Picton Magpies 10 years on: A tribute to the 2014 Group 6 Rugby League premiers, pic gallery
As past Picton players prepare to reunite on Magpies Old Boys Day, we open the vault on the 2014 premiership winning side. Every player profiled, plus a huge grand final photo gallery.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
In the countdown to Picton Magpies Old Boys Day on Sunday, we open the vault for a retrospective look at the 2014 premiership winners.
With 13 first grade trophies in the cabinet, Picton is the most successful club in the Macarthur region. Untouchable from 2013, the Magpies enjoyed a golden period that culminated in a third straight title in 2015.
Ten years on from the club’s comprehensive grand final victory over Mittagong, we caught up with five-time premiership winning prop Kiel Shephard to lift the lid on the victorious squad.
From tattooed warhorses to gaming kings, and those who’ve relocated interstate, here’s a closer look at the 2014 Group 6 premiers.
DONNY THOMPSON
Fullback
The creative No.1 knocked on the door of NRL selection in his early days, but against Mittagong he bashed it down, charging across to put Picton 10 points clear at halftime.
Still super fit, Donny was safe down back and is also remembered for his one-on-one sledgehammer hits.
NICK TAYLOR
Wing
A “genetic freak” with stunning good looks, before saluting against the Lions an ACL injury robbed the speedster of higher honours while trialling with Canterbury.
Now living in Queensland, the former Magpie is married and uses his pace to round up two young kids.
MICHAEL LETT
Centre
One of the genuine nice guys, Lett still bleeds black and white in a journey that has taken him to three NRL clubs and four Picton premierships.
A firefighter by trade, the prized centre extinguished Mittagong’s title hopes in 2014 with a stunning three-try blitz. Now in his late 30s, “Letty” continues to churn out four-pointers while guiding the next generation.
BLAKE MATTHEWS
Centre
Somewhat of a footy enigma, Matthews was equally gifted at breaking tackles and slaying PlayStation elites.
Despite a questionable commitment to training, the former Rabbitohs under-20s rep had his fingerprints all over the decider. After halftime and with the game still in the balance, the rangy No.4 powered off his right foot to put the result beyond doubt.
RORY VALE
Wing
A lightning quick local, they reckon “Royston” generated his pace through a fear of being tackled.
Although back in 2014 the Tahmoor miner was unmatched for toughness, taking his place in the decider despite nursing a broken cheekbone.
BRYCE POISEL
Five-eighth (captain-coach)
A late bloomer, Bryce first strapped on the boots at 16, and was signed by Parramatta the next season.
A punishing defender, the star playmaker led from the front and hoisted the trophy after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the semi final. Now in Byron Bay, the multiple Picton premiership winner coaches the Cudgen Hornets in the Northern Rivers competition.
TIM DENGATE
Halfback
Rated among Picton’s best recruits, “Dangas” was a key figure in the club’s golden run of premierships after his arrival from Penrith under-20s.
In 2014, his two try assists in the first half put the Magpies on the road to an 11th title. Now working for Endeavour Energy, the No.7 hung up his boots at the end of last season, although rumours of a return won’t go away.
KIEL SHEPHARD
Prop
The only thing bigger than this prop’s engine is his trophy cabinet. In seven first grade grand finals, the super fit bookend posted a club record five victories.
Deceptively sharp off mark, the No.8 terrorised Mittagong in 2014 and after the break bumped off five defenders to crash over next to the posts. Now residing at Wilton, Kiel is married with two children.
ANTHONY PROVOST
Hooker
Another Magpie with a swag of medals, ‘Provo’ held down the No.9 jersey for years. A former Group 6 rep, the hooker directed traffic from dummy-half and slotted goals.
Gave the game away last year and has since relocated south to Corrimal.
CHRIS BOWERS
Prop
Super aggressive, the heavily tattooed former coal miner thundered across the stripe for Picton’s seventh and final try.
These days the former No.10 drives a semi-trailer and lives in Thirlmere.
JACK TWIST
Second row
One of a starting pack that all