Penrith District Rugby League: 50+ players to watch in the Don Feltis Cup, 2025
Local footy is back and with a mix of rising stars and battled-hardened veterans, there’s a host of reasons to get to your nearest ground. Here’s 50+ stars to watch in Penrith’s top grade.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
In what shapes as an open race to hoist the Don Feltis Cup, we take a look at the top talent from all nine first grade sides.
Meet 50+ players to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.
RELATED CONTENT: LOCAL PENRITH RL SEASON PREVIEW
ISAAC THOMPSON (EMU PLAINS)
A key piece in the puzzle for the reigning premiers, the skilful half has been sorely missed across the opening rounds. Expect the points to flow with his return in the latter half of the season.
MITCH SMITH (EMU PLAINS)
A member of last season’s premiership-winning Brothers Sydney Shield side, Smith is a rangy prop with a high work rate who can play big minutes.
TOM ROMER (EMU PLAINS)
The local junior prides himself on the rough and tumble in the middle, and this year the multiple premiership-winner has taken on the added responsibility as head coach.
BRENDON HEARNE (EMU PLAINS)
Another off-season signing, the aggressive forward possesses a strong carry and with experience out wide, offers the squad crucial utility value.
ALBERT MAHE (EMU PLAINS)
The perfect foil for underrated hooker Shannon Mason, Albert is a rising rake who has made a seamless transition from U19s to the top grade.
GREG ALDERSON (EMU PLAINS)
Arrived at the club last year and was instrumental in the team’s charge to the title. Strong and creative, Alderson has started the season at centre and is a dominant figure on the left edge.
JARROD BRACKENHOFER (EMU PLAINS)
A proven playmaker with an extensive resume at the higher levels. Jarrod brings skill and poise, and is equally effective in the halves or No.9 jersey.
NICHOLAS HANCOCK (EMU PLAINS)
In a squad flush with wing stocks, Nicholas is a teenage speedster making the most of his opportunities who can also play fullback.
HARRISON REID-PORTER (COLYTON)
Arguably the buy of the season, the former Brothers halfback has been among Colyton’s best to start the season. Knows how to find the line and is accumulating a healthy amount of try assists.
BEN BRAGG (COLYTON)
The Colyton skipper knows how to marshall his troops from dummy-half, and behind a rolling pack is absolutely lethal around the ruck. One to keep an eye on from close range.
LES KINI (COLYTON)
An imposing presence upfront. Last season the big prop improved as the season progressed and was invaluable in the Colts’ surge to the decider.
JESSE POULSEN (COLYTON)
Electric at the back, Jesse cemented his legacy by scoring a sizzling double and being named player of the match in last year’s grand final
DAMON FINN (COLYTON)
A constant in the halves, the Colts playmaker brings stability to the attack and a fine kicking game.
JYE BOLT (COLYTON)
A clever addition with Sydney Shield experience, the centre is a proven try scorer and has made a home for himself on the right edge.
LIFI TIA-KILIFI (COLYTON)
Another of the new brigade, the hard running prop is difficult to handle with a head of steam and is known for creating second-phase play.
ETON LINDSAY (WINDSOR)
A mainstay of the Wolves pack, no player works as hard either side of the ball than the tenacious Windsor captain.
SAM HOLLIS (WINDSOR)
A highly regarded front-rower, Sam’s time at the higher levels could have a major bearing on how Windsor progress at the back end of the season.
CAMPBELL BYRD (WINDSOR)
A former Brumby, the long striding fullback comes with a reputation as a strike weapon and has wasted little time in making a successful transition to the Wolves.
FRANK TOOMALATAI (WINDSOR)
A former Sydney Shield player of the year, Frank is a tackle busting lock who can also run the show from the halves.
TORI WILLIE (WINDSOR)
The evergreen five-eighth shows no signs of slowing down. A crowd favourite at Windsor, Tori knows what it takes to get the fans out of their seats.
BEN ATTARD (WINDSOR)
The young half has come through the Windsor junior grades and with speed to burn is expected to challenge the best defence.
BOWEN RYAN (WINDSOR)
Another tall timber middle, the prop returns for another season in a side that is eager to take the next step and qualify for the grand final.
TINIRAU ARONA (ST CLAIR)
The former NRL backrower led a Comets revival in 2024. Surrounded by a host of key additions, he has the guiding presence to continue the club’s climb up the ladder.
BRYSON DEMANUELE (ST CLAIR)
Arguably the premier No.9 in the comp, Bryson knows how to control the ruck and is just as handy from the kicking tee.
KYLE KING-BIRD (ST CLAIR)
The off-season arrival of King-Bird provides the Comtes with much needed stability in the halves. Proven on the rep scene, his combination with Liam Vella could prove pivotal.
KOBE KING (ST CLAIR)
A regular in the back row, Kobe backs up for another campaign and is one to watch when running tough lines on the right edge.
DAMIAN RICHARDSON- GAUCI (ST CLAIR)
A classy fullback with Massey Cup experience, Damian is a ball-playing speedster who can easily slot in at centre.
LIAM VELLA (ST CLAIR)
The other piece in a new halves combination, the former Sydney Shield playmaker brings a well rounded kicking game.
