Macarthur Rugby League: 40+ unheralded locals gunning for glory
It’s all systems go nearing the Macarthur finals, and we’ve unpackaged a selection of regulars and unheralded heroes flying at the backend of the season. 40+ flying under the radar.
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It’s all systems go nearing the Macarthur RL finals, and we’ve unpackaged a selection of regulars and unheralded heroes flying at the backend of the season.
See our 40+ local talents flying under the radar.
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JUMP TO
Camden Rams – Campbelltown City – Campbelltown Collegians – East Campbelltown – Mittagong – Narellan – Oakdale – The Oaks – Picton – Thirlmere – South West
THE OAKS TIGERS
CHRISTOPHER TARIPO
Centre/fullback
A welcome addition in the back half of the season, Chris adds depth in the outside backs and the former Cook Islands international brings a wealth of experience to call upon in the charge towards the finals.
BEN SCAMBARY
Centre/second row
A Mr Fix-it for the Tigers, the proud local junior is equally effective in the pack or playing centre. Knows how to make an impact, and scored a try in last year’s grand final against Camden.
MITCHELL GOUGH
Wing
Quickly finding his feet after time out of the game, the former Oakdale speedster has made the most of his chances in the top grade and scored a season-best three tries against Narellan.
DANIEL SMITH
Fullback
Following an extended break, Daniel, the brother of Penrith and NSW prop Lindsay Smith, has made a significant contribution down back. Reliable under the high and lightning sharp off the mark, he’s a serious attacking threat.
CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS
LEON LONGBOTTOM
Centre
A vital piece of the puzzle on Collies’ lethal left edge, since returning from Picton, the centre has formed a formidable try-scoring combination inside winger Ray Mu.
BLAKE CLAYTON
Utility back
One of several astute off-season signings, Blake has the pace and skills to cover anywhere in the back line. Played Ron Massey Cup last season and will be one to watch in the big games ahead.
CARSON LEALUGA-PUHOTAU
Prop/Second row
The Wests Tigers pathways forward has been a shining light in a dangerous Collies pack. Has a big engine, and the teenager gets through a mountain of work.
AMANI TOFAEONO
Hooker
In a dominant pack, Amani goes about his work with minimal fuss. Brings the big men onto the ball, and reads the play, picking his time when to go it alone or fire up a short side raid.
THIRLMERE ROOSTERS
VINCE ROMEO
Prop/Second row
A constant figure in the Roosters’ middle, Vince gets through a power of tacking. In a highlight reel moment, he bobbed up on the wing against Picton, scoring match winning try after the final siren.
MARIKA TUILAU
Wing/centre
A potent strike force on Thirlmere’s left edge, the elusive winger had 10 tries against his name after 13 rounds.
LINCOLN MINERS
Hooker/halfback
A mid-season signing from Picton, the handy hooker has made the most of his chances since being called into the top grade at halfback. Brings a solid kicking game and continually pushes up in support.
MATT GROAT
Prop
A late arrival in the countdown to the opening round, the former NRL prop is now finding his legs and adds plenty of punch in the pack after several years away from the game.
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY
BRYCE SHAW
Prop/second row
Surrounded by experienced forwards including captain Ava Seumanufagai, Bryce has taken his game to another level. Can get through a mountain of work in the middle and has the footwork and speed to make an impact on an edge.
ANTHONY LEATHAM
Utility back
A handy all-rounder, Anthony holds his own out wide and is just as capable in the halves. Called upon to kick goals mid-season, more often than not he makes the score rise in sixes.
LUANI TUIFUA
Prop
Strong in contact, the tall prop can also unsettle the defence with his footwork. Continues to challenge the best front rowers in the competition.
DANE RANSOM
Prop
The rangy prop has been impressive since arriving from Townsville. Following a full season of SG Ball with Wests Magpies, he’s become a vital addition off the City bench. One to watch with a head of steam from close range.
OAKDALE WORKERS
COOPER SMITH
Centre
A rugged defensive centre with a sharp turn of speed, the former backrower is equally at home in the trenches or in open space on Oakdale’s left edge.
O’SHAY TYERMAN
Fullback
A cracking addition from the South Sydney A-grade comp, the Workers fullback has wasted no time lighting up Macarthur. Continues to add to a lengthy list of long range tries.
