Macarthur Rugby League: 2023 Mid-Year Review, Stars, Standouts for all competing clubs
It’s the midpoint of the season and we’ve spoken to the coaches at each club for our Macarthur Rugby League mid-season review. Have your say on who will be premiers in our poll.
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With nine rounds in the book and time off for the King’s Birthday long weekend, we’ve reached out to all the clubs to see how they’re tracking with our mid-season review.
Find out which teams have exceeded expectations, which sides need to lift their game and which clubs are tracking to plan.
CAMDEN RAMS
Position: Second (6 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw)
Season so far: The loss of attacking fullback Mason Cerruto before the opening round was a damaging blow. But the reigning premiers have moved on and now sit pretty in second spot, perfectly placed to defend their title.
With the likes of Jackson Willis and Atini Gafa constantly igniting the attack, Camden’s ability to post winning scores hasn't diminished. But it’s without the ball where their commitment shines through. Currently conceding less than 15 points per match, they’ll be tough to beat in the run home.
What has worked: With several signings during the off-season, captain-coach Brad Speechley has been impressed with how the group has come together.
“Our defence has improved on last year,” said Speechley. “Without Mason we recognised points may be more difficult to accumulate so we’ve really worked on not giving away easy tries, and we saw evidence of that in the narrow win at Thirlmere.”
What needs working on: Despite passing 50 in three of eight outings, Speechley says there is still lots to work on.
“Our discipline and ball control at times can really let us down,” he said. “We put 68 on Collies, so we know what can happen when we get it right.”
Standout players: In a team rich in talent across the park, Speechley singled out an unheralded forward and a new backrow signing.
“Our hooker John Martin has won the players’ player award in three or four games,” he said. “He worked hard over summer and lost about 12kg, now we are all seeing the rewards.
“Toby Huxley has been a great addition to the pack, he’s strong in defence and scores tries too.”
Coming up: R10: Mittagong (H), R11: Picton (A), R12: The Oaks (A)
CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS
Position: Seventh (4 wins, 5 losses)
Season so far: Strengthened by an astute recruiting campaign, last season’s wooden spooners bounded out of the gates with an unbeaten three-match opening.
They’ve stumbled since, claiming one win from the past six, but having tested The Oaks in round nine the signs remain positive.
With size and mobility upfront, Collegians are also well served by attacking playmakers Netane Masima and Norwin Latu. But their finals fate could come down to the next month.
Facing the bottom three sides, victory in each will be vital to keeping the dream alive.
What has worked: For coach Glen Debono there’s several factors behind the resurgence.
“Netane Masima has played for Fiji and his arrival has been a positive and given the team confidence, as has been the impacts of other key recruits like prop Jaycob Oloaga,” said Glen Debono.
“The buy-in from the group has been awesome even after a few heavy defeats. We’re only in our second season but the way the new boys have joined the journey with the players from last year has been rewarding.”
What needs working on: While the turnaround has been impressive, Debono is focused on continuing the development.
“We need to stop giving away starts and be more controlled with the ball, especially in our own half,” he said.
“And our kick chase needs to improve, but we expect that to happen with the return of a host of experienced players in coming weeks.”
Standout players: “Masima and Oloaga have been great,” said Debono. “Oloaga is an 80-minute prop who never backs down.
“Alefelio Moata’ane has been a standout at No. 9, he’s tough and just keeps backing up even when he’s busted.”
Coming up: R10: South West (A), R11: Bye, R12: Narellan (H)
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS
Position: 10th (2 wins, 6 losses)
Season so far: Strengthened by a handful of off-season signings, all City’s good work crumbled amid a host of injuries in the trials and opening rounds.
A surprise win on the road to Picton saw them open the season in style. From there, forced changes to the playing roster led to six straight defeats before they put South West away with some fantastic tries leading into a round nine bye.
What has worked: In a depleted side, the debut of several youngsters like Ben Williams and half Tyrone Tsagalias bodes well for the future.
What needs working on: It’s easy to identify deficiencies in a weakened line-up, but for a proud club like City the emphasis will be the continued development of rising talent while instilling the club’s fighting qualities.
Standout players: For captain-coach David Fauonuku, his return to Macarthur Rugby League couldn’t have been more challenging.
