Macarthur Rugby League: Meet 55 talented stars to watch in 2024
There’s a host of new and established talent set to go around in the Macarthur Rugby League season. Check out our list of 55 players to keep an eye on in 2024.
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The Macarthur Rugby League season is already underway after a swag of player movements in a busy off-season.
Each team has reviewed and bolstered its playing stocks for what shapes as a gripping race towards the finals.
With a healthy mix of new and established faces, we list 55 stars to keep an eye on as the rounds unfold.
RELATED CONTENT: MACARTHUR RL, FULL SEASON PREVIEW
BAILEY DICKINSON (CAMDEN RAMS)
A pillar alongside formidable Rams prop Danny Fualalo, the towering Dickinson revels in the rough stuff and never takes a backwards step. Has already tasted premiership success and will be eager to lead Camden to the top of the podium.
EDDIE AIONO (CAMDEN RAMS)
The super slick finisher joins the Rams with seven seasons of NSW Cup under his belt. Replaces the departed John Ryan on the wing and has already stunned fans with his acrobatic try scoring skills in the left corner.
TRENT PEOPLES (CAMDEN RAMS)
A willing worker, the edge backrower joins Camden following a success stint at South Sydney that included a well publicised NRL debut in 2022. Brings clout in defence and is the perfect replacement following the loss of Toby Huxley.
JACKSON WILLIS (CAMDEN RAMS)
Arguably the missing factor in last year’s title defence. Willis is a quality playmaker with an infectious competitive instinct who at his best releases the pressure on halfback and captain, Brad Speechley.
JACK MILLER (CAMDEN RAMS)
Equally capable at centre or in the second-row, Miller offers quality on either side of the ball and doubles as a handy option from the kicking tee.
AVA SEUMANUFAGAI (CITY KANGAROOS)
A massive addition to City and the Macarthur competition, Seumanufagai steps up as captain-coach following a decade-long career in the NRL and Super League. Is joined up front by Junior Moors, in what shapes as a more than competitive pack.
ELIAS HARRISON (CITY KANGAROOS)
Little is known down under of English recruit Elias Harrison, but if reports are correct, the ball playing forward is certain to add another dimension to City’s attack.
ALEX SMITH (CITY KANGAROOS)
Another of the Kangaroos’ UK recruits, Alex Smith will take the reins and guide the side around the park in the No.7 jumper. Brings a wealth of experience and is key piece in City’s bid to make the finals.
BEN WILLIAMS (CITY KANGAROOS)
Started at fullback last season before shifting to the halves in what proved a difficult season for City. With the retirement of veteran fullback Shannon Gallant, Williams could once again find himself down back.
FLYNN KEENAN (CITY KANGAROOS)
A smoky to play in the halves, Keenan has been a regular in the lower grades. If called upon, his passion and desire may yet become a permanent fixture in Seumanufagai’s side.
SALESI FUNAKI (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
Size through the middle has never been a problem for Collies, but with the return of Salesi Funaki after several seasons in the Q Cup, the bustling prop will be counted on to push his Collegians teammates to another level.
TIFA IUTA (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
An absolute man mountain, if the hard running backrower gets a head of steam he’s just about impossible to contain. One to keep an eye from close range, and has silky hands to match.
NORWIN LATU (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
A gifted rugby player, Latu has all the skills and can play anywhere in the backline. In the absence of last year’s Macarthur player of the year, Netane Masima, look for him to orchestrate the chase for points.
OFA FELILA (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
The uncompromising backline talent returns for another season at Collies. Possesses a tough carry, and proved a handful last season when he bagged nine tries at left centre.
TIM CRAWFORD (CAMPBELLTOWN COLLEGIANS)
A welcome off-season addition, the busy backrower will be relied upon to do plenty of the heavy lifting in centrefield. Loves ripping into the line and goes all day.
JACOB ESAU (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
The former Wenty front-rower joins the Eagles as a key off-season signing. Brings mobility and power, and is expected to become the side’s chief enforcer as the season unfolds.
