Macarthur Rugby League: Wests Magpies junior Alex Isdale shines on Oakdale debut

He’s the 17-year-old Wests pathways rep eager to fast track his development. And after just one chaotic outing for Oakdale in the Macarthur Rugby League, Alex Isdale has learned plenty.

Wests captain Alex Isdale takes on the Warriors during the Harold Matthews Cup grand final at CommBank Stadium. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

For dreamy rugby league teenagers, a pile-on at the local footy is usually viewed with a pie and Coke from the other side of the fence.

For Wests Tigers young gun Alex Isdale, that all changed last Saturday night. Still only 17, the diminutive half found himself under siege while on debut for Oakdale in the Macarthur Rugby League.

One of a growing list of teenage playmakers in the region inspired by Lachlan Galvin’s rise to the NRL, Isdale jumped at the opportunity after captaining the Wests Magpies to last month’s Harold Matthews Cup grand final.

Facing a South West Goannas outfit led by former Kiwi international Greg Eastwood and ex-Eel Brad Takairangi, Isdale made an immediate impact and even became the focus of a melee after scoring a late try.

Bumped over after placing the ball under the posts, he then watched on as teammates rushed in to right the indiscretion.

Alex Isdale in action for Wests in the Harold Matthews Cup. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography.

“They backed me up, I just got out of the way,” said a beaming Isdale after Oakdale’s victory.

“When I looked back they were all coming in to look after me, I just love these boys.

“The game was a bit faster than what I’m used to and the guys are bigger and stronger, but I loved it.”

It’s the type of infectious attitude that impressed Oakdale captain-coach Kyle Fraser from the outset.

“There’s big wraps on him at the Tigers,” said Fraser, who spent his early days in the pathways at Parramatta and Penrith.

“Not only does he have talent, but he’s also a student of the game and always puts in the effort.”

In a competition featuring more than 13 former NRL players, the Macarthur competition is widely regarded among the best in the state. It’s certainly no place for the faint hearted or run of the mill hopeful.

Alex Isdale prepares to put boot to ball for Wests. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

“With Alex still under 18, the club needed dispensation from the league, and a Level 2 certified coach to sign-off on his skills and physical capabilities,” said Fraser.

“We also required the approval of his parents. Pathways in Harold Matts and SG Ball is one thing, but playing senior footy is totally different, it’s where young guys find out what the game is all about.”

Now with one game of seniors under his belt, Fraser sees the Patrician Brothers Fairfield student playing a key role in Oakdale’s charge towards the finals.

“When he got out there, I said to him ‘if you want to play in the halves, you boss the big boys around’, and he took it on, he’s got a very bright future,” he said.

“He’s strong, fast, plays flat and he’s got a really good head on him. His defence is solid too.”