Macarthur Rugby League: 2024 mid-year review, standouts for each club
It’s the midpoint of the year and we’ve reached out to the coaches for our Macarthur Rugby League review. See how your team is shaping up in the countdown towards the finals.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
With 13 rounds in the book and another six until the finals, we’ve reached out to all the clubs to see how they’re tracking with our mid-year review.
See which teams have exceeded expectations, which sides need to lift their game and who is tracking to plan.
JUMP TO
Camden - Campbelltown Collegians - Campbelltown City - East Campbelltown - Mittagong - Narellan - Oakdale - Picton - South West - The Oaks - Thirlmere
CAMDEN RAMS
Position: 1st (10 wins, 0 losses)
Season so far: Still burning after last season’s grand final loss to Thirlmere, the Rams have thundered out of the gates determined to take the next step. With added strength and unmatched depth, the undefeated Rams will take a power of stopping come September.
With skipper Brad Speechley and Jackson Willis directing the ship in the halves, Camden average a staggering 46.8 points per match. Last year they were unmatched in defence, but 12 months on they’ve raised the bar. In 10 outings the Rams have conceded a miserly 68 points, almost 10 less per match than in 2023.
What has worked: Not surprisingly, Speechley highlighted Camden’s defensive prowess as a precursor to the achieving the ultimate goal.
“Our defence last year was pretty good, but we are much better this year,” he said. “Having depth in reserve grade helps, everyone knows their role and can slot in when required.”
What needs working on: A clean slate in the loss column indicates Camden have all bases covered, but the captain knows there’s still plenty of water to flow under the bridge.
“There’s lots of examples where we need to improve our discipline. Apart from that, we need to double down on what we have already achieved and not get complacent.”
Standout players: Loaded with class across the park and metre-eater Danny Fualalo leading the charge upfront, Speechley singled out several contributors flying under the radar.
“Johnny Martin continues to be consistent at hooker. Fullback Aiden Menzies has been clean down back, and it’s good to have Trent Peoples back at the club.
The run home: R14: City (A), R7 (catch-up): Picton (A), R15: The Oaks (H), R16: Oakdale (H), R17: Mittagong (A), R18: Picton (H)
Prediction: Premiers
CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS
Position: 7th (3 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: Collegians took giant steps in 2023 and entered the new season with high expectations. However last season’s quick start made way for a more measured opening.
Unmatched for size and power, Collies found their groove in April and strung together three big weeks that included a major upset of the reigning premiers at Thirlmere.
Among the most entertaining and inconsistent outfits in the comp, Collegians are equal part surprise packet and genuine finals contender.
What has worked: Ranked fifth for points scored, Collies have no issue crossing the stripe. Winger Ray Mu has already scored 11 tries, while in a superb season to date, Tifa Iuta has crashed through the front door with eight of his own.
“We know we have the points in us,” said Collegians team manager Mitch Hoffmann.
“Unfortunately we’ve lost the services of Netane Masima for the remainder of the season, but we’ve signed Josh Bergamin from North Sydney who brings added experience to the halves.”
What needs working on: Leaking more than 34 points per match, it’s clear where Collies need to focus in order to climb the ladder.
“Our defence has improved in recent weeks, but we can’t be letting in 30 every week,” Hoffmann said.
“There was definitely a fitness issue early on, but we’ve worked hard in the last month and proven we can challenge the top sides like Camden and The Oaks. We are still thinking finals, there’s good vibes around the team”
Standout players: Among a number of breathtaking performances across the opening rounds, there was none better than tearaway forward Salesi Funaki’s three tries in the win over Thirlmere.
Blessed with strike power upfront, Hoffmann couldn’t go past Iuta for consistency.
“Tifa has been brilliant, he is easily our best forward and an inspiration to everyone in the group,” he said. “Ray has had a great year on the wing, but an injury is likely to keep him out for four to five weeks.”
