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Macarthur Rugby League: 60+ players to watch in season 2025

Local footy is firing, and with a mix of new faces and seasoned veterans, there’s plenty of reasons to get to your nearest ground. Here’s 60+ stars to watch in Macarthur’s top grade.

There’s plenty of new faces on show this season in Macarthur Rugby League.
There’s plenty of new faces on show this season in Macarthur Rugby League.

In what shapes as an open race to the finals, we take a look at a mix of new faces and seasoned veterans from all 11 first grade sides.

Meet 60+ players to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.

RELATED CONTENT: MACARTHUR RL SEASON PREVIEW

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Camden RamsCampbelltown CityCampbelltown CollegiansEast CampbelltownMittagongNarellanOakdaleThe Oaks PictonThirlmereSouth West

CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS

JOKATAMA DOKONIVALU

A man mountain with a wealth of experience at the higher levels, Jokatama is a prop known for his powerful carries and sneaky offloads.

TIFA IUTA

Nearly unstoppable from close range, the backrower also serves as Collies’ captain and is a lethal on the left edge.

Tifa Iuta for Campbelltown Collegians. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Tifa Iuta for Campbelltown Collegians. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

KEN SIO

Since transferring from Thirlmere in the off-season, the former NRL flyer has slotted in at fullback and been a key part of the team’s early-season revival.

TYRONE HARDING

A human highlight reel, the livewire halfback is super quick and carries a deep bag of tricks that is worth the price of admission alone.

RAYMOND MU

A crowd favourite at Bradbury Oval, no-one loves scoring a try more than the diminutive Collies winger. Tenacious and tough on the left edge.

ADAM HOFFMANN

A gifted utility, Adam is a playmaker equally adept at playing in the halves or in the No.1 jumper. Doubles as a handy goalkicker.

Adam Hoffmann prepares to pass for Collies. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Adam Hoffmann prepares to pass for Collies. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

THIRLMERE

JUSTIN SMITH

A reliable clubman, Justin is a hard as nails backrower known for inspiring his teammates upfront.

BARRY RUTTLEY

A former representative player for the Australian Defence Force, Barry is a noted tryscorer who offers speed out wide and is brilliant in cover defence.

Barry Ruttley has returned to Thirlmere in 2025. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Barry Ruttley has returned to Thirlmere in 2025. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

KYE MADDEN

The heart and soul of the Roosters pack. Kye is a respected middle who captained Thirlmere to the 2023 title.

WAQASAQA QIOLEVU

A hulking figure in the Thirlmere front row, the former winger is easy to spot and still knows how to sniff out a try.

TIM SIMONA

Made his name as a strike centre for the Wests Tigers, but has shown his all-round qualities since starring in the No.6 jumper for Thirlmere.

JOEY TOWERTON

The Roosters’ organiser in attack, Joey sports a trademark headgear and is known for his pinpoint short and long kicking game.

Joey Towerton fires off a pass as Kye Madden watches on. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Joey Towerton fires off a pass as Kye Madden watches on. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

THE OAKS

NEIL BEGOVICH

After a handful of seasons out of the game, the veteran prop returns and brings plenty of nous from his time coming through the Wests Tigers pathways.

MITCHELL NEW

A former premiership winner with Thirlmere, the elusive hooker is lightning off the mark and known for his high workrate.

RAGEN GILBERT

An x-factor player, Ragen’s speed and competitive instincts are just as effective in the back row or playing at centre.

Ragen Gilbert flies high for the Tigers. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Ragen Gilbert flies high for the Tigers. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

JOSEPH UALESI

Since joining The Oaks in 2024, the giant prop has continually carried the Tigers forward and made a habit of picking up regular four-pointers.

CRUISE IOSEFA

A must on the wing, Cruise leverages his low centre of gravity to advantage when carrying the ball out of trouble.

DANIEL PAYNE

Never far from the action, the gifted No.7 is a big game player and forms a potent attacking combination alongside skipper, Mitchell Brasington.

Daniel Payne on the move. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Daniel Payne on the move. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

NARELLAN

TYREECE REA-MILFORD

A former pathways player at Wests, Tyreece is an energetic No.7 capable of busting the line and organising his teammates in attack.

POASA FA’AMAUSILI

After wrapping up his NRL career with Canterbury last season, the experienced middle is now at the forefront of Narellan’s rebuild.

Poasa Faamausili brings a wealth of experience to Narellan. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Poasa Faamausili brings a wealth of experience to Narellan. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

LEVI BROMFIELD

Another new addition to the Jets pack, Levi knows the ropes after a long career playing upfront for Thirlmere.

SALESA TAVUI

A big body on Narellan’s right edge, Salesa is a try scoring centre with a punishing left-arm fend.

