Penrith District Rugby League: Thrilling finishes as local comp kicks off, round one wrap
It’s only round 1 but back-to-back premiers Emu Plains have been left stunned after a remarkable boilover. Full wrap of all four A-grade games in local Penrith footy.
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He might be the new boy on the block, but John Hanson is the toast of Cambridge Park after the forward struck the decisive blow in his side’s epic boilover victory over reigning premiers Emu Plains.
With consecutive Don Feltis Cup titles under their belt, Emu Plains headed to Allsopp Patterson Oval as clear favorites. However, they were ambushed by the locals, who kicked off the Kodah Karipa era in fine style, coming from behind to secure a historic 18-16 victory.
“I’ve only been at the club for three years, but those in the know say we haven't beaten Emu Plains in over a decade,” said Karipa.
“We want to let the rest of the competition know we are here, and the boys couldn’t have made a better start.”
In a heated first half, three players spent time in the sin bin as Emu Plains opened a 10-0 lead with tries to Jake Bentley and Jack Babbage. But with new resolve, Cambo chipped away at the deficit and hit the front when Rhys Falconer pounced on a Jacob Swann-Knight grubber kick with half an hour to play.
Halfback Cameron Williams’ solo effort put Emu back in front, 16-12. However, Hanson had the final say when the former Brothers lock steamed onto a Swann-Knight short ball for the winning try, sending the home fans into raptures.
“Johnny Hanson stole the show at the end,” said Karipa. “He was the man of the match, he came here to cover the retirement of Will Broadhead and he filled his shoes perfectly.
“Everyone played well. Rhys was excellent after we had to shift him into the halves, and centres John Vunga and Aisea Fainga’Anuku continually carried us out of trouble.”
“I felt we were in it at half time and the boys were locked in, we just had to go after it and make a statement. I think we shocked everyone.
In the absence of key playmaker Isaac Thompson, the premiers lacked cohesion at times, and despite a wealth of field position in the dying stages were unable to break Cambo’s watertight goal line defence.
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COMETS STRIKE LATE
In another thriller, St Clair came from the clouds to sink Brothers with two late tries at Parker Street.
After overcoming an 8-4 halftime deficit, Brothers dominated the majority of the second half, opening a handy 10-point buffer through hooker Cooper Bonney and Jarrod Considine. But it wasn’t enough, as the Comets surged to a 24-22 win with two tries in the finals seven minutes.
Bryson Demanuele was among the best on ground, and the hooker raced around a couple of tired defenders to get St Clair with four. And it was a similar story when halves recruit Kyle King-Bird stepped on the gas from close range, sealing the deal in the five tries to four victory.
WINDSOR’S REVENGE
In a rematch of last season’s preliminary final, Windsor struck back in style, opening their 2025 campaign with an emphatic 44-30 win over Colyton at Windsor.
In a high-octane contest that featured 14 tries, the Wolves were never headed and put the result beyond doubt with six opening half tries to lead 32-12.
Powerhouse Wolves lock Frank Toomalatai had a blinder, scorching clear to open the floodgates with a try from the very first set of the game.
Reveling in the open spaces, Riki and Tori Willie weaved their magic, playing key roles in several tries while also adding their names to the scoresheet.
Harrison Porter showed glimpses of brilliance in his first outing for the Colts. The former Brothers No.7 backed up to score his side’s first and showed touch with the boot, sending fullback Jesse Poulsen across early in the second half.
For Windsor, former Brumbies fullback Campbell Byrd had several nice touches and was rewarded with a late try following another Toomalatai line break.
ST MARYS POWER
A new-look St Marys outplayed Riverstone 56-14 in captain-coach John Faiumu’s first outing as A-grade leader.
Saints kicked off the scoring through five-eighth Aiden Glanville, but in their first outing in the top grade, Riverstone immediately levelled through slippery halfback Emad Saad, who finished the day with a double.
Fired up by the Razorbacks’ reply, Penita Tuavao took control off the middle for Saints. In a barnstorming display, the mobile prop busted tackles at will as his side charged to a 28-8 halftime lead.
In all, St Marys crossed on 11 occasions, including a double to Riley Stokes who finished with a personal haul of 18 points.
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