BADEN STEWART (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
With the departure of veteran hooker Luke Williams, the versatile Baden Stewart slots in at No.9. Bleeds for the Eagles and if required offers great utility value.
RAY REDMAN (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Not the biggest No.12 going around, and that’s exactly how the dynamic forward likes it. Packs a real punch in defence, and has been known to empty the lungs of an opponent.
SEAN CONNOR (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
The respected playmaker returns for another season in the familiar No.77 jumper. Joins Tom Morrison as captain, and will direct traffic in combination with five-eighth Brett Lahey.
BOSE SERUKALOU (EAST CAMPBELLTOWN)
Got his chance in the top grade at Picton last season, and the winger didn’t let anyone down. Now on the left flank for the Eagles, he’s just as effective in attack or rucking the ball out of trouble.
JAKE BRISBANE (MITTAGONG)
Brisbane’s off-season arrival from the South Coast could be the extra spark Mittagong need to claim the title. Brings height, skill and plenty of big match experience from Country reps. All going well, the pivotal playmaker should bring out the best in his attacking teammates.
JAMES COYNE (MITTAGONG)
The busy fullback lifted the Lions to another level last season. A magnet for the ball, Coyne crossed the stripe on 20 occasions and has an uncanny knack of bobbing up in the right place at the right time.
JORDAN TENCATE (MITTAGONG)
Another signing from the South Coast, Tencate is a hard running outside back. Set to start on a wing for the Lions, last season he scored eight tries for Figtree in the Wollongong competition.
LIAM HENRY (MITTAGONG)
A solid young centre who got better with every outing last year, Henry is set to transition to the pack where his high octane charges are set to become a prominent feature.
KEIRAN RANKMORE (MITTAGONG)
The former Country rep takes over as captain-coach, and if the busy backrower can instil his take no prisoners approach, Mittagong are in for a big season.
LEVI DODD (NARELLAN)
A key figure behind Narellan’s rebuild, Dodd’s calming influence is matched by silky skills and an innate desire to succeed. Calls the shots in the halves and has pace to cause havoc out wide.
TYRONE HARDING (NARELLAN)
One of several new signings with pathways experience, the tall half is blessed with the speed and the agility to unlock the best defence.
DANNY GHANTOUS (NARELLAN)
A quality hooker, Danny Ghantous joins Narellan following stints at Canterbury and more recently with Wests Tigers in the Jersey Flegg.
MALAKAI HOUIA (NARELLAN)
Once settled in, Houia’s time with the Penrith SG Ball squad could pay off for the Jets. Light on his feet, on the back of forward momentum the young half threatens to be a shining light.
JOSIAH TAMASI (NARELLAN)
Tamasi is an aggressive middle forward who enjoys ratting his opponents and firing up those around him. Refuses to take a backwards step, and is another returning to help Narellan climb the ladder
JOSH BURKE (OAKDALE)
A positive playmaker who has tasted premiership success with Campbelltown City, Burke is perfectly suited to unlock an electric backline and a mobile pack that pose a massive threat from close range.
ELLIOTT MOAGA (OAKDALE)
A former Sharks junior rep, Moaga is a highly regarded fullback who has been recruited to replace Jake Steadman. Good at the one-percenters, if given half a yard, he’s sure to make fans sit up and take notice.
JOSH CARR (OAKDALE)
Still capable of playing at a higher level, Carr backs up at Oakdale after an outstanding season on the Workers’ right edge. With height and power, the backrower is a menacing presence within the opposition red zone.
KYLE FRASER (OAKDALE)
Combined playing with the clipboard in 2023, and backs up to do it all again. A fiery presence up front, the veteran still has enough mongrel to agitate rivals and inspire his teammates.
COOPER SMITH (OAKDALE)
Had a taste of Jersey Flegg with Canterbury last year before finishing the season in the back row with The Oaks. Joins Oakdale as a centre and has the size and speed to become a reliable go-to on the left edge.
