Macarthur Rugby League: 70+ juniors on show in the grand finals at Campbelltown Stadium
The top junior RL sides in the Macarthur region will shoot for glory this weekend at Campbelltown Stadium. To celebrate, we look at 70+ players across all 15 grand finals.
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Community rugby league takes centre stage at Campbelltown Stadium this weekend with two days of junior grand final action.
From under-13s to under-16s, the top boys’ and girls’ sides in the region will battle for premiership glory in 15 deciders on Saturday and Sunday.
To celebrate, we look at 70+ players on show in a massive weekend of grand finals.
JUMP TO
U13 BRONZE - U13 SILVER - U13 GOLD - U14 BRONZE - U14 SILVER - U14 GOLD - GIRLS U14 SILVER - GIRLS U14 GOLD - GIRLS U16 GOLD - U15 BRONZE - U15 SILVER - U15 GOLD - U16 BRONZE - U16 SILVER - U16 GOLD
U13 BRONZE
JAYDEN IAKOPO (HINCHINBROOK HORNETS)
Fullback
If his three tries in the semi final are anything to go by, Jayden could have the stadium rocking by midday. Despite missing a stack of games with a shoulder injury, the speedster has still scored 23 tries.
JAYDEN DUCK (HINCHINBROOK HORNETS)
Centre
A massive unit who tackles like a demon, Jayden started the year at lock before shifting out wide. At his best when mopping up anyone who tries to run around the Hornets’ nest.
BEAU PATERSON (HINCHINBROOK HORNETS)
Hooker
Despite suffering from asthma, Beau eats and breathes rugby league. Gives away plenty of size, but consistently churns out 30-40 tackles per match.
BRYSON COENEN (THE OAKS)
Hooker
The Tigers’ inspirational captain controls the shots around the ruck and likes to scoot when the forwards dominate. With 21 tries this season, he’s a big chance to trouble the scorers on Saturday.
BILL DESANOVSKI (THE OAKS)
Prop
It’s hard to believe big Bill was playing soccer 12 months ago. A natural runner, the rampaging prop is virtually impossible to stop and leads the competition with a whopping 30 tries.
RYKEN WESSELING (THE OAKS)
Fullback
One of the smallest on the park, Ryken is a fearless competitor. Safe under the high ball, the quiet achiever only knows one speed and doesn't have a handbrake.
U13 SILVER
ETHAN ARMYTAGE (CAMDEN)
Second row
A dynamic backrower with lightning-fast footwork, Ethan is the competition’s leading try scorer with 20. A key player, he drives the side’s momentum.
JACOB ROJAS-REDDY (CAMDEN)
Prop
A crucial anchor in both attack and defence, Jacob is a powerhouse front-rower who will once again lead the forwards with his relentless go-forward and rock-solid defence.
PATRICK DOYLE (CAMDEN)
Five-eighth
A fierce competitor at five-eighth, Patrick never backs down from a challenge. A lethal weapon with ball in hand, he also tops the chart for points scored.
JOEL TAGO (GLENQUARIE)
Lock
The co-captain has been at the club since under-6s. Combines strong defence with an all-round attacking game, and his leadership is second to none.
MACKENZIE AUTAGAVAIA (GLENQUARIE)
Centre
A new addition this season, the flying centre has made a name for himself with 18 tries. A genuine highlight machine, his willingness to compete is unmatched.
AISEA SAUKURU (GLENQUARIE)
Halfback
The other half of Glenquarie’s leadership team, Aisea might be the smallest in the group but he has the biggest heart. Footy IQ is his strength, and he delights in directing the boys around the park.
U13 GOLD
YIANNI TASSIOS (CAMDEN)
Prop
The hard working prop has made a huge impact since joining the Rams this year. Leads from the front and always gives 100 per cent.
THOMAS STEPHENS (CAMDEN)
Hooker
Since moving from the halves, the skipper has made the No.9 jersey his own. Works hard in defence and reads the game well.