TRISTYN BALL
Prop
A young prop with Jersey Flegg experience at the Wests Tigers, the former East Campbelltown middle has made an immediate impact since joining the Workers.
JARROD KEPPIE
Utility
Can play anywhere and often does. From wing to backrow, the lean mean tackling machine just loves being in the contest.
SOUTH WEST GOANNAS
TYLER AH-CHONG
Hooker
A vital cog in the Goannas’ attack, Ah-Chong is a clever dummy half who spent time playing Jersey Flegg with North Sydney.
SOTEILA FATUI
Centre
With speed and strength, the quick centre arrived at South West from the North Sydney pathways, where he has become a regular on the Goannas’ scoring sheet.
EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES
BOSE SERUKALOU
Wing
The Eagles’ got-to man out wide, the Fijian speedster is a consistent finisher on the wing. With safe hands and quick wheels, he’s a regular in the East Campbelltown highlights and can strike on either edge.
TYRAN PETTIT-YOUNG
Halfback
A serious talent with lighting reflexes and a nous for accumulating points, the zippy half has transformed the East Campbelltown attack since arriving from Brothers Penrith.
DONOVAN BONEY
Five-eighth
Played alongside Pettit-Young in the Ron Massey Cup and immediately turned heads with his match winning capabilities when he joined the Eagles mid-season. Knows how to score four points, and is handy from the kicking tee.
ALAPATI POTIFARA
Prop
The big prop is a central force in the Eagles’ mix. Continually rumbles forward and always fights for bigger metres in contact.
PICTON MAGPIES
JUSTIN STOWERS
Wing
A combination of size and power on the right wing, Stowers has racked up 10 four-pointers across the opening 13 rounds.
JACKSON CAHILL-SMITH
Halfback
The former Manly Sea Eagles pathways rep has been a consistent starter in the halves this season. Has a long kicking game and backs it up with strong defence.
DAMON GOOLAGONG
Centre
A late addition to the Picton line-up, Goolagong is an imposing centre and noted line-breaker who arrives with experience in the NSW Cup.
BILLY CARROLL
Prop
A reliable clubman, Billy continues to put his body on the line for the Magpies. Goes about his work without any fuss and can be counted on to deliver quality.
CAMDEN RAMS
FIOHIVA SIALE FAINGA’A
Centre
Arguably among the top signings of the season. Since joining from the Parkes Spacemen, Fainga’a has made the left centre position his own and is one to watch in the Rams’ quest for back-to-back titles.
AIDEN MENZIES
Fullback
By no means the flashiest fullback in the competition, but definitely among the most reliable. A key voice in organising Camden’s defence, the No.1 has a happy knack of shutting down tries with last-ditch scrambling efforts.
RUA HONA
Centre
Light on his feet, the former Picton centre doesn’t need much room to cause a threat. In a club flush with talent, Hona has managed to hold down a first grade spot for the majority of the season.
BRAD HOPKINS
Second row
An old-school backrower cut from the 70s, Hopkins rarely misses his mark and was a key member in each of Camden’s last two premierships.
MITTAGONG LIONS
MITCHELL BARBUTO
Wing
Now in his second season with the Lions, the tall winger has become a feature on the left edge. Long striding, he can beat a man and either finish or link with trailing support.
DAVID ECCLESTON
Fullback
Always on the move, the busy fullback returns kicks with passion and can be relied upon to scout the front line, looking to find holes in the defence.
JOSIAH TAMASI
Second row
Never short of energy, the compact backrower inspires his teammates with wholehearted efforts on both sides of the ball.
LEVI DODD
Centre/halves
Following an injury disrupted start to his time at Mittagong, the former Narellan skipper has become a regular on the scoresheet, scoring plenty of tries either from centre or in the halves.
NARELLAN JETS
HOSEA LEUEA
Halfback
The livewire No.7 has had an interrupted season since coming across from Collies. Tough to handle behind a winning pack, the Jets will be hoping he finishes the season at his best.
WILLIAMS AFUALO
Second row
In a challenging season, the busy backrower has been a constant in the Jets pack. Hits the line hard and can get an offload away.
NICHOLAS SOLOA TOOMATA
Second row
A punishing defender at his best, the former Picton and East Campbelltown forward is one to watch when he makes the initial contact.
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