JACOB ESAU

Another imposing figure upfront for Narellan, Jacob is a well credentialed prop with NSW Cup experience who joined the club from East Campbelltown.

JOSHUA TAYLOR-MYLES

A goal kicking hooker from the Shire, Joshua is a genuine threat around the ruck and played last season with Aquinas Colts.

Joshua Taylor-Myles has joined Narellan in 2025. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Joshua Taylor-Myles has joined Narellan in 2025. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

CAMPBELLTOWN CITY

BRAYDON FERGUSON

A new addition from Minto, Braydon shows no self preservation as a hard running centre. Spent his early days in the pathways at Canterbury.

JUNIOR MOORS

Alongside captain-coach Ava Seumanufagai, Junior is one of the most respected front-rowers in the competition following more than a handful of seasons in the NRL.

Junior Moors looks for support. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Junior Moors looks for support. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

LORIMA COSGRAVE

An Ingleburn RSL junior, Lorima is a rising hooker who has already caught the eye of keen judges. After starting the year with Wests Magpies in SG Ball, he’s set to continue his development in the top grade at City.

MICHAEL STEVENS

Following a couple of seasons on the sidelines, the club veteran has returned to lead the side around the park. Has slotted in at halfback but is equally effective at hooker.

PESAMINO PASINA

A try scoring backrower, Pesamino has made a home on the left edge following a full pre-season with North Sydney’s NSW Cup squad.

SADEE SUB LABAN

Light on his feet, Sadee always keeps the opposition defence on edge while playing at five-eighth.

Sadee Sub Laban sparks the City attack. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Sadee Sub Laban sparks the City attack. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

OAKDALE

JACKSON BLATCH

A strapping winger on the Workers’ right edge, Jackson has come along in leaps and bounds after a brief stint with Cabramatta in the Ron Massey Cup.

ALEX ISDALE

The young half made his top grade debut for Oakdale last season while still at school. Now in the Cronulla pathways, Alex continues to make the most of his development opportunities in the Macarthur comp.

Alex Isdale returns for a second season with Oakdale. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Alex Isdale returns for a second season with Oakdale. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

FRANCIS TUIGAMALA

Sporting the scars of more than a decade in the front row, Francis shows no signs of slowing down. A wrecking ball from close range, he’s been a major asset since arriving last year.

VAIALA TAMATI

One to watch on Oakdale’s left, Vaiala is a hard running centre who spent last season with Ryde Eastwood playing halves in Ron Massey Cup.

JERMAINE HAULE

Jermaine brings the class to Oakdale’s ruck. A zippy No.9, he picks his moments in attack and lifts the energy when times are tough.

LUKE WILLIAMS

After an injury disrupted 2024, Luke’s utility value in the pack is a welcome addition as the club strives to take the next step and qualify for this year’s grand final.

Luke Williams offloads for Oakdale. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Luke Williams offloads for Oakdale. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

SOUTH WEST

COHEN BENSON

A rising half for Balmain in SG Ball, Cohen has made an instant impact in his first season at the Goannas. Combining speed and awareness, he hasn't looked out of place in the No.1 jumper.

LOCKYER PICKERING-RATU

Another of the young brigade, Lockyer has come through the North Sydney pathways and is quickly making a name for himself with his dash off the bench.

Lockyer Pickering-Ratu puts on a move for the Goannas. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Lockyer Pickering-Ratu puts on a move for the Goannas. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

TROY DARGIN

Troy, a former captain-coach of the Windsor Wolves, has taken over the captaincy since arriving in the off-season and has built a strong halves combination with Brad Takairangi.

GREG EASTWOOD

The former Kiwi international continues to smash out the metres upfront. Since making his NRL debut for Brisbane in 2005, he has been giving back to the game ever since.

SHAUN VA’ALEPU

Easy to spot on the right wing, Shaun is among the tallest outside backs in the comp. Spent last season playing A-grade in Penrith and continues to find the stripe in his new colours.

SOTEILA FATUI

Another with links to Norths, Soteila is an up-and-coming centre who arrived at South West following a full season of SG Ball with the Bears.

Soteila Fatui gets an offload away for North Sydney in SG Ball earlier this year. Picture: Julian Andrews
Soteila Fatui gets an offload away for North Sydney in SG Ball earlier this year. Picture: Julian Andrews

PICTON

LUKE KEPPIE

Sharpened by his time playing junior reps, Luke has made a name for himself as a goal kicking playmaker. Spent the off-season in the Melbourne Storm pathways before starting the season at fullback for Picton.

CHARLIE WOOLFORD

A chip off the old block, Charlie joined father and coach, Simon, at Picton during the off-season. A noted try scorer, he’s one to keep an eye on from close range.