COOPER BLACK (CAMDEN)
Centre
He’s only small, but Cooper makes up for it with a wholehearted approach. Chops down bigger opponents and already has 12 tries against his name.
BRIGHTON PATI FETUIAI (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Centre
A strike weapon on the left edge, Brighton is still raw but caused Camden plenty of headaches when the sides last met, scoring two tries.
ARTHUR HOPOATE (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Lock
Among the next generation from the famous footballing family, Arthur is the glue in the Eagles pack. Still a year young, he’s one of several in the team chasing back-to-back titles.
MADDOX KELLOWAY (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Second row
The super smart captain brings plenty to the table. Capable of running the show in the halves, he is at his best picking apart defenders with clever lines.
U14 BRONZE
ETHAN BISHOP (CAMDEN)
Second row
An edge back-rower with mesmerising foot work, Ethan mixes dangerous attack with solid defence.
JEROME SU’A (CAMDEN)
Lock
There’s no time for fear on grand final day, and Jerome is exactly the type of power forward Camden need to hoist the trophy.
COOPER SMITH (CAMDEN)
Five-eighth
The proud Rams skipper will do anything to help his teammates across the line. A quality playmaker, he’ll keep probing until the final siren.
TYLER SHAW (NARELLAN)
Prop
Sports the best mullet in the age group, and matches it on the park with strong carries and punishing defence. The Jets’ leader, Tyler loves footy and last year was named U13 player of the year.
U14 SILVER
MALACHI BAINIVALU (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Lock
A bundle of energy in the middle, Malachi’s 11 tries are the most by an Eagle this season.
AZRIEL ALATIMU (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Second row
Puts his teammates on the same page with clear communication. Then with the Steeden under his arm, Azriel cause numerous headaches and can initiate second phase play.
NICOLAS BARBARO (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Centre/fullback
He’s not the biggest outside back going around, but Nicolas is a well respected defender. Alongside winger Malikii King, the pair played a crucial role in advancing the Eagles to the decider.
HARRISON COLLINGS (THIRLMERE)
Second row
A leading light in the competition, the edge backrower is sure to feature on every cheat sheet. Knows how to pick a weakness, and has 21 tries to prove it.
BEAU BALDOCK (THIRLMERE)
Fullback
Slow chasers beware, Beau returns the ball with lightning speed and is known for getting the Roosters away to a fast start. Unmatched in positional play, the slippery fullback has crossed on 20 occasions this year.
TALON GARARD (THIRLMERE)
Halfback
A promising half who is quickly learning how to control a game. Talon can put runners into space and knows when to back himself at the line.
DREW MASON (THIRLMERE)
Hooker
If the hooker in headgear looks familiar, it’s because he’s the brother of Wests Tigers NRL fullback Heath Mason. Drew is efficient around the ruck, and brings the pack forward with efficient service from dummy-half.
U14 GOLD
JYAI MILFORD (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Halfback
One of several young Eagles in the Wests Tigers U14 development squad, Jyai is an elite game manager with an old head on young shoulders. Enters the grand final as the competition’s equal leading point scorer.
TERRY BLAIR (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Second row
An edge backrower, Terry is a difficult proposition for defenders. Has a good working combination with Jyai, and loves to run an unders line.
RICO LOGAI-IUSIANO (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Wing
Super slick, super quick. That’s Rico, the rangy speedster with 13 tries and a freakish ability to bring down bombs in attack.
EZIAH FAAVAE-ELI (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Centre
A right centre with bone crunching defence, Eziah knows what’s required in big games. In the 2023 decider, his pace and strength were rewarded with the player of the match award.
PATRICK FINIANOS (CAMDEN)
Five-eighth
The humble Rams captain goes about his business with minimal fuss. A consistent performer, his 106 points are the equal most in 2024.
DENHAM TSAGALAS (CAMDEN)
Lock
A quality enforcer with and without the ball, Denham brings plenty of nous and knowledge to the Camden forward pack. Tall and skilful, he can hit the line or put teammates into space.