The run home: R14: Thirlmere (H), R7 (catch-up): Oakdale (A), R15: South West (H), R16: City (A), R17: The Oaks (H), R18: Oakdale (H)
Prediction: 6th
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY KANGAROOS
Position: 10th (2 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: Coming off an injury ravaged 2023, City landed the signature of ex-NRL star Ava Seumanufagai to front the club’s rebuild.
Alongside fellow recruit Junior Moors, the Roos boast a front-row among the best in the comp. They downed Narellan in their first hitout and appeared on track for a competitive season.
A suspension to backline star Bryce Wilson stifled the attack, and like several other clubs injuries have taken their toll. Despite sitting in 10th spot, City’s reserve grade side remain in contention for a finals berth – a sure sign there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
What has worked: After starting the season in the No.1 jumper, Wilson’s move to halfback has reinvigorated the Roos’ attack.
Since a heavy loss to The Oaks in round eight, City’s defence has improved immeasurably. They had the better of Oakdale for 40 minutes, and backed it up with a strong effort in Mittagong. In the past fortnight they nearly rolled Picton, before coming away with the points against Narellan.
What needs working on: City has demonstrated they can defend their own line for long periods, but at times struggle for consistency.
It’s a similar story in attack. On occasions where the defence has stood tall, they have been unable to accumulate enough points to enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
Standout players: With a solid one-two punch upfront, Moors and Seumanufagai have delivered on their reputations. At times Moors has simply been unstoppable from close range.
Since shifting to the halves, Wilson has shown the type of attacking skills that once earned him a place in the Canterbury pathways program.
Amid a growing list of injuries, club stalwart Chris Williamson dusted off the boots showing he lost nothing during a short retirement.
The run home: R14: Camden (H), R7 (catch-up): Thirlmere (A), R15: East Campbelltown (A), R16: Collegians (H), R17: South West (A), R18: Thirlmere (A)
Prediction: 10th
EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES
Position: 6th (4 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: It’s been a mixed start to the season for East Campbelltown. Under new coach Jake Tonitto the Eagles’ campaign kicked off on the front foot before injuries started to bite.
Still only one win shy of fifth place, the next three weeks could shape their season before they meet three of the top sides in the run to the finals.
“This season is all about a fresh approach,” explained Tonitto.
“The aim has been to set new standards and for the playing group to learn about me as a coach. Ultimately, our goal is to set up the senior football club for long-term success.”
What has worked: East Campbelltown have traditionally been strong in the middle. Nothing has changed this year, but with numerous injuries to backline talent the Eagles’ depth has been tested out wide.
“When our attack is on we’ve had no trouble scoring points, but without Alapati Potifara and Shaun Sauni-Esau we’ve struggled for continuity in the backline,” said Tonitto.
“Our forward depth is solid, but I don’t think we’ve fielded the same 17 across consecutive weeks.”
What needs working on: The Eagles are currently ranked sixth for points conceded, and apart from a blowout 76 against the Rams, they haven’t been far off the pace.
“Defensively we’ve been hit and miss all year,” said Tonitto.
“Every point is a premium in this competition, and over the past six weeks we have worked hard on maintaining our defensive principles.”
Standout players: With a mix of new and familiar faces, the coach highlighted three Eagles who have impressed across the first 13 rounds.
“Prop Penita Tuavao has been our best middle all season, while tackling machine Ray Redman is consistently among the best in the pack,” the coach said.
“Sean Connor is still reliable in the halves. He kicks us out of trouble and doesn’t miss tackles – he’s just consistent every week.”
The run home: R14: South West (A), R7 (catch-up): Mittagong (A), R15: City (H), R16: The Oaks (A), R17: Oakdale (H), R18: Mittagong (H)
Prediction: 7th
MITTAGONG LIONS
Position: 4th (8 wins, 3 losses)
Season so far: After missing last season’s grand final following a harrowing last minute defeat to Thirlmere, a strong Mittagong side is once again on track to challenge for a place in the decider.
Currently sitting fourth on eight wins, the Lions are only one point shy of The Oaks in second spot. And with a run home that includes one top-five team, the Lions are a good chance of making the top-three.
Recent additions to the forward pack compliment a dangerous backline that has already turned heads with the arrival Country half Jake Brisbane.