LUKE BUTFIELD (ST CLAIR)
The tall strapping centre is difficult to contain on the right edge. A noted try scorer, he has a potent left-arm fend.
SIAOSI HUIHUI (BROTHERS)
Difficult to miss when in full flight. Given half a chance the flying centre can be relied upon to plant the ball over the stripe.
COOPER BONNEY (BROTHERS)
A product of a strong Brothers junior program, the young hooker looks set to hold down the No.9 jumper. A reliable dummy-half, he works hard in defence.
JAXON SAVAGE (BROTHERS)
A forward leader, Jaxon returns for another campaign with Brothers as a no nonsense front rower.
RAYMOND MIKAELE (BROTHERS)
A major addition upfront, the skilful prop spent last year playing Sydney Shield for Ryde-Eastwood.
ISAAC PETRUS (BROTHERS)
Quick on his feet and with a low centre of gravity, Isaac was a standout at centre for Brothers last season and was named the team’s best back of the year.
EDDIE WULF (BROTHERS)
The former rugby giant is primed to make a significant impact at Brothers. Mobile for a big man, Eddie could well springboard the attack.
JORDAN CARDONA (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
A reliable force in the Cambo pack, Jordan is a monster on the edge who constantly attracts defenders.
BLAKE MINDIPI (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
A new recruit, the zippy goal kicking fullback is set to make an immediate impact in his new surroundings.
JOHN HANSON (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Since arriving from Brothers, John has become part of the furniture. Does the tough work in the middle and has the skills to cover multiple positions.
COREY SIMPSON (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Another versatile contributor, Corey is a street-smart No.9 who can also call the shots in the halves.
LACHLAN CROSSLEY (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
The durable skipper continues to enhance his reputation as a fierce competitor in the middle. Leads from the front and encourages the team to follow.
JOHN VUNGA (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
A rugged centre with a high work rate, John thrives on tough carries and uses his size and strength to shake away from defenders.
MARLI SINI (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
When in the mood, the giant half is virtually unstoppable. In one of the performances of last season, he almost carried Cambo to a stunning finals upset victory over St Clair.
JOHN FAIUMU (ST MARYS)
The captain-coach has been appointed to inspire a St Marys revival, and a strong opening shows the ball-playing middle is pulling all the right strings.
AIDEN GLANVILLE (ST MARYS)
The scheming five-eighth has hit the season in full flight. Tough to contain behind a winning pack, Aiden is also a reliable goal kicker.
JOSH FRASER (ST MARYS)
A handy addition from Glenmore Park, the seasoned campaigner is equally at home in the pack or at centre.
MALAKI MALAKI (ST MARYS)
The highly skilled half called the shots last season, but with size and strength he’s been flagged to play No.13 in 2025.
LUPE PAULI (ST MARYS)
A fine athlete, Lupe looks set for a big season on the left wing. Knows how to sniff out a try, and combines well with his inside support.
PENITA TUAVAO (ST MARYS)
An absolute handful upfront, the rampaging prop brings a wealth of experience from his days playing Ron Massey Cup.
TUAFALE AIOMALAGA (MINCHINBURY)
A fan favourite when on song, Tuafale has built a reputation for scattering defenders on try scoring raids through the middle of the ruck.
JAYDEN KOUKA (MINCHINBURY)
Currently rising through the Dragons pathways, the young half is already making a name for himself in SG Ball.
BRAD PITTMAN (MINCHINBURY)
A natural footy player, the utility is set to become a valuable member of the Jets pack, either in the middle or at No.9.
MARLEY SKEEN (MINCHINBURY)
A tall playmaker, Marley spent time in the Tigers pathways and has started the season in the No.6 jersey for Minchinbury.
BEN SPIERS (MINCHINBURY)
Another of the Jets young brigade, Ben continues to transition from U19s as a clever hooker.
ISAAC GUBA (RIVERSTONE)
A major signing for the Razorbacks, Guba adds a touch of class out wide from his time in the Sydney Roosters pathways and stint with the Western Clydesdales in last year’s Queensland Cup.
EMAD SAAD (RIVERSTONE)
Riverstone’s pocket rocket, Emad strikes like lightning given half a chance. A born entertainer, the No.7 is sure to become a crowd favourite.
CONNOR MOORE (RIVERSTONE)
A quality hooker, Connor is an off-season signing from Glenmore Park who will help guide the Razorbacks in the club’s transition to the top grade.
SUNNY RILEY (RIVERSTONE)
Another slippery speedster on the Riverstone books, Sunny is a gifted outside back playing his first season in the top grade after helping the Razorbacks claim last year’s U19s Div-2 title.
Watch now: Holy Cross v All Saints, Peter Mulholland Cup
Top schoolboy talents from All Saints Maitland and Holy Cross Ryde will go head-to-head in an opening Peter Mulholland Cup showdown on Tuesday. Watch it LIVE and free from 11am.
Live stream: Hills Sports v Central Coast Sports, Peter Mulholland Cup
Hills Sports High School is hoping to lay the foundations of its legacy under a new coach in an opening round Peter Mulholland Cup clash against Central Coast. Watch the match LIVE.