KADE GRAHAM (CAMDEN)
Hooker
Like a dog with a bone, Kade is the ultimate competitor. With a game fuelled by desire, he leaves everything on the park and always returns home with an empty tank.
GIRLS U14 SILVER
ELENA CHARLES (INGLEBURN RSL TIGERS)
Second row
In addition to a sharp footy brain, Elena brings a brutal mix of power and speed. Rock solid in defence, she’s among the Tigers’ best.
BELLA MCDONNELL (INGLEBURN RSL TIGERS)
Fullback
With a booming voice down back, everyone knows exactly where the star fullback is. A quality leader, alongside Keisha Autagavaia, Bella is one of two Tigers to crack the rep scene.
MELE FUKO-POHARAMA (INGLEBURN RSL TIGERS)
Hooker
Ingleburn’s best result last season was a draw. And just like Mele, the team has gone from strength to strength. The crafty No.9 picks her moments in attack and always leads the tackle count.
LILY WADSWORTH (THE OAKS)
Halfback
A ball running halfback, Lily is at her best when challenging the front line.
LILY STEVENS (THE OAKS)
Lock
A tireless defender, Lily always lines up to carry the ball forward at pace. Has scored 12 tries this season, and kicks goals too.
JORJAH GADD (THE OAKS)
Prop
The bustling prop has stepped up her game at the right end of the season. Enters the grand final after crossing the stripe three times in the major final.
GIRLS U14 GOLD
CHARLIE NOBLE (NARELLAN)
Halfback
A smart and dedicated halfback, Charlie has scored 11 tries in her first season of league. Kicks goals too, and has all the makings for a bright future.
GIRLS U16 GOLD
DAWN TUI (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Hooker
One to keep an eye on, Dawn has already scored a train and trial deal with the Wests Tigers Harvey Norman squad. Naturally gifted, she enjoys eyes-up footy.
MELISSA TAIATU (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Prop
Big minutes, and an even bigger attitude. That’s why Melissa has been named team captain. Crunches out strong metres and dominates the contact.
KALANI GODINET (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Five-eighth
A diminutive and classy athlete with vision well beyond her years, Kalani oozes quality in possession and folds opponents like laundry in defence.
U15 BRONZE
TOBY CUDMORE (CAMDEN)
Prop
The benchmark for energy in Camden’s forward pack, Toby can be counted on to deliver a full throttle performance.
CADEN CLARKE (CAMDEN)
Hooker
Caden calls the shots from dummy-half, but once the final siren sounds, his quick-witted humour commands centre stage.
ZAK STROUNIS (CAMDEN)
Halfback
Having lost their most recent outing to Mittagong, Zak’s calming influence will be a key element in the Rams’ effort to turn the tables. A born leader with footy class to match.
BROHDI FLEETON (MITTAGONG)
Second row
Aggressive and dominant ripping into the line, Brohdi has been an influential figure in Mittagong’s charge to the top of the ladder.
FLYNN REBBECK (MITTAGONG)
Halfback
Packed with vision and creative flair, Flynn is a rising No.7 who causes havoc with a sharp turn of speed.
KOBE HAYES (MITTAGONG)
Lock
One of several young Lions in the Wests Tigers pathways, Kobe does everything at full tilt. Tackles hard and throws himself at defenders.
U15 SILVER
CHAD GEERING (MINTO)
Fullback
With injuries in the camp, Chad could well split his time between fullback and in the halves. A key member in Minto’s run to the grand final, he’s the fastest in the team.
ANTHONY LEAO-SEVE (MINTO)
Second row
A ball of muscle, Anthony is tough to contain. A damaging middle, he also has the best footwork in the squad.
MADA NIUTILI (MINTO)
Centre
Of Ethiopian descent, Mada has taken to league like a fish to water. With solid all-round skills, in just his second season he’s on track to hoist the trophy and pick up the team’s best back award.
