Penrith District Rugby League: 2024 mid-year review, standouts for each club
As we approach the home straight towards the Don Feltis Cup finals we’ve reached out to the coaches for our Penrith District Rugby League review. See how your team shapes up, plus the standouts.
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After 12 rounds of the Don Feltis Cup we’ve reached out to all the clubs to see how they’re tracking in the charge towards the finals.
See which teams have exceeded expectations, and who remains on track to find their best form.
JUMP TO
Brothers - Cambridge Park - Colyton - Emu Plains - Glenmore Park - Minchinbury - St Clair - St Marys - Windsor
BROTHERS
Position: 4th (6 wins, 5 losses)
Season so far: While three straight defeats to start the season wasn’t on Damien Lane’s script, the coach has weathered the storm and slowly guided Brothers back up the ladder.
After missing out on last season’s finals, Brothers are now on the cusp of reversing the tide. Scheduled to face sides below them in the run home, Lane will have his sights set on a top four finish.
What has worked: With a core of reliable forwards, Brothers have developed a reasonably robust defensive system.
“Our middle is very strong,” said Lane.
“Our young guys are doing very well and our defence has been good, particularly in the second half of the season so far.”
What needs working on: Ranked sixth in attack, the points haven't flowed as freely as Lane would like.
“We certainly need to find more points, our execution is one area that requires improvement,” the coach explained.
“We are looking to add strength on the edges with the return of Patrik Calicetto and Zach Wright in the centres. Both have spent time in Sydney Shield and have good combinations with our halves.
“As the finals approach, all going well we expect to field a more stable line-up each week.”
Standout players: Having highlighted the output of his pack, Lane singled out several for special attention.
“The Savage brothers are performing well,” said Lane. “Since joining from the North West Magpies, both Nik and Jaxon have held their own at prop.”
“Others to impress are John Hanson and Brendan Randall, while young Harrison Reid-Porter has played well in the halves.
The run home: R17 (catch-up): Colyton, R13: Minchinbury, R14: Cambridge Park, R15: Glenmore Park, R16: Bye
Prediction: 4th
CAMBRIDGE PARK
Position: 6th (3 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: They only have three wins, but Cambridge Park have held their own in the majority of matches so far. After measuring up to ladder leaders Windsor and Emu Plains in the opening five rounds, Cambo picked up back-to-back victories.
Injuries to key players and the mid-season departure of rep backrower Henry Tuiafiso to St Marys hasn’t helped. But following three straight losses, a last start victory over Saints still has them on track for a finals return.
What has worked: No matter how they’re travelling Cambo always bring truck loads of passion. While they rank sixth in defence, they have only conceded 18 points more than the third placed Comets.
What needs working on: While they’ve aimed up in defence, it’s on the other side of the ball where more work is needed.
One of three sides still to reach 200 points, they’ve yet to be rewarded for their efforts in defence.
Standout players: Tuiafiso was one of three players alongside Rhys Falconer and Marli Sini to earn selection in the Panthers Juniors squad for the Luke Lewis Cup.
An natural leader with a high workrate, Falconer’s tenacity upfront continues to impress. In the halves, Cameron Keene has adapted his running game to centrefield and continues to improve as the season unfolds.
The run home: R17 (catch-up): Emu Plains, R13: Windsor, R14: Brothers, R15: Minchinbury, R16: Glenmore Park
Prediction: 7th
COLYTON COLTS
Position: 5th (5 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw)
Season so far: Another side slow out of the gates, Colyton would be higher up the table if not for several near misses in the opening month.
Their season highlight also doubles as the upset of the season. Starting as massive underdogs in round seven, the Colts rolled heavyweights Windsor in an outing that kicked their season into gear.
Now in fifth spot, Scott Thompson’s men are on target to better last year’s fifth place finish.
What has worked: Colyton’s attack took a hit when hooker Jenson Tuaoi joined Penrith Jersey Flegg (under-21s). However, the return of several seasoned campaigners has kicked the Colts’ season back into shape.
“Getting those players back helped us win four out five games,” said Thompson.
“After we lost to Brothers in round five, we all got together for a chat. Since then the players have taken ownership. There’s no passengers, and with the youthful enthusiasm of several under-19s the team harmony has improved.”
What needs working on: Thompson is excited by the depth of talent at his disposal, and knows what’s required to compete with the competition’s elite.
“We need to improve our recovery after making errors,” the coach said.
