all eyes were on Fullwood Reserve as the new-look Campbelltown City kicked off its new era under captain-coach Ava Seumanufagai.
Further south, Mittagong hosted Thirlmere in a rematch of last season’s epic finals encounter. Picton were at home to Oakdale, while Camden headed to Warragamba to face South West.
Macarthur Rugby League Round two wrap.
12-MAN CITY GROUND JETS
It got off to a rocky start, but a 12-man Campbelltown City have regrouped in style, ushering in the new Ava Seumanufagai era with a runaway 44-12 victory over Narellan.
The Roos got the early jump with a double to Group 21 recruit Ned Stephenson. But the winger’s early efforts looked destined to unravel when backrower Brad Cole-Bishop was sin binned, then fullback Bryce Wilson sent off for verbal abuse.
Wilson was prominent early, but his dismissal in the 29th minute left the Roos on the ropes. Leading 10-6, City were forced to defend with 11 for nine minutes.
Dynamic Jets pairing Jarrod Dowie and Tyrone Harding sensed an opportunity, but could only watch as City extinguished several close calls.
Narellan winger Tuakana Tunupopo was denied in the left corner. Then against the run of play, an 11-man City struck through Bryce Shaw to lead 16-6 at halftime.
From there, Narellan still rated their chances, but the undermanned Roos had other ideas and cut loose with five second half tries.
Centre Lawdez Taurerewa-Yucel crossed twice from Alex Smith kicks, before Stephenson completed his hat-trick to round out the onslaught in the dying minutes.
It was a welcome return to community footy for a super fit Seumanufagai, who along with ex-Storm prop Junior Moors led City’s charge through centrefield.
“It was really close at one point and then the boys just came through in the second half,” said Seumanufagai.
“I think it was testament to how tough the boys have been working in the pre-season. We’ve been flogging each other and making sure that we all know our roles, so I’m really happy to come away with that win.”
It’s only early days, but Anthony Leatham and Smith looked good in the halves. Leatham took on the line and Smith was largely faultless from the boot.
“We have a lot of new players, so we just wanted to keep it simple, and just keep completing our sets,” said Seumanufagai.
“We came away with it, and I think that’s going to be our style from here.”
Asked to name the Roos best, the rookie coach praised the entire team effort before naming three.
“Ned on the wing, he was outstanding. Lawdez too, and Moors in the pack.”
LIONS REVERSE FINALS NIGHTMARE
It’s only round two, but you can bet Mittagong felt the weight lift off their shoulders with Sunday’s 32-22 victory over Thirlmere.
Six months ago, the Roosters pulled the get-out-of-jail-free card on a hapless Mittagong before going on the hoist the trophy the following week.
With Curtis Scott on board, a strong Thirlmere side headed south to tackle a Lions outfit minus several big names including skipper Keiran Rankmore and fullback James Coyne.
After failing to score a point in round one, Mittagong opted for the safety of an early penalty goal before hooker Blake Burbuto raced away for a trademark try to make it 8-0 in the 15th minute.
Not to be outdone, Kye Madden left a trail of destruction behind him to get Thirlmere within two. But as the halftime siren sounded, Mittagong jumped clear 14-6 when winger Mitchell Barbuto came down with a cross-field kick from the boot of Jake Brisbane.
The winger struck again immediately after the break, before Thirlmere bounced back to trail 20-16 following back-to-back four pointers.
With his fingerprints all over the contest, Brisbane doubled down. First, the roving half grubbered for his own try, then burst through the line to put Jacob Mayer over for the match winner.
“Thirlmere are never out of it, they got us on the bell in the finals last year, so it was good to get one back,” said relieved Mittagong assistant James Grehan.
“Last week we knew we were off against Oakdale, and the boys definitely stepped up. It was a strong performance, especially without a couple of familiar faces.”
While Brisbane stepped up when it counted, Mittagong were well served across the park.
“Jake was all class with the game on the line,” Grehan said.
“But lock Flynn Pickering picked up the players’ player award, he’s only 19 and didn’t look out of place. Mitchell Barbuto, the brother of Blake, finished off a couple of nice tries. He has safe hands and is really awkward to bring down.”
RAMS RUN RIOT
A week is a long time in rugby league. It’s an old saying, but after conceding 15 tries to Camden, it’s one South West could do without.
Just seven days after a memorable breakthrough victory over Narellan, the Goannas had no answer to a rampaging Rams who refused to put the cue in the rack after putting on 46 first half points.
When the final siren sounded, at 80-8, Camden showed why they’re the side to beat.
Centre Jack Miller crossed twice and kicked 10 goals for a personal haul of 28 points. Winger Eddie Aiono scored a hat-trick, while Goannas winger Kitione Vikash crossed twice for South West.
GARDNER DIGS DEEP
Former Cronulla star Nathan Gardner wound back the clock on Saturday evening, helping East Campbelltown open its account with a convincing 48-20 victory over Collegians.
After Collies crossed first through winger Ray Mu, Gardner stamped his class before an adoring Waminda Oval home crowd.
First, the fullback sent former Picton winger Bose Serukalou across for the first of his two tries, then his grubber for Martin Su’a near the break saw the Eagles open an unassailable 26-8 halftime advantage.
Veiru Mapesone crossed midway through the second stanza, and when the Collies No.7 assisted Hosea Leuea across the stripe, there were concerns of another Eagles fade-out.
With 18 minutes still to play East Campbelltown led 36-20. Then after settling back into a familiar rhythm, they regained the ascendancy and kicked again, adding another two tries through centre Salesa Tavui and prop Penita Tuavao.
After last week’s second half capitulation to Thirlmere, new coach Jake Tonitto was delighted with the result.
“Our focus this week was about ball control,” said Tonitto.
“We spoke about getting through the opening 15 minutes and then maintaining possession. It worked out well, the boys completed at 85 per cent – miles away from our 23 per cent in the second half against Thirlmere.”
On an evening of highlights, skipper Tom Morrison and Tuavao combined for one of the best. The veteran lock busted the line from his own side of half way, and was as surprised as anyone when the mobile front-rower loomed in support to finish off the raid under the posts.
“Tom is so influential and Tuavao was among our best, he churns out the minutes and crossed for a couple of tries,” said Tonitto.
“The addition of Gardner at fullback made a big difference, he knows when to chime into our attacking structures, and he’s good at counting numbers in defence.”
OAKDALE TWO STRAIGHT
A Jarrod Keppie hat-trick has seen Oakdale down Picton 40-12 at Victoria Park.
Played before their own fans, Picton opened with intent and promised a strong showing when Luke Brabender steamed over against the grain in the 12th minute.
But the home side’s fortunes changed seven minutes later when Keppie crossed from a fumbled bomb. And when the right centre powered over several defenders to score from a drop out, there was no turning back as Oakdale raced to a commanding 22-6 halftime lead.
Workers winger Bailey King finished the afternoon with a double, that featured a 90m effort against the run of play.
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