ABRAHAM TEAREA (MINTO)
Second row/prop
In a powerful lesson for all teams, this rising wrecking ball has come along in leaps and bounds this season after making it to just about every training session.
KRUZE RAPAEA (EAGLE VALE ST ANDREWS)
Lock
When these fierce rivals faced off earlier in the finals, Eagle Vale got home in extra time. It’s expected to be close again, and as usual Kruze will set the platform. A prodigious talent, his hard running is matched with big shots in defence.
COREY MURRAY (EAGLE VALE ST ANDREWS)
Hooker
Corey has all the facets expected of a rising No.9. He kicks well, and knows how to create space around the ruck.
AIDEN SIMPSON (EAGLE VALE ST ANDREWS)
Halfback
Eagle Vale’s little general directs the traffic and controls the tempo. Can kick the side out of trouble, and is effective using his boot from close range.
U15 GOLD
CONNOR POTTS (CAMDEN)
Halfback
A halfback with great decision making skills, Connor combines vision and touch to execute his plays with precision.
LLANDEN GRANGER (CAMDEN)
Fullback
Camden’s linchpin at the back, Llanden brings a strong voice and great defensive reads. In attack, he pushes forward and constantly creates scoring opportunities for the team.
JOSH RATU (CAMDEN)
Centre
Josh has a great combination of speed, strength, agility, and quick footwork. Known for his ability to break out of tackles he has crossed the stripe on 10 occasions.
KINGSTON FINAU (NARELLAN)
Five eighth
Kingston is an elusive No.6 with great vision and a knack for creating something out of nothing. In an outstanding season, the NSW CHS rep has scored 10 tries and is recognised among the most talented in the age group.
U16 BRONZE
NATE BAXTER (CAMDEN)
Second row
Strong and dedicated, Nate will have to be at his powerful best to combat a committed Liverpool pack.
FINN MACLEOD (CAMDEN)
Centre
An entertainer out wide, Finn never strays from the task at hand. Brings blinding speed and will hope to increase his tally of 10 tries.
IZAAC ROBERTS (CAMDEN)
Halfback
Knows the value of leadership and sets a positive example every week. A rock solid defender.
U16 SILVER
KEYNAN PES (THE OAKS)
Hooker
The Oaks captain is already turning heads. An all rounder who plays well above his weight, Keynan is on the rep radar and hopes to play Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s) next season.
LUCAS STEVENS (THE OAKS)
Lock
Gives away plenty of weight, but Lucas loves nothing better than chopping down the big boys with a grass-cutting tackling technique.
LUKE SEVERIN (THE OAKS)
Fullback
Strong in defence, Luke is also regarded as a major attacking threat. Pushes up through the middle and chimes in out wide. Scored a double in the prelim and arrives at Campbelltown in top form.
U16 GOLD
ISZAK ISDALE (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Fullback
Still a year young, Iszak will count on his pace and magic feet to carry East Campbelltown to the title.
JORDAN TRUCKLE (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Centre
Calls left centre home, and the tough-as-nails enforcer will do everything in his power to get the job done.
BROCK ACHURCH (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Halfback
A young half with a game built on traditional values, the Eagles skipper is a deep thinker and will have something up his sleeve in the decider. Has scored eight tries this season.
VINCENT DE GIORGIO (CAMDEN)
Wing
It’s the final game of a big weekend, but fans should do whatever it takes to catch a glimpse of Vincent in full flight. Can motor, and with 24 tries he averages more than two every outing.
RUBEN TOGA (CAMDEN)
Second row
A great team man, those in the know reckon Ruben has a split personality. Polite and softly spoken off the field, when it comes to footy, his huge smile makes way for steely determination.
AIDAN GRIMA (CAMDEN)
Prop
A mature front-rower, Aidan is the Rams’ popular captain who leads by example. His presence lifts the team and he has played for the club since under-6s.
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