“The boys continue to work hard for each other and there’s good signs,” said Fauonuku.
“Chris Williamson continues to be a loyal servant and inspiration. Youngsters like fullback Ben Williams and Adam Rye have taken their chances and lifted their game to another level.
“In the pack, starting props Carlin Deane and Harley Sanchez deserve a wrap and continue to give their best.”
Coming up: R10: Narellan (H), R11: Oakdale (A), R12: Picton (H)
EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES
Position: Sixth (5 wins, 4 losses)
Season so far: East Campbelltown probably expected to among the top five sides at the season midpoint. But in a topsy-turvy opening, last year’s runner-up has proven its credentials with victories over Thirlmere and The Oaks.
Cruelled by suspensions and injuries to key playmakers, the Eagles have been burdened by week-to-week inconsistency.
Now on a rare two-match winning streak and with a bye following the long weekend break, the Eagles are perfectly poised for an extended run of success.
What has worked: Despite missing chief organisers Sean Connor and Brett Lahey for extended periods, Eagles coach Richard Barnes has unearthed a worthy replacement.
“Baden Stewart has slotted into the halves to cover for both Sean and Brett,” said Barnes. “He’s usually a hooker but he is an all-round footy player that knows his role.”
In the pack, Barnes is happy with the return of a key rep player.
“Prop Tristyn Ball has returned from Wests Jersey Flegg,” he said. “He’s still 20, and while he’s a welcome addition we are not sure of his long term availability.”
What needs working on: Recent outings have seen improvement, but for Barnes, there’s still plenty to work on.
“Our discipline is getting better but we have lost a few to suspension,” said Barnes. “It feels like we are getting better but we also need to improve our completions and overall consistency.”
In a major blow, Barnes is also sweating on a suitable backup for Felix Smith after an Achilles injury ended the backrower’s season.
Standout players: “Edge second-rower Kobe Chamberlin runs great lines and brings stacks of energy,” Barnes said.
“He’s old school, breaks tackles and isn’t bad with the lip either, he can't be underestimated.
“Sean Connor is warming up to his best after a delayed start and his goal kicking is a bonus in a close comp. Then there’s prop Logan Muir, he’s tough and has scored a few tries.”
Coming up: R10: Bye, R11: Narellan (H), R12: Oakdale (H)
MITTAGONG LIONS
Position: First (7 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: After missing last season’s finals, the Lions recruited several proven winners and the transformation has been instant.
Two points clear at the top of the ladder, Mittagong are yet to taste defeat in eight appearances and remain favourites to claim the minor premiership.
In a sign of the club’s depth, the Lions sit third on the reserve grade ladder with just one loss.
What has worked: Captain-coach James Grehan is proud on the entire squad.
“Both grades had a good pre-season,” said Grehan.
“We were definitely fitter than the other sides in the opening rounds, but they are starting to catch up now.
“Across the board we have had an injection of youth and depth, and that has created healthy competition for first grade spots.”
What needs working on: While happy to be topping the ladder, Grehan isn’t hiding from what is around the corner.
“We’ll certainly be the hunted from here, every game will have semi final intensity and we’ll need to be ready,” he said.
Standout players: Grehan couldn’t be happier with the club’s four major signings who continue to prove themselves every week.
“Fullback James Coyne has been phenomenal, he’s always on the ball and is the comp’s leading try scorer with 14,” he said.
“Hooker Blake Barbuto is electric around the ruck, and forwards Liam Cassidy and Keiran Rankmore just don’t stop.
“Then there’s Nick Eccleston and Ben Arandt, both boys never miss a beat.”
Coming up: R10: Camden (A), R11: The Oaks (H), R12: South West (A)
NARELLAN JETS
Position: Ninth (2 wins, 6 losses)
Season so far: After failing to finish last season, Narellan entered 2023 under massive pressure to fulfil their obligations.
With a largely unfamiliar squad led by key signing Levi Dodd, the Jets made and inauspicious start with three heavy first up defeats.
Since then the turnaround has been obvious, culminating in back-to-back victories that included a remarkable 26-0 defeat of Picton.
What has worked: Dodd, the team’s new captain-coach, couldn’t be prouder of the team’s growing resilience.
“We remain committed to working on a family culture and that has helped us build on the disappointment of our early performances,” said Dodd.
