Penrith District Rugby League: Meet 45+ talented locals to watch in 2024
Local footy is back, and with ex-NRL talent and a mix of rising stars, there’s a host of reasons to get to your nearest ground. We list 45+ performers to watch in the Penrith competition.
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It’s time to get down to your favourite footy ground and support Penrith’s top local talent.
In what’s been a busy off-season, each first grade team in the Penrith and District Junior competition has bolstered its playing stocks for what shapes as a gripping race towards the finals.
With a healthy mix of new faces and established talent, we list some of the stars to keep an eye on as the rounds unfold.
KAYLAN MURRAY (BROTHERS)
An born entertainer, Murray arrives from Group 4 side Boggabri. Plays centre and lock, but is most dangerous in a roving role. Accustomed to picking apart defenders, if he gets going, expect Brothers to rack up some big scores.
BRENDAN RANDALL (BROTHERS)
A centre for North West last year, Randall is tipped to settle in the pack at Brothers. A solid and reliable all-rounder, he knows how to find the stripe and is a handy option from the kicking tee.
ISAAC PETRUS (BROTHERS)
A versatile outside back, Petrus is a strong performer at centre or in the No.1. Craves contact and if given half a chance, has the pace to turn the scoreboard over.
TYREN RYAN (BROTHERS)
According to coach Damien Lane, Tyren Ryan could turn heads as he transitions from under-19s. A diminutive competitor, the half attacks the line with and without possession and could become a regular in the top 17.
THOMAS ROMER (EMU PLAINS)
A proud local, Romer captained Emu Plains to last year’s title. And with a keen sense of history, the veteran backrower has decided to go around again in the hope of landing the club it’s first back-to-back premiership.
BLAKE MCDERMOTT (EMU PLAINS)
An off-season signing from North West, McDermott joins the reigning premiers as a centre. Scored six tries last season, and will increase the side’s strike power out wide.
ISAAC THOMPSON (EMU PLAINS)
The departure of grand final winning halfback Jake Stig posed a major concern for Emu Plains. Now with Isaac Thompson on the books there’s a renewed energy. Will count on his NSW Cup stint with Penrith to help guide the side around the park, and has the pace to be a major threat.
CAMERON WILLIAMS (EMU PLAINS)
Williams was right at home steering The Oaks to a historic Macarthur reserve grade title last year. Never backs down from a verbal, and the spicier the contest the better. Is set to form a formidable combination with Thompson, and is expected to be the team’s frontline goal-kicker.
RYAN JERVIS (EMU PLAINS)
In an outfit loaded with scoring threats, Jervis brings reliability through the middle. A no-nonsense prop from Lithgow, his outstanding work ethic won’t be lost on his teammates.
SAM COOKSON (EMU PLAINS)
A genuine winner, Cookson is a powerful utility equally capable upfront or out wide. A key member of last year’s grand final winning side, he’s on track for his own three-peat after hoisting the Sydney Shield with St Mary's in 2022.
ALBERT HARLAND (EMU PLAINS)
Singled out by coach Darren Bell as a potential surprise packet, Harland is a bustling teenage hooker with a strong all-round game who could push for permanent selection.
REECE LIPOWICZ (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
A major off-season signing from St Marys, Lipowicz is a damaging centre with Sydney Shield experience. Represented Poland in last year’s international with North Macedonia at Forshaw Park in Sydney’s south.
MARLI SINI (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Expected to call the shots in the halves, Sini has already mixed it with the best in Ron Massey Cup. Difficult to contain when he commits the defence, last year the hard-running playmaker scored nine tries.
RHYS FALCONER (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
An imposing lock with a full bag of tricks, Falconer is sure to feature on most opposition cheat sheets. Possesses a classy passing game and forced his way over the stripe on seven occasions in 2023.
LACHLAN CROSSLEY (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Reliable and unheralded, Crossley is an unfashionable back-rower who continues to tick over like an old Volkswagen engine. Churns out big minutes with minimal fuss and never shirks his responsibilities.
WILL BROADHEAD (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
In a young side, Broadhead is the no-nonsense driving force that continues to keep the show on track. The reliable prop doubles at the side’s captain and does everything at his disposal to get things moving forward.
CAMERON KEENE (CAMBRIDGE PARK)
Known for his strong defence, Keene has a golden opportunity to build on his limited first grade appearances in 2023. Expected to start at centre, all going well, he could become an integral member of Aaron Mallet’s side.
BLAKE HILL (COLYTON)
Blake Hill held his own on the Sunshine Coast and looks like a real goer. A handy addition to Colyton’s pack, he could prove to be the kicker as the Colts prepare to take the next step.
KOHEN WRIGHT (COLYTON)
A quality edge back-rower who has played Massey Cup, Wright is an exciting ballplayer and backs up after an impressive 2023 season.
JOSHUA ROSS (COLYTON)
An impressive athlete, Josh Ross was almost unstoppable on the left edge last season scoring eight tries in a year to remember. Tough and uncompromising, he was one of Colyton’s best.
JAMES ROSS (COLYTON)
The younger brother of Josh, James adds plenty of spark in the No.1 jumper. Can step off both feet and learned his trade coming through the pathways with Penrith.
JAYDEN MURPHY-HINTON (COLYTON)
A versatile No.9, Jayden Murphy-Hinton is a former SG Ball rep with Penrith. Started his days at fullback, but has since developed the vision to run the show in centrefield.
