Macarthur Rugby League: 30+ stars to shine on grand final day at Campbelltown
The Macarthur women’s grand final is set to take centre stage on a massive day of rugby league this Saturday at Campbelltown Stadium. Ahead of the big clash we profile every player. FULL LIST
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With the preliminaries over, Campbelltown Collegians will defend their open age women’s rugby league crown this Saturday in the grand final at Campbelltown Stadium.
A powerhouse of the women’s game, Collies will shoot for a third straight Macarthur title when they tackle The Oaks, who downed Camden to reach the decider in the club’s first season in the top grade.
In a big day of local footy the action gets underway at 9:30am with the Wests Group under-7s gala day, and concludes with the women’s first and second grade grand finals.
One of a host of Collies players gunning for a third title, inspirational hooker Aggie Dean started the year unsure how the season would unfold.
“We weren’t sure how many of the girls would return, but they all came back and said, ‘we want one more title, we’re looking at a three-peat’,” said Dean, who represented Cook Islands at the 2021 World Cup.
Following a cruel turn of events, Dean explained another reason why the side won’t be lacking motivation on Saturday night.
“Adi Kelera was part of both our grand final victories, but she’s taken on a managing role with the team this year,” said Dean.
“She lost her older brother to cancer, and the girls will dedicate this weekend’s performance to Adi and her family.”
For The Oaks, it’s a totally different ball game. Now fielding a women’s side for the first time, the club continues to revel in the afterglow of the change and aren’t without hope, having fallen just six points shy of Collies in the semi final.
“We don’t have a big side like Collies, but we have speed, skill and heart,” said coach Michael Stevens.
“It’s great the girls don’t have to leave town to play the game now. It’s a family club, president Kevin Bell could see the value and there has already been a noticeable change to the club’s demeanour.”
With the countdown to the big day underway, we profile each player from both squads.
CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS
PANDORA VISESIO
Fullback/halfback
In a squad packed with leaders, Pandora is the chief organiser on and off the park. Agile and fast, she is a fierce and skilful competitor with a background in rugby union.
CHRISTINA MORRELL
Wing
A member in the past two premiership victories, Christina is a powerhouse winger who rarely misses her mark in defence.
LUPE VAKI
Centre
One of three sisters in a tight-knit Collies outfit, Lupe takes a power of stopping and will be desperate to join her teammates on the podium for a third time.
CHRISTINE KANI
Centre
A new face in 2024, the flying centre spent last season with South Sydney in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership. Strong and reliable, a grand final victory would make up for time lost due to a knee injury.
IESHA WRIGHT
Wing/fullback
A product of the Macarthur RISE Development Program, Iesha joined Collies from East Campbelltown. Now in the top grade, the young winger has a golden opportunity to strike it rich on the end of a star backline.
ELIZABETH MARAEARA
Five-eighth
A regular in the playmaking role over several seasons, the five-eighth is a key piece in the Collegians puzzle. Not the tallest No.6 going around, but what she lacks in height is made up for with gutsy defence.
TESSA TAVITA
Prop
A rising prop who has already tasted success at Campbelltown Stadium, Tessa has taken her game to another level this year. With improved fitness and ball control, she can be expected to get the side moving forward.
AGGIE DEAN
Hooker
The face of Collegians rugby league, Aggie continues to attract new players to the game while continuing to thrive in the heat of battle.
Always a threat around the ruck, this year she is spreading her wings as assistant coach with Mounties in the HNWP.
LISA KING
Prop
Don’t be fooled by the angelic looks, Lisa is a smiling assassin adept a punching out big metres. Knows what's required to win big games and won’t take a backwards step.
FAITH FANGALOKA
Second row
The younger sister of Tessa Tavita, look for Faith to come off the bench and make a big impact in the Collies back row.
AFI FAUESE
Second row/centre
One of a host of players to come through the West Tigers pathways program, Fauese continues to progress in the HNWP squad. A damaging ball runner, she runs smart lines and promises to be an absolute handful for the Tigers’ defence.
FOLAU VAKI
Lock
In a damaging pack littered with talent, Folau Vaki is among the best. In addition to representing NSW under-19s, the gifted middle has played in the NRLW for Wests Tigers.
SOFAIA VAKI
Second row
Another Vaki to keep an eye on, this tackle busting backrower won the player of the match award in the 2022 grand final. Still a teenager, Sofaia has already turned out for Wests Tigers in the HNWP and is destined for bigger things.
ITALIA NUKU-MARINER
Halves/second row
In a squad full of riches, Italia is a ball playing utility set to make a major impact from the bench. Another with HNWP experience, she is a genuine tackle breaker and will be out to replicate the try she scored in last season’s decider.
NYREEN SILOI
Prop
At the time of writing, Nyreen’s availability was a big unknown. Currently overseas, coaching staff remain hopeful the greenhorn prop will take her place on the bench prior to kick off.