What has worked: Heading into last season’s finals Mittagong averaged almost 39 points per match. This year they average 25 after 11 games, but with only three defeats they generally post a winning score.
What needs working on: To be any chance of taking the next step, Lions assistant coach James Grehan believes defence is pivotal.
“Earlier in the season we conceded too many points, but our goal line defence has improved. Plus, complacency is always a battle,” said Grehan.
“Overall we’re heading in the right direction. The club has added strength to the pack with the signing of former Canterbury pathways rep Giordan Patea, and fullback James Coyne is due back in the coming weeks.”
Standout players: Brisbane is easily among the top players in the competition. He was the only Macarthur player selected for Country and in recent weeks has carried Mittagong to victories over Oakdale and Thirlmere.
Grehan has also been impressed with the never-say-die attitude of halfback Nicholas Eccleston, and the strength and skill shown by ex-NRL centre Bryson Goodwin since switching to the back-row.
The run home: R14: Picton (A), R7 (catch-up): East Campbelltown (H), R15: Bye, R16: Narellan (H), R17: Camden (H), R18: East Campbelltown (A)
Prediction: 4th
NARELLAN JETS
Position: 11th (1 win, 11 losses)
Season so far: With only one win from 12 games, it’s been a tough season for Narellan who finished last season with a respectable five victories.
Despite the lengthy list of defeats, the Jets have shown glimpses of their best in just about every contest. After matching it with heavyweights Oakdale and Mittagong in the early rounds, they appeared on track for a strong showing in the second part of the season.
With two byes to come and just four matches to play, Narellan will now have one eye on next season.
What has worked: Restricted by injuries, the side has missed the regular on field guidance and skills of captain-coach Levi Dodd.
“The expectations are to get consistency throughout the entire club,” said Dodd.
“It’s been a challenging year. Our reserve grade side is not the strongest, but we’ve still managed to blood some of the younger boys in the top grade.”
What needs working on: While Narellan continue to cement an identity in the local area, Dodd is committed to flying the Jets flag.
“The club needs commitment across the board. We continue to learn lessons, but we need people who want to be there all the time,” he said.
“We’ve got some tough games coming up, and self discipline will be key for us to finish the season on a strong note.”
Standout players: With a club-high 12 tries, Dodd singled out gun halfback Tyrone Harding.
“Tyrone is one of the best halfbacks in the competition,” said Dodd. “Put him in any other team and he would stand out even more. He has a beautiful attitude and operates both sides of the ruck week in, week out.
“In the pack, Josiah Tamasi is alway consistent. And since moving from centre to the back-row, Gordon Toomalatai has been playing great.”
The run home: R14: The Oaks (H), R7 (catch-up): Bye, R15: Oakdale (A), R16: Mittagong (A), R17: Picton (A), R18: Bye
Prediction: 11th
OAKDALE WORKERS
Position: 3rd (7 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws)
Season so far: One of several sides plagued by injuries, a deep talent pool has enabled Oakdale to maintain its standing among the top three sides.
June was particularly taxing, but draws with The Oaks and Thirlmere ensured they remain at the pointy end of the pile.
Now with a host of top talent due to return and a friendly draw ahead of the finals, the Workers are on target to exceed last season’s week-two exit.
What has worked: Depth and more depth. Despite a constant flow of new faces in key positions, Oakdale has kept on track.
Halfback Jacob McKinnon was an early season casualty, but the additions of Alex Isdale and Sonny Edwards from the Wests Magpies junior reps has paid handsome dividends.
Cooper Smith has drifted between centre and fullback, while the recent signing of Treigh Stewart from the Queensland Cup could well become a masterstroke.
What needs working on: Recovery and more recovery. After plenty of heavy lifting, captain-coach Kyle Fraser said a stack of big names are gearing up to ease the burden.
“Michael Bullock is due back next week, and Stewart and Smith will be there too,” said Fraser.
“It’s a bit upsetting that back-rowers Josh Carr and Emmitt Carlile are out, but Josh will get some scans and we’ll see where he’s at.