BENJAMIN HUDD (COLYTON)
Given the keys to steer the Colts around the park, Hudd brings a wealth of experience from Western City. A level head, the half can also kick goals.
LES KINI (COLYTON)
A prop on the rise, the young bookend will be better for a run in last year’s finals. Loves mixing it with the best and is no stranger to riding a bump, then returning a week later sporting a patchwork of stitches.
TROY DARGIN (WINDSOR)
After last season’s agonising grand final loss, the inspirational Wolves captain-coach returns to settle some unfinished business. Big enough to bend the line, the ball-playing backrower can also take the heat off the halves.
CONNOR MASON (WINDSOR)
The new ace in the Wolves pack, Mason has earned respect following a stint with Penrith in the NSW Cup. Surrounded by attacking teammates, the half is blessed with options and has the skills to go it alone.
ETON LINDSAY (WINDSOR)
Usually an 80-minute machine through centrefield, Lindsay can also influence the contest with his high octane charges off the bench. One to watch from close range, the prop often finds the stripe one off the ruck.
TYRONE SHELLEY (WINDSOR)
A crowd favourite, the slippery hooker has been around for ages. Shows no signs of slowing down though, and finished last season as the competition’s top try scorer with 16.
TORI WILLIE (WINDSOR)
Played in the No.6 jumper last season and was the Wolves’ chief organiser. Rarely gets flustered, and has an extensive back catalogue of memories to call upon when the chips are down.
RIKI WILLIE (WINDSOR)
One of Windsor’s go-to men out wide, Willie is a damaging centre who loves the rough stuff. Quick off the mark with a lethal fend, he proved unstoppable at times last season and crossed for 11 four-pointers.
DAVE BAUMANN (GLENMORE PARK)
The former Hills District backrower is major off-season signing. Brings plenty of big match experience from the higher grades and is a big-minute player who can keep the middle together.
ANDREW AIONO (GLENMORE PARK)
Alongside Baumann, Aiono is another significant addition following his time at Wentworthville. A powerhouse on the edge, the second-rower can step off either foot and has the pace of a centre.
MARK HOWLETT (GLENMORE PARK)
Still only 19, coach Shawn Stevens is excited by the potential of his young outside back. Has flashes of brilliance, but it’s Howlett’s strong carry that sets him apart.
JOSH FRASER (GLENMORE PARK)
Another to arrive from St Pats, Fraser brings a hard edge to what shapes as an excellent pack. Super fit and with a big engine, last season the experienced backrower was a mainstay on the right edge.
BAILEY NOUREDINE (GLENMORE PARK)
Bailey Nouredine is a quality hooker who spent the majority of last season with St Marys in the Sydney Shield. Offers quality service, and with ball in hand knows when to pounce.
ETHAN MOKOIA (ST CLAIR)
Among a lengthy list of signings, Mokoia’s time as a highly regarded prop in the Ron Massey Cup is expected to rub off on his teammates.
JOSH KALATI (ST CLAIR)
In terms of credentials, it’s tough to go past Josh Kalati’s recent achievements at Canterbury. The hard working front-rower smashed the lights out with the Bulldogs last season, walking away as the club’s RMC player of the year.
HARATIO EDWARDS (ST CLAIR)
A local junior on the rise, Edwards has the pace and skills to cover fullback or guide the side in the No.6 jumper.
TINIRAU ARONA (ST CLAIR)
A significant addition to the competition, Arona is a St Clair junior giving back to local footy following a distinguished career in the NRL and with Wakefield in the UK Super League. Powerful and mobile, the popular forward is definitely one to keep an eye on.
MALAKAI HOUIA (ST CLAIR)
Nearing 20, Malakai Houia is another Comet junior ready to make his mark in the seniors. An organising playmaker, the halfback can structure the attack and has the skills to kick the side out of trouble.
BRYSON DEMANUELE (ST CLAIR)
Behind the club’s key forward signings, Bryson Demanuele could well light up the Comets’ ruck. Another local looking for an opportunity, the young hooker torments defenders with a blend of pace and vision.
ROBERT HENDERSON (ST CLAIR)
It’s hard to visualise St Clair without it’s most capped veteran. But fans need not worry, Rob Henderson is back and ready to play anywhere in the backline.
MALAKI MALAKI (ST MARYS)
An experienced playmaker, last year Malaki helped orchestrate St Marys’ charge to the minor premiership. A valuable presence, he’s also a reliable contributor from the kicking tee.
XAVIOR SAVESI (ST MARYS)
Scored the gong as St Marys’ best back last year, and with an outstanding pre-season under his belt, the elusive fullback looks set to raise the bar again in 2024.
HENRY TOGISE (ST MARYS)
One of a host of impressive players in the engine room, Togise returns for his second season in the St Marys pack. Powerful in the middle, the big prop also appeared in Sydney Shield last season.
KYE ELDRIDGE (ST MARYS)
Steps up to A-grade after playing a key role in the C-grade premiership victory. A young backrower, Eldridge is expected to hold his own in good company.
TYRONE GLASSIE (ST MARYS)
Partnered Malaki in the halves last year, but in 2024 Glassie will run the ship as team captain. A natural leader, his danger in attack is matched by watertight defence.
MJ LIVINGSTON (ST MARYS)
A quality prop, Livingston has worked hard on his fitness over the summer months. Used to delivering two 20-minute stints a game, this year the front-rower has been tasked with performing for 60 minutes.
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