Macarthur Rugby League: Meet 25 unsung heroes in this year’s finals
Ahead of the Macarthur Rugby League finals we look at the unsung heroes set to make an impact at all five clubs. Meet the 25 players flying under the radar. FULL LIST.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A big month of local footy kick offs this weekend with the commencement of the Macarthur Rugby League finals.
As usual, the big names will be out in force in the race to next month’s grand final at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, but it’s the unheralded players flying under the radar that could prove all the difference.
Meet 25 unsung heroes on show.
CAMDEN RAMS (1ST)
AIDEN MENZIES
Fullback
The safe as houses fullback returns for another finals series after playing off the bench in last year’s grand final. Reliable under the high ball, Aiden reads the game well and is pivotal in organising the Rams’ defence.
JOSH GOULTON
Wing
Somewhat of a miracle man with the golden touch. Goulton hung up the boots following Camden’s 2022 grand final victory, only to return this season where he has already bagged 15 tries on the right edge.
BRAD HOPKINS
Second row
One of 10 Rams on the books from Camden’s most recent premiership success, Hopkins knows the ropes and continues to crunch out big returns in the middle of the field.
BEN POWERS
Utility forward
A tireless performer in Camden’s respected pack, Ben remains on track to play in three consecutive grand finals and has improved throughout the season since making the run on side in round five.
JOHN MARTIN
Hooker
Surrounded by stars with extensive highlight reels, Martin is Camden’s glue around the ruck. Knows what’s required in big games and always puts his body on the line.
THE OAKS TIGERS (2ND)
CODY RAL
Centre
An aggressive centre with a strong carry, Cody packs plenty punch in defence and knows how to rev up his teammates.
CASEY TIMMER
Wing
A constant on the Tigers’ left edge, the pocket rocket winger has nine tries to his name and is on track to better last year’s tally of 10.
NATHAN RUMSBY
Hooker
The consistent dummy-half knows his role in a side blessed with flamboyant playmakers. Has the skills to take on the line and is always busy in defence.
ANDREW MADDEN
Second row
A versatile backrower with a handy turn of pace, Madden hits dangerous lines against the grain and has the class to set up his outside man.
RAGEN GILBERT
Second row
Another dynamic ace in the Tigers pack, the talented backrower is equally at home playing in the centres. Does everything expected in the middle and has already banked seven tries.
OAKDALE WORKERS (3RD)
JASON THOMPSON
Prop
He’s the Oakdale captain with a low profile, but when “Skip” straps on the boots his teammates instantly grow another leg. The heart and soul of the club, the 35-year-old continues to punch out big metres and is a proven 80-minute performer.
FRANCIS TUIGAMALA
Prop
The well travelled big man with NSW Cup experience is peaking at the right time for the Workers. Since arriving in the pre-season, Francis has found his legs and the cult hero’s bullocking charges can help Oakdale end its 13-year premiership drought.
RYAN RUSSELL
Hooker
The experienced No.9 joined Oakdale after winning a reserve grade premiership with The Oaks last season. Charged with keeping a clean ruck, he goes about his business error free.
JERMAINE HAULE
Hooker
With spark off the bench, Jermaine always sets the opposition on the backfoot. A genuine speedster, he picks his moments and strikes without fear.
JACKSON BLATCH
Wing
A local junior, Blatch bleeds red and black and has made the most of his opportunities since locking down a spot on the wing. Doesn’t mind a chat, and knows how to fire up the forwards.
THIRLMERE ROOSTERS (4TH)
HARRISON COSKERIE
Lock
Already has two premiership medals as a Rooster, and his no-mistake returns are a perfect match for finals footy. Harrison punches out metres with minimal fuss and goes out of his way to tidy up any mess.
LEVI BROMFIELD
Prop
Levi has stepped up this season in the absence of several departing stars. A workaholic prop, the local junior is a key piece in Thirlmere’s charge to consecutive grand finals.
KYE MADDEN
Lock/Second row
Thirlmere’s co-coach is hardly an unsung hero, but when it comes to accolades the premiership winning skipper and proud local junior often misses the boat. Among the most respected players in the comp, Kye sets the standard and is a three-time grand final winner.
JUSTIN SMITH
Second row
They reckon Justin loves tackling as much as winning grand finals. A former centre, the backrower brings the energy as vice-captain and is in charge of leading the team song.
MARIKA TUILAU
Wing
Nearing the end of his first season at Thirlmere, Marika has been a shining light on the left wing. The 24-year-old Fijian rarely misses an opportunity and will be hoping to add to his 13 tries.
MITTAGONG LIONS (5TH)
DAVID ECCLESTON
Fullback/Utility
Mittagong’s Mr Reliable has provided coverage at fullback in the latter half of the season. Just as effective operating from the ruck, the skilful utility can be counted on to perform from anywhere on the park.
JACOB MAYER
Prop
As honest as the day is long, Jacob is the textbook definition of an unsung hero. Mistake free, the veteran prop toils hard for 80 minutes without any fuss.
DALLAS COLLINS
Prop
Rumours floating around the Southern Highlands suggest the big middle doesn’t mind a spot of Maccas after training. Nicknamed “Hamburglar” by his teammates, Dallas packs a punch in centre field and communicates well in defence.
LIAM HENRY
Centre/Second row
A tearaway centre last season, Liam has shuffled between the pack and the backline this year. Has made a name for himself by running tough lines and brings plenty of cheek.
GIORDAN PATEA
Utility forward
A bustling prop known for coming off the bench and bending the line, the former Bulldogs rep has been a welcome addition since joining the Lions mid-season.
‘Sad, sombre’: Muted celebrations as LawConnect wins tragic Sydney to Hobart
Under the cover of darkness a multimillion-dollar supermaxi with a “sad and sombre” crew claimed a bittersweet Sydney to Hobart win with muted celebrations and a quiet tribute to the sailors lost.
‘Sad, sombre’: Muted celebrations as LawConnect wins tragic Sydney to Hobart
Under the cover of darkness a multimillion-dollar supermaxi with a “sad and sombre” crew claimed a bittersweet Sydney to Hobart win with muted celebrations and a quiet tribute to the sailors lost.