“It has helped get the best out of the boys.”
“We have a good mix, six or seven boys are under 22, plus we have the older experienced guys.”
What needs working on: Looking forward, Dodd says self-belief is critical.
“We’ve showed what we can do, now it’s more a point of believing in ourselves,” said Dodd.
“ We have the x-factor of youth but need to ensure we manage the mental approach too, and we are more than capable.”
Standout players: With a host of players finding form, Dodd singled out a rising backrower and an old head.
“Zak Clarke is a young forward who I can’t praise enough,” he said. “Since he joined mid-season, the 18-year-old has always been polite and has carried himself professionally both on and off the field.”
“Eddie Faalua is a strong and skilful prop, a gifted all-round player who is always prepared to help others.”
Coming up: R10: Campbelltown City (A), R11: East Campbelltown (A), R12: Campbelltown Collegians (A)
OAKDALE WORKERS
Position: Fourth (5 wins, 3 losses)
Season so far: With only one win in the opening four rounds, Oakdale were on a road to nowhere until they turned their season around with an upset victory over the Rams at Kirkham Park.
Now on a four-game winning streak, the Workers haven’t lost since and sit fourth on the table just one-point behind the third placed Tigers.
With a mix of regulars and quality new faces, the Workers have shown glimpses of their best and come late August are tipped to be among the title contenders.
What has worked: After a shaky start, captain-coach Kyle Fraser says the unity among the group helped them turn the corner.
“Club wide the boys have embraced the culture, and they were still upbeat even during the run of early losses,” said Fraser.
“They continue to turn up for each other, we had 50 at training the other night across both grades. We’re not a fancy side but we work hard during the week and can grind out games.”
What needs working on: Despite their winning form, Fraser sees plenty of upside.
“We need to be more consistent in games,” he said.
“If we can control the ball for longer periods, we’ve shown we can quickly accumulate points, just like we did after trailing Narellan at halftime.”
Standout players: Fraser named a couple of high profile recruits and two Oakdale favourites.
“Nathan Davis might not look like one these days, but he’s still a quality centre, and doesn’t need many touches to change a game,” he said.
“Cleveland McGhie has been brilliant in the centres too, he has a strong carry and is solid in defence. Upfront, prop Michael Bullock still churns out big minutes, while hooker Jermaine Haule picks up the tempo off the bench.”
Coming up: R10: Picton (H), R11: Campbelltown City (H), R12: East Campbelltown (A)
PICTON MAGPIES
Position: Eighth (3 wins, 5 losses)
Season so far: Out of all the teams in the competition, last season’s finalists Picton are the toughest to read.
Stuck in eighth spot with only three wins, it’s difficult to reconcile that the side who rolled Thirlmere is the same one that failed to score a point against Narellan.
Still working on combinations following an extensive recruitment program, at some stage the Magpies will need to get on a winning streak before it’s too late.
What has worked: Losses aside, coach Jake Tonitto has seen enough to suggest his side can still make the finals.
“We’ve shown we can mix it with the best, we beat Thirlmere and probably should have beaten Mittagong”, said Tonitto. “We know we can overcome adversity but just need to be more consistent.”
What needs working on: For Tonitto, finding consistency comes back to attitude.
“We need to be up every week and convert more results into wins,” he said. “We talk about intent and line speed, and we’ve shown we can compete with the top sides, we just need to be switched on for every contest – we can’t cant pick and choose.”
Standout players: Despite the inconsistent results, Tonitto named his most reliable performers to date.
“Winger Bose Serukalou has been a great addition,” he said.
“He probably didn’t expect to play much first grade, but he’s been in the team since round two, he’s a real hard worker off the field and does tough carries.
“Alec Susino is an absolute workhorse prop who does a mountain of work and doesn’t miss training. He’s a true professional on and off the field.”
Coming up: R10: Oakdale (A), R11: Camden (H), R12: Campbelltown City (A)
SOUTH WEST GOANNAS
Position: 11th (0 wins, 8 losses)
Season so far: After winning last year’s second tier title, the Goannas have struggled since returning to the top grade.
Apart from losing captain-coach Tony ‘Tex-Rex’ Williams in the early rounds without lacing a boot, South West has bounced around between training facilities and still faces hurdles for the continued use of Onslow Park.
