Macarthur Rugby League: The 18 players to watch ahead of this year’s finals series

The Macarthur Rugby League finals are upon us with five teams battling it out for glory. NewsLocal rates the 18 young guns, workhorses and X-factor players to watch in this year’s finals.

After two years in the wilderness, Macarthur is now on the cusp of a rugby league finals return.

NewsLocal sat down with the finals team coaches and asked them to name the young guns, workhorses and X-factors to lookout for during this season’s finals.

East Campbelltown Eagles Edwin Sean Connor. Pics Ian Svegovic

EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES

EDWIN CONNOR

Eagles coach Richard Barnes was hesitant to single out individuals in what has been a ‘strong team performance all year’. But it’s difficult to look past the scheming halfback.

Connor led from the front in the absence of regular skipper Johnny Da Silva for six weeks. A veteran of the Eagles 2014 Sydney Shield premiership winning side, Connor is the team’s voice and leading point scorer.

BRYCE WILSON

A fullback, Wilson is another one of East Campbelltown’s young brigade to keep an eye on. A product of the Wests Tigers’ junior rep system, Bryce joined the Eagles late in the season and has already crossed for five tries.

BLAKE CLAYTON

A more than capable fullback, Clayton has made a name for himself on the wing in East Campbelltown’s charge up the ladder. With nine tries, he is the club leading try scorer.

Campbelltown Eagles Johnny Da Silva. Picture supplied.

JOHNNY DA SILVA

The reliable skipper returned from a broken leg to play in the Eagles’ final round win. The addition of the hard working veteran will only strengthen what is an already formidable middle.

CAMDEN RAMS

MASON CERRUTO

An elusive fullback, Cerruto is the other half on the Rams coaching brains trust alongside halfback Brad Speechley.

“Mason is all class, he represented Italy in the 2017 World Cup and has plenty of experience in the NSW Cup,” Speechley said.

Mason Cerruto of Italy makes a line break during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup at Canberra Stadium on November 10, 2017. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

DANNY FUALALO

Speechley singled out prop Danny Fualalo as the leader of the Rams pack.

“He’s tough and uncompromising. Danny played over 70 NRL games for the Bulldogs and he’s still only 27-years-old,” Speechley said.

JOHN RYAN

Winger John Ryan is another speedy Ram to watch out for. His 12 tries are the most by a Camden player and rank third overall in the competition.

Danny Fualalo for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at UOW Jubilee Oval in Sydney, Sunday, August 26, 2018. (AAP Image/Brendan Esposito)

CITY KANGAROOS

ALEX SEVE

For Kangaroos captain-coach Michael Stevens, Seve is City‘s number one playmaker.

“He’s our halfback and the chief of our kicking game,“ said Stevens.

“He joined us after stints with Blacktown in the NSW Cup and the Canterbury- Bankstown Bulldogs in their u20’s. When he’s playing his best footy, he uses his speed and selective passing to put players into space.”

CHRIS WILLIAMSON

Stevens couldn’t praise the club’s veteran backrower enough.

“Chris has been at the club for 14 years, he’s a hard worker, and for me, he’s the best backrower in the Group,” he said.

Chris Williamson on attack for Campbelltown City Kangaroos at Fullwood Reserve in Claymore. Picture supplied.

RAYMOND MOUJALLI

At 37, Ray is responsible for initiating much of City’s go forward. But after suffering a strained hamstring two weeks before the finals, Stevens will be sweating on the big prop making a full recovery.

“Ray brings plenty of NSW Cup experience and his presence alone is great for the young guys in the team,” Stevens said.

OAKDALE WORKERS

MICHAEL BULLOCK

Workers co-coach Russell Lewis is thankful for the services of Oakdale’s dependable bookends.

“Bullock is a workaholic defender with a strong hit-up,” he said. “He loves playing 80 minutes and hates being taken off early.”

JACOB MAYER

For Lewis, the arrival of Mayer – Bullock’s willing partner – couldn't have been timed better.

“Jacob is a machine – a real gentleman too – he came to us out of the blue mid-season and has been a real handy acquisition,” he said.

A young Mitchell Brasington in action for Wests. Picture supplied.

MITCHELL BRASINGTON

The Workers’ dependable skipper controls proceedings from the No. 6 jumper. Light on his feet and with a pinpoint kicking game, Mitchell knows his way around the park and is a three-time winner of the Group 6 player of the year award.

KYLE FRASER

One of several clubs battling injuries, Lewis has been pleased with Kyle Fraser’s shift from the pack to the centres.

“Kyle is a backrower but he’s doing really well for us at centre. He is much fitter this year and his strong carry makes him a dangerous proposition close to the line.”

PICTON MAGPIES

DANIEL PAYNE

A five-eighth, Payne came through the Magpies’ under-18s and tasted premiership success at the club in 2018.

Still in his early 20s, Picton coach Jake Tonitto singled out the playmaker as one to watch.

“Daniel controls our left edge, he has 14 tries to his name and has helped set up even more,” Tonitto said.

TONY WILLIAMS

An NRL premiership winner and former Origin wrecking ball, T-Rex is now finding his legs after overcoming several injuries.

“A hamstring injury saw Tony miss plenty of games,” Tonitto said. “But he can play 80 minutes, and with his power and silky touch he’s a real danger on our left edge.”

Former NRL player Tony Williams for the Picton Magpies in the Macarthur Conference in 2022. Picture https://www.facebook.com/PictonMagpies/photos/a.679122718778033/5128895667134027/

MATTHEW WHITE

Matt White is a favourite. According to the Magpies coach, the stalwart lock and member of Picton’s golden era, doesn‘t let up for the entire 80 minutes.’

HARRISON FOSTER

Positioned on Picton’s left wing, Foster is arguably the fastest in the competition. His 18 tries top the list and are all the more remarkable given he has missed a handful of games.