JOSEPH UALESI (THE OAKS)
The former Oakdale bookend has moved down the road this season, and following the retirement of Evrett Vaurasi, Ualesi has the chance to spearhead the Tigers’ pack.
DANIEL PAYNE (THE OAKS)
The halfback finished with a season-best 21 tries last season, and probably played a part in even more. Has the speed and nous to create chances at will, and while he’s on the park, the Tigers are always a threat.
CHRIS TARIPO (THE OAKS)
A former outside back with the Newtown Jets, Taripo joins The Oaks at the back-end of a long career. Is expected to start at fullback, and will be one to watch in combination with Payne and skipper Mitchell Brasington.
CHALLIS TUPUOLA (THE OAKS)
The strike centre was a key figure last season in the Tigers’ reserve grade premiership success. Damaging with ball in hand, if given a chance, the long striding back promises to create havoc on the left edge.
ANDREW MADDEN (THE OAKS)
A key member of the pack, Madden probably doesn’t get the rewards he deserves. Runs good attacking lines and creates chances with his soft hands.
STEVEN DENGATE (PICTON)
An industrious and attacking No.12, Dengate was a standout for the Magpies last season. Scored eight tries and never shirked his responsibilities in defence.
ALEC SUSINO (PICTON)
Susino was named Picton’s top forward last season, and with an appetite for hard work, the prop is shaping up for another strong season.
RUA HONA (PICTON)
A major threat out wide, the strike centre only needs half a chance to break into the backfield. Prefers the left edge, and finished last season with 11 tries against his name.
LEON LONGBOTTOM (PICTON)
Once a regular at Collegians, Longbottom has jumped ship and started his time at Picton in the No.1 jersey. Crossed eight times last year, and the elusive speedster brings a passing game to set up his outside man.
JAMES TAUTAIOLEFUA (PICTON)
Equally talented in the halves or at fullback, Tautaiolefua is a handy all-rounder who can sniff out a try or create chances from a large bag of tricks.
LACHLAN BUSH (THIRLMERE)
The former Magpies SG Ball prop didn’t see out the back-end of 2023. Now fit and firing, his high workrate up front will compensate the loss of several big names.
KYE MADDEN (THIRLMERE)
The premiership winning skipper returns to help defend Thirlmere’s title. A respected competitor, Madden drives his teammates with an uncompromising work ethic.
KEN SIO (THIRLMERE)
Made more than 250 appearances in the outside backs across 13 seasons of NRL and Super League. And with 168 tries, Sio knows what it takes to ignite an attack.
JAMES LEE (THIRLMERE)
Now in his second season of first grade, Lee has already achieved plenty in a short time at Thirlmere. A Mr Fix-it in the backline, he delivered in every position in 2023 and played a key role in a successful finals series.
WAQASAQA QIOLEVU (THIRLMERE)
Dubbed the ‘Man of Steel’, the chiselled Fijian cut an imposing figure on the wing last season. Now in the pack, his charges in traffic are eagerly anticipated.
WYLL BAKER (SOUTH WEST)
There is a touch of David Peachey about the Goannas fullback. Often looms large through the middle, and when in full flight, the rangy No.1 is difficult to mow down.
BRAD TAKAIRANGI (SOUTH WEST)
Nudging 35, Takairangi arrives from Dapto following a distinguished professional and international career. Still in good nick, the former Eel will call the shots at five-eighth.
GREG EASTWOOD (SOUTH WEST)
Eastwood has packed plenty of elite footy into his 37 years. With 28 Tests for New Zealand on the resume, he’s well equipped to lead South West’s revival.
EDDIE FAALUA (SOUTH WEST)
A major off-season signing from Narellan, the damaging front-rower is well respected and has been named to lead the side as team captain.
JOEL ETHERINGTON (SOUTH WEST)
A reliable tradesman around the ruck, Etherington offers solid service from dummy-half and also offers utility value in the halves. Has a big ticker and thrives on going the full distance.
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