“Our regular hooker Jermaine Haule is due back soon and Jacob McKinnon is about to start running in his recovery. So we are starting to see guys return at the business end which is nice.
“Our reggies are sitting on top of the ladder with Camden, so we’ve got good depth this year. There’s even guys in third grade that are capable of playing first grade, so we are going in the right direction.”
Standout players: After starting the season in the No.1 jumper, Elliott Moaga’s transition to centre continues to evolve. With a powerful carry, he’s starting to dominate on the left edge.
Upfront, Fraser continues to ignite an aggressive pack. No stranger to drifting to the right edge, the try-sneak has already put five under his belt. Luke Williams’ arrival from East Campbelltown has also added strength to the forwards.
The run home: R14: Bye, R7 (catch-up): Collegians (H), R15: Narellan (H), R16: Camden (A), R17: East Campbelltown (A), R18: Collegians (A)
Prediction: 2nd
PICTON MAGPIES
Position: 9th (3 wins, 8 losses)
Season so far: The Magpies just missed out on last year’s finals and with several premiership winning stars hanging up the boots, incoming coach Simon Woolford took on a host of challenges.
Faced with a tough draw, Picton eventually posted its first win against Narellan in round six. In further signs of improvement, they secured two victories from their next five outings in contests that were all decided by eight points or less.
Sitting ninth and facing a run home that includes two matches with Camden, a spot in this season’s finals appears a bridge too far.
What has worked: The arrival of teenage half Luke Keppie following junior rep commitments with Western Suburbs has been a significant win.
After making his first grade debut last season, the rising No.7 has immersed himself in guiding the Magpies around the park. Other local juniors such as Emmett McCoskery have also embraced the opportunity to hold down a regular starting spot.
What needs working on: It’s been a difficult season across the board for Picton. With their depth pushed to capacity in first grade, the reggies have also found it tough with two wins from 11 starts.
Send offs and suspensions haven’t helped either, and probably cost them a victory over East Campbelltown.
Standout players: After picking up the club’s top forward award last season, captain Alec Susino continues to lead from the front. A genuine workhorse, the busy prop is always in the thick of the action.
Keppie continues to give everything at his disposal. In a long season, the young half continues to dig deep despite kicking off the year with Wests way back in early February.
Since coming out of retirement to help fill the injury void, club legend Michael Lett continues to inspire the next generation. Still a handful at centre, the opportunist has already bagged six tries.
The run home: R14: Mittagong (H), R7 (catch-up): Camden (H), R15: Thirlmere (A), R16: Bye, R17: Narellan (H), R18: Camden (A)
Prediction: 9th
SOUTH WEST GOANNAS
Position: 8th (3 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: Winless in 2023 and booted out at the end of the season, South West have turned the tables and are now the feel good story of the competition.
After winning reinstatement just weeks before the opening round, Luke Deller’s Goannas kicked off the season with a major boilover at Narellan. Inspired by off-season recruits Greg Eastwood and Brad Takairangi, South West have since added another two scalps and sit four points adrift of fifth spot.
With the bulk of the squad expected to return in 2025, South West have turned the corner and aren’t without hope of making a late surge towards the finals.
What has worked: With a fresh approach under the guidance of respected leaders, South West continue to kick goals.
“The club is trying to build for the future,” said coach Luke Deller.
“There’s now a different outlook, and we have a combination of new and existing players working in the same direction. Greg, Brad and Eddie Faalua have been great but we understand there is still work to do, and we continue to build relationships.”
What needs working on: Despite coming up trumps on three occasions, South West have been hampered by limited time in the middle.
“Following our late entry, we didn’t really have a pre-season,” Deller explained. “Then with the wet weather and a couple of byes, the team has struggled to build a constant rhythm.”
Standout players: In addition to Eastwood and Takairangi, Deller highlighted the efforts of his skipper and a couple of lesser known faces.
“Eddie has been excellent in the middle, he leads from the front and is fitter than ever,” said Deller of the Goannas’ captain who has also rumbled across the stripe on nine occasions.