Charlie Woolford looks for a runner. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Charlie Woolford looks for a runner. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

JAYCOB OLOAGA

Recruited from Campbelltown Collegians, Jaycob is a robust prop who hasn’t wasted any time settling into Picton’s front row.

MICHAEL LETT

With multiple premierships to his name, the Picton veteran is a true club legend. Michael often talks about retirement, but unlike when he has a Steeden in hand, he just can’t seem to execute the plan.

BJ WEBSTER-MANSFIELD

The former NSW Cup centre is a significant addition to the Magpies squad. Tall and with a no-nonsense attitude, he brings plenty of starch to the left edge.

JAMES FOLAUMOETUI

Unfashionable upfront, the teenage prop isn’t afraid to take on the best. Gets through a mountain of work and is often among Picton’s best.

James Folaumoetui carts it up for Picton. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
James Folaumoetui carts it up for Picton. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

EAST CAMPBELLTOWN

JOSEPH ROMEO

Starting to come into his own, Joseph is a gifted centre who spent the past three seasons playing second-tier footy in England.

JACK CRICHTON

If you don’t see Jack in full flight, the chances are you’ll hear his footsteps. Standing at two metres, the giant middle continues to make an impact in the top grade.

Jack Crichton has a run for East Campbelltown. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Jack Crichton has a run for East Campbelltown. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

BROOKLYN MILFORD

A local junior, Brooklyn’s development has been fast tracked in the Wests Tigers pathways. Still a teenager, the hooker is a fierce defender with a commitment to succeed.

KOBE CHAMBERLAIN

A familiar face in the Macarthur comp, Kobe is a barnstorming backrower known for his damaging raids along the right edge.

SEAN CONNOR

A veteran of the side, Sean is a reliable playmaker and accomplished goal kicker who is also tasked with guiding the club’s next generation of talent.

MATTHEW LUCAS

Another player from last season’s East Campbelltown U18s grand final team, Matthew is a talented half who has seamlessly transitioned into the senior ranks.

Matthew Lucas in full flight for the Eagles. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Matthew Lucas in full flight for the Eagles. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

CAMDEN

JACKSON WILLIS

On his day, the Rams playmaker has the ball on a string — scores tries, sets up even more, and is handy from the kicking tee.

TUKAHA KYRIACOU

Since joining from Picton, Tukaha has forced his way into the Rams’ premiership winning pack. A feature on the right edge, he defends well and knows how to get his name on the scoresheet.

New Camden recruit, Tukaha Kyriacou. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
New Camden recruit, Tukaha Kyriacou. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

ZACH RILEY

Definitely one to watch as the finals approach. The former Corrimal hooker made the most of his debut off the bench in round five, and is set to become a permanent fixture in the top 17.

JOHN RYAN

A noted try scorer on Camden’s left edge, the winger returns after spending 2024 playing Sydney Shield with Ryde-Eastwood.

BAILEY DICKINSON

One of the top enforcers in the competition, the towering premiership winning prop continues to carry the Rams forward.

JAMES DAVEY

After serving a long apprenticeship behind Brad Speechley, the gun half has not looked out of place filling the boots of the injured captain-coach during the opening rounds.

James Davey with his player of the match award following Camden’s win in the 2024 reserve grade grand final. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
James Davey with his player of the match award following Camden’s win in the 2024 reserve grade grand final. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

MITTAGONG

JAKE STEADMAN

The well credentialed five-eighth is a major signing from Oakdale. Hasn’t blinked an eye in the transition and has been a key performer in the Lions’ strong start to the season.

Jake Steadman is met by the City defence. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Jake Steadman is met by the City defence. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

BLAKE BARBUTO

One of Mittagong’s most consistent contributors, the highly skilled hooker steps up this season with a share of the coaching duties. Always a chance of scoring a try from dummy-half.

NICHOLAS ECCLESTON

A vital cog in the Lions’ backline, Nicholas is adept at calling the shots in the halves or punching holes in the opposition from fullback.

Andre Wright in action for Mittagong. Picture Warren Gannon Photography
Andre Wright in action for Mittagong. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

ANDRE WRIGHT

Big and mobile, the hard working prop has made a strong start since joining Mittagong. Has a good turn of pace and knows how to hit a gap.

GORDON TOOMALATAI

One of a number of recruits from Narellan, Gordon offers presence on the Lions’ left edge. The skilled backrower is tough to handle and can also play in the centres.

KYLE WILSON

A handy addition from the South Sydney A-grade comp, Kyle is a running five-eighth who can also cover the fullback position.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/macarthur-rugby-league-60-players-to-watch-in-season-2025/news-story/e067cce1dab18b43521cea2ab1a87416