Still winless, South West has threatened to breakthrough on several occasions.
What has worked: South West club president and coach Mark Baird doesn’t hide from the difficulties.
“As a club not much has gone to plan,” said Baird.
“We’ve had some standout individuals but its difficult to get ahead when we are constantly battling with Camden Council about access to Onslow Park for both training and playing.”
What needs working on: Even with the difficulties, Baird says there are opportunities to improve.
“We need more blokes turning up to training and learning from experienced players like Rinaldo Palumbo,” he said. “We are missing some big props to regularly take us forward, but having said that, we need to get better at composing ourselves if things don’t go our way.”
Standout players: Baird noted four key performers after nine rounds.
“Brenton Doyle O’Donnell has been one of our best, he can play backrow or centre, he said.
“Cruise Iosefa can play anywhere from fullback to the forwards and brings plenty of energy, and hooker Penaia Leveleve is a noted try scorer.
“Tinetali Papalii joined after the season started, he hits hard in defence and can organise the attack.”
Coming up: R10: Campbelltown Collegians (H), R11: Thirlmere (A), R12: Mittagong (H)
THE OAKS TIGERS
Position: Third (5 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: Following the addition of key halves Mitchell Brasington and Daniel Payne, The Oaks Tigers are on track for a return to the finals.
After opening the season with a draw against reigning premiers Camden, the Tigers kicked on with victories in their next three games before finally going down to Oakdale in one of the games of the season.
Turning the corner in third place, like most clubs they’ve had their fair share of injuries, but with an unbeaten reserve grade side the Tigers are blessed with depth.
A challenging month after the long weekend could determine their top-three legitimacy.
What has worked: With only two defeats to start the year, captain-coach Brasington likes how the side is building.
“We’ve been able to strike up a handy combination in the halves, as has the entire team across the board,” said Brasington.
“Payney has been great, his running game brings variety and he’s scored 11 tries already. We’ve had lots of injuries upfront, but guys like prop Hayden Bunce have stepped up and taken a bigger role.”
What needs working on: Expecting a close run to the finals, Brasington knows his side still need to improve.
“We need better starts and we also need be more physical upfront early,” said Brasington. “We’re not the biggest side but if we can fix that, we reckon we have enough footy in us to finish strong”.
Standout players: In addition to his halves partner, Brasington identified another two key performers.
“Prop Evrett Vaurasi has been massive upfront and we’ll need a continuation of his form at the back end too,” he said. “And centre Luke Gibson has been one of the most consistent for us all season, he’s unfashionable but has scored some great tries.”
Coming up: R10: Thirlmere (H), R11: Mittagong (A), R12: Camden (H)
THIRLMERE ROOSTERS
Position: Fifth (4 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: Thirlmere might be in fifth spot, but there’s little doubt that at full strength the Roosters are a genuine premiership threat.
After kicking off the season with three straight wins they’ve struggled with consistency, yet remain the only side to deny Mittagong over 80 minutes.
One-time NRL star Blake Ferguson departed the club after several rounds, but has since been replaced by former Wests Tigers speedster Tim Simona.
What has worked: With a handful of talent set to return, coach Darren McLeod believes his side is in good shape for a dash at the title.
“Our spine of local boys have been outstanding,” he said.
“Mitch and Damon New are always a threat along with fullback Hayden Sutton. And Simona is now starting to find his feet at five-eighth.
“We are nowhere near our best but are still sitting pretty.”
What needs working on: Disrupted by suspensions including a double stint on the sidelines to Curtis Scott, McLeod knows what to address.
“Discipline hasn’t been our strength that’s for sure,” he said. “We’ve had too many send-offs and sin bins, and it has prevented us from fielding the same side two weeks in a row.”
Standout players: McLeod highlighted three of the team’s regular contributors.
“Hooker Mitch New has been a standout all season,” he offered.
“He is supper quick and scores tries, but he’s more than that. He’s a strong defender and sets our line speed in defence.
“Kye Madden is a key forward and a club leader, he’s quiet but sets high standards on field. And we haven’t seen the best of Sutton, he’s not big but the 21-year-old is fast.”
Coming up: R10: The Oaks (A), R11: South West (H), R12: Bye
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