BELINDA VAKAREWA
Second row/prop
A superstar all-rounder, Vakarewa can do it all. A former fast bowler for the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, she now packs into scrums and causes havoc with quick stepping and crafty ball play.
ANNA-HELEN VAOTUUA
Centre/Second row
The former Samoan rugby union international has the skills and strength to play in any position. Came off the bench in the semi final, and will provide plenty of spark in the decider.
SARINA TUUGA-STEVENSON
Utility
Another new recruit, Sarina continues to work on upskilling and also plays rugby union for Campbelltown Harlequins.
VICTORIA KINI
Second row
In her first season since returning from England, Victoria is another experienced backrower who will get her opportunity from the bench.
SALANI AIGAMAUA
Prop
An absolute wrecking ball forward who arrived at Collies via Cabramatta, Salani is known for scattering defenders like ten pins.
THE OAKS TIGERS
JESSICA WHELAN
Fullback/centre
Another on the Wests Tigers’ books, Whelan is a fullback with safe hands developed during her time playing AFL. Calm and consistent, she is one of the side’s gun players.
DAKOTA CUNNINGHAM
Wing
Dakota is a no nonsense winger who doesn’t shy away from anything. Loves a tough carry and against a big Collies outfit, her appetite for collisions will inspire teammates.
CASEY GODFREY
Centre
New to contact footy, Casey began on the wing but has now made a home at centre. Fit and super fast, she could come into her own at the back end of the contest.
GEORGIA GALVIN
Centre
One of several from The Oaks to have played in a grand final at other clubs, Galvin joined the Tigers after representing Narellan in last year’s decider. Good on her feet, she can be dangerous in traffic and is quick off the mark.
BRE CUNNINGHAM
Winger
An Oztag rep who can light up the back field with half a chance, Bre has played Tarsha Gale Cup (under-19s) for Wests Tigers. Made her Open Age debut for Camden last year and continues to improve.
CLAUDIA BUSH
Five-eighth
A League Tag gun, Bush has made a seamless transition to contact this season. Has all the skills with ball in hand and off the boot, and last week captained the side for the first time in the do-or-die clash with Camden.
SALMA NOUR
Halfback
No certainty to start, the NRLW contracted player is sweating on a release from the Wests Tigers. Equally capable at hooker, her composure and class will be a welcomed addition in the side’s maiden grand final appearance.
GEORGIA NIES
Utility
Classy with the ball, Nies is another from Narellan’s grand final side. Will call on all her experience from the Wests Tigers pathways and HNWP to help guide the team around the park.
JEMMA GALLAGHER
Prop
Explosive at the line, the bustling prop is known for her rapidly rising tally of post contact metres and clever off-loads. Recognised as one of the top front-rowers in the competition, Jemma has also represented Illawarra in the Steelers’ pathways.
TALEAH GIBSON
Hooker
Another to taste junior reps, after missing last season Taleah has returned in top form. Solid around the ruck, the dependable hooker provides excellent service from dummy-half.
APRIL STEVENS
Prop
The Oaks local returned home after playing for the Camden Rams last season. Known for her toughness, Stevens cemented her credentials with Illawarra in the HNWP. A stand out when these sides last met, look for her to double down on the big stage.
TAYLAH VELLA MALTA
Second row
A rock solid backrower, Taylah played for Corrimal last season. A coach's dream, she delivers consistent quality with every outing.
CHEYENNE PES
Utility – outside back
Pes is enthusiastic and offers utility value out wide. Calls The Oaks home and will come off the bench in what is her first full season of contact football.
QUIN MCVEY
Centre
If anyone deserves a change of fortune, it’s Quin McVey. The former Eels pathways rep has been struck down by injuries during the past two seasons. A fast and strong centre, at her best she’ll cause plenty of headaches for the opposition.
ABBIE HAMILTON
Centre/second row
A big body, Hamilton lines up against her former club where she played under-18s. Loves a hit up and being around the girls, never skips training and is also under the Wests Tigers’ radar.
ANJI TAU
Prop/lock
Against an intimidating Collegians forward pack, Anji Tau will need to be at her combative best. A super tough middle forward, the Steelers HNWP rep will play a crucial role in the Tigers’ march forward.
JESSICA BLATCH
Second row
Still in her first season of tackle, Jessica’s minutes have increased throughout the season. One of the side’s big improvers, the defensive backrower landed several crunching tackles against the Rams last week.
LAUREN BEATON
Second row
The tough Penrith local has played off the bench for the majority of the season. Finished the match against Camden with a couple of niggling injuries but won’t be deterred once she’s called up.
PAIGE STUBBS
Prop
Another Penrith hard- nut, Stubbs followed her good friend April Stevens to The Oaks. An interchange prop who can be relied upon, she’s set to play an important role.
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