“Hooker Joel Etherington arrived from Collies looking for an opportunity. He continually strives to improve and just wants to get better. Fatiauma Moeahu-Leota is a centre to watch, he’s a former junior All Black.”
The run home: R14: East Campbelltown (H), R7 (catch-up): The Oaks (H), R15: Collegians (A), R16: Thirlmere (H), R17: City (H), R18: The Oaks (A)
Prediction: 8th
THE OAKS TIGERS
Position: 2nd (7 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: Sitting in outright second place, The Oaks continue to build on last year’s fifth spot finish.
They’ve added strength upfront to compliment an already formidable attack led by captain-coach Mitchell Brasington and livewire half Daniel Payne. With a victory over Mittagong and an honourable draw with rivals Oakdale, the Tigers have shown they can mix it with the top sides in the competition.
Now with a run home that includes just one top-five opponent, The Oaks have a golden opportunity to secure two bites of the finals cherry.
What has worked: Apart from defeats to Camden and Thirlmere, Brasington likes where the team is headed.
“We still haven’t hit our straps yet,” said Brasington.
“We are still finding ways to win without playing our best, and we’re now beginning to win the tight contests.”
What needs working on: Confident the Tigers’ best days lie ahead, the coach wasn’t giving too much away when it comes to areas of improvement.
“Will still need to improve our ball control. Especially in good field position, if we complete more sets the points should follow.”
Standout players: In a competition where big boppers upfront are essential, the arrival of Joseph Ualesi and the return of Evrett Vaurasi has added another dimension to The Oaks’ rise up the ladder.
“Joey is playing great, and guys like Josh Van der Meulen continue to work hard,” said Brasington.
“In the backs, winger Cruise Iosefa always has strong carries out of trouble, and centre Challis Tupuola has stepped up after a big year in reserve grade.”
The run home: R14: Narellan (A), R7 (catch-up): South West (A), R15: Camden (A), R16: East Campbelltown (H), R17: Collegians (A), R18: South West (H)
Prediction: 3rd
THIRLMERE ROOSTERS
Position: 5th (6 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: Thirlmere’s title defence has followed a rocky path. After starting the season without nine players from the victorious grand final squad, the Roosters’ charge has been further complicated by a crippling injury toll.
The arrivals of Corey Norman and Ken Sio have at times added polish to the attack, but without consistent strike power upfront the Roosters have struggled to build any meaningful momentum up the ladder.
With a number of locals like hooker Rielly Smith making the most of their opportunities, Thirlmere still remain on track to make the finals.
What has worked: Amid a clunky start to the year, coach Darren McLeod failed to hide his frustration
“With injuries and suspensions we rarely have the same team on the paddock,” said McLeod.
“Consistency will come as players return. Our defence has improved over the last three rounds.”
What needs working on: With five matches remaining before the finals, Thirlmere will be desperate to string a succession of wins together.
Over the opening 13 rounds, the Roosters tallied back-to-back victories on two occasions. But with a run home featuring teams all outside the top-five, McLeod will be optimistic of a strong finish.
Standout players: Despite a patchy start, McLeod has been delighted with his ex-NRL recruits and a selection of local talent.
“Ken has been one of our best, he delivers consistency every week,” said McLeod. “Corey fits in well too, he’s an excellent talker and has a good kicking game.”
“Rielly was performing well at No.9 until he got injured. Halfback Joey Towerton is back from a broken leg, while backrower Vince Romeo is developing into a consistent performer.”
The run home: R14: Collegians (A), R7 (catch-up): City (H), R15: Picton (H), R16: South West (A), R17: Bye, R18: City (A)
Prediction: 5th
Penrith RL: Mid-year report card, every team profiled
As we approach the home straight towards the Don Feltis Cup finals we’ve reached out to the coaches for our Penrith District Rugby League review. See how your team shapes up, plus the standouts.
HNWP round two teams: Tigers set to unleash 17-year-old duo
The teams are in for round two of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership, and the Wests Tigers are looking to the future with two 17-year-old Lisa Fiaola stars to make their senior debuts.