NSWRL, City vs Country: Mittagong playmaker eager to light up Leichhardt Oval in showcase event

Gifted Mittagong playmaker Jake Brisbane knows what it’s like to star in the annual City versus Country clash, but with time running out to crack the NRL he’s primed to impress.

Mittagong’s Jake Brisbane returns to the Country squad for the clash at Leichhardt Oval. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

While it’s not a conventional pathway to NRL honours, Mittagong’s Jake Brisbane knows the value of this weekend’s City versus Country clash at Leichhardt Oval better than most.

Two years ago, the gifted playmaker guided Country to a narrow victory in a man of the match performance that caught the eye of talent scouts.

Now 24, the South Coast junior from Albion Park-Oak Flats first turned heads for St George Illawarra in Jersey Flegg.

In the five years since, he has hoisted silverware with Group 7 side Warilla-Lake South, and is now part way through his debut season with the Lions in the Macarthur competition.

“It’s a privilege to be selected,” said Brisbane, who starred with 20 points in Macarthur’s upset victory over Illawarra South Coast in the Country Championships.

“A strong performance can put you on the front foot to new opportunities.”

Jake Brisbane for Mittagong Lions in the Macarthur RL competition. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Just like the Queensland Cup chance the tall No.6 landed two years ago.

“I did a pre-season with Burleigh Bears in 2023, and that came about after the Country game,” Brisbane said of the Gold Coast based club that now feeds the Brisbane Broncos.

“I headed up there by myself, but I got a bit homesick and ended up moving back home. So I could have potentially played up there but it wasn’t the right time.

“I was a bit young and immature I suppose. I’m still young enough now, but those types of chances won’t keep coming up.”

While teenage whiz-kids like Lachlan Galvin and Ethan Sanders have cashed in early, Brisbane heads a maturing band of hopefuls still keen to raise their hand.

Motivated by late bloomers such as South Sydney’s Cody Walker, who cracked the big time at 26, Brisbane lives in hope.

“Some people obviously take a bit longer to get a chance, but often all they need is that one shot,” said Brisbane.

As the only Macarthur rep in the 18-man squad that includes nine from Newcastle, Brisbane has no time to waste.

Jake Brisbane during his time with Group 7 club Warilla Lake-South. Picture: Steve Montgomery

“I don’t really know many in the team,” said Brisbane, who is thriving at Mittagong alongside teammates that include former Country captain Keiran Rankmore and ex-Rabbitohs star Bryson Goodwin.

“It’ll definitely be a good challenge to form some combinations before Saturday.”

With doorways to the top few and far between, for Brisbane, a victory over City could become the pivotal key in his journey.

“Anything is possible, it’s definitely my aspiration to reach the NRL,” he said.

“That’s why the Macarthur comp is so good, because there are so many ex-NRL boys in it, so you have to push yourself every week.”

MEN’S OPEN AGE: NSW COUNTRY V NSW CITY

Saturday 18 May, 2.20pm, Leichhardt Oval

Country squad: Cameron Anderson (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Joshua Ayers (Monaro Colts), Jake Brisbane (Macarthur Wests Tigers), Jayden Butterfield (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Joshua Dowel (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), Ryan Glanville (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Lewis Hamilton (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Luke Huth (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Steven Marsters (Illawarra South Coast Dragons), James Morgan (Riverina Bulls), Lachlan Munro (Riverina Bulls), Chad O’Donnell (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Ryan Shaw (Central Coast Roosters), Matthew Soper-Lawler (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), James Taylor (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Royce Tout (Riverina Bulls), Honeti Tuha (Newcastle Maitland Region Knights), Jake Woods (Central Coast Roosters). Coach: Wade Forrester.

City squad: TBA