“The boys are capable of mixing with the top sides, but sometimes they clock off. We led 28-0 against Glenmore Park before clocking off and letting them cross for several late tries.”
Standout players: One of three Colyton players selected to represent Panthers Juniors in the inaugural Luke Lewis Cup, fullback Jesse Poulsen has been among Colyton’s most consistent.
“Centre James Ross has also been good,” said Thompson. “Hooker Ben Bragg has taken his opportunities since returning from injury and Blake Hill always does his work upfront.”
Others in the pack to impress are Les Kini and Kohen Wright.
“Les has stepped up in recent weeks, and since joining us this season Leo Tupe has found his feet and adds to our strike power off the bench.”
The run home: R17 (catch-up): Brothers, R13: St Marys, R14: Emu Plains, R15: Bye, R16: Windsor
Prediction: 5th
EMU PLAINS
Position: 1st (9 wins, 1 loss)
Season so far: The reigning premiers’ quest for back-to-back titles is off to a flying start. Almost faultless in 10 matches, Emu Plains copped a dose of reality in round 11 with a 20-point loss to a fired up Windsor Wolves.
The addition of key off-season recruits has offset the departure of several big names, and with a reasonable run to the finals they are almost guaranteed two bites of the finals cherry.
What has worked: With only one loss in almost 12 months it’s fair to say coach Darren Bell doesn’t lose much sleep. In a competition where points freely flow, Emu Plains has conceded a scarcely believable 11 points per match.
“The boys take great pride in protecting their line, our defence to date has been excellent,” said Bell.
What needs working on: Last year’s grand final winner’s have a target on their back, and Bell realises any hint of complacency could prove detrimental.
“We need to work on concentrating for 80 minutes,” said Bell. “We know teams are coming for us and we can drift at times, so that is what we need to keep working on.”
Standout players: With skipper Thomas Romer the glue in a tough pack and off-season signing Isaac Thompson showing his class in the halves, Bell highlighted several players constantly flying under the radar.
“Our props have been outstanding, Ryan Jervis and Beau Ferguson always set a platform with strong carries,” the coach said.
“In the backs, Greg Alderson is always a danger with his size and strength. Daniel Warren has impressed on the wing, he already has 14 tries.”
The run home: R17 (catch-up): Cambridge Park, R13: Glenmore Park, R14: Colyton, R15: St Clair, R16: St Marys
Prediction: Premiers
GLENMORE PARK BRUMBIES
Position: 7th (3 wins, 7 losses)
Season so far: Among the most entertaining sides in the competition when at full strength, the Brumbies’ season has been cursed by injuries from the get-go.
Seemingly on course to miss the finals, Glenmore Park breathed life into their season in round 12 with a major boilover against Windsor. Now with several stars set to return, coach Shawn Stevens remains excited by the team’s finals prospects.
What has worked: Despite sitting in seventh place with a revolving halves combination, the Brumbies still rank fifth for points scored.
“We have a talented side,” said Stevens. “If we continue to show the same belief we had against Windsor then it will be interesting to see how we progress.
“The Windsor game was our most complete line-up since round one, and we’re hopeful of having the majority of the squad back in the coming weeks.”
What needs working on: Complicating the long injury list, the Brumbies aren’t blessed with an extensive pool of resources to call upon.
“We don’t have a reserve grade team and the under-19s also have a lengthy list on the sidelines.”
Standout players: In terms of standouts, Stevens highlighted the valuable contributions of a couple of regulars.
“Kailub Smith has been consistent at left centre all season and is our top try scorer. Backrower David Baumann is top class, and has combined well with Kailub on the left edge.”
The run home: R17 (catch-up): Minchinbury, R13: Emu Plains, R14: St Clair, R15: Brothers, R16: Cambridge Park
Prediction: 6th
MINCHINBURY JETS
Position: 9th (1 win, 10 losses)
Season so far: Minchinbury opened the season with three heavy defeats and showed steady improvement before opening their account in round eight.
What has worked: From the moment playmaker Dean Blore joined several other experienced mid-season recruits, the Jets’ output instantly improved.
Competitive outings against Cambridge Park and St Clair were followed by a 38-16 win over St Marys
What needs working on: With a variable week-to-week line-up, defence has been a major issue for the Jets. They have leaked 60 or more points on five occasions, including their last two matches with Windsor and Emu Plains.
Standout players: A formidable force from close range, hulking middle Tuafale Aiomalaga consistently puts his name on the score sheet. With a favoured crash play, his charges one off the ruck are almost unstoppable.
The run home: R17 (catch-up): Glenmore Park, R13: Brothers, R14: St Marys, R15: Cambridge Park, R16: St Clair
Prediction: 9th
ST CLAIR COMETS
Position: 3rd (8 wins, 3 losses)
Season so far: Following a couple of disappointing years, a revitalised Comets have turned the corner under the guidance of key recruit Tinirau Arona.
Flying high with eight wins, St Clair sit third on the ladder and have shown enough to suggest they will be a handful in the finals.
What has worked: With a mix of young and experienced heads, St Clair kicked off the season with three consecutive wins and have shown they have the necessary resolve to win close contests.
“The previous two years weren’t successful,” said Arona. “So we wanted to develop a winning habit and get everyone used to becoming successful.
“Confidence has helped change our mentality and we continue to build a chemistry that will put us in a good position for the finals.”
Despite a mix of injuries and suspensions in the halves, the Comets continue to field quality replacements.
“We have a good core group and a simple game plan that makes it easy for new players to fit in,” Arona explained.
What needs working on: Still winless against the two sides above them, Arona says it will count for little in the big games ahead.
“Emu Plains and Windsor set the standard and we lost to both of them. It won’t matter come the finals, for now we’ll just focus on improving our own game.”
Standout players: In the run home, St Clair will focus on getting extended minutes into a pack that carries plenty of clout.
“I’m confident with our middles,” said Arona. “Prop Jordan Kalati is one to keep an eye on in the closing rounds. In the backs, Leha Fakatava has been consistent in the centres and we know what he will bring to the finals.”
The run home: R17 (catch-up): Windsor, R13: Bye, R14: Glenmore Park, R15: Emu Plains, R16: Minchinbury
Prediction: 3rd
ST MARYS
Position: 8th (3 wins, 8 losses)
Season so far: After winning the minor premiership last season, St Marys had hopes of reaching the finals with a young squad.
As a feeder to Sydney Shield, their Don Feltis campaign has been complicated by player availability and the chance to build meaningful momentum.
Currently in eighth and with a draw that includes Emu Plains and Windsor, a spot in the postseason is shaping as a bridge too far.
What has worked: With wins over Brothers and Colyton in the opening month, St Marys’ season appeared to be taking shape. Led by a strong pack and with several classy outside backs, a spot in the finals seemed a formality.
What needs working on: Stability. Like several clubs, St Marys have been rocked by injuries and player departures.
In their round 12 loss to Brothers, they only fielded seven from the 17 that opened the season against St Clair.
Standout players: Kye Eldridge has made a successful transition from the under-19s. Usually a backrower, he has drifted between the forwards and covering at centre.
Josh Baravilala crossed for four tires in round three and earned selection in the Panthers Juniors squad, while Luke Butfield has been consistent in the outside backs.
The run home: R17 (catch-up): Bye, R13: Colyton, R14: Minchinbury, R15: Windsor, R16: Emu Plains
Prediction: 8th
WINDSOR WOLVES
Position: 2nd (9 wins, 2 losses)
Season so far: As the only side to topple Emu Plains this season, Windsor have already flexed their muscles in response to last season’s nail biting grand final defeat.
Blessed with skill and depth across the park, the Wolves sport a healthy mix of no-nonsense workers and X-factor brilliance. However, surprise losses to Colyton and Glenmore Park indicate there’s still room for improvement.
What has worked: Quizzed on Windsor’s strengths, coach Troy Dargin put his side’s success down to hard work.
“Our aim is to concentrate on the simple things for 80 minutes, there’s nothing groundbreaking in our approach,” said Dargin.
“We set high standards, and so far we’ve shown that we can work harder for longer periods than most teams.”
What needs working on: Statistically little separates Windsor and Emu Plains, but with players sent from the field at inappropriate times, Dargin knows where the shortfalls lie.
“It’s important to have everyone available, fit and healthy,” he said. “We’ve shown we can beat the best, now we need to stick to our standards and continue to improve our discipline.”
Standout players: In a talented squad, Dargin singled out a couple of influential Wolves.
“Eton Lindsay delivers his best for 80 minutes in the middle every week and Tori Willie is just a high quality player,” he said. “Much of what we do revolves around them, and they talk a lot and drive the energy.”
The run home: R17 (catch-up): St Clair, R13: Cambridge Park, R14: Bye, R15: St Marys, R16: Colyton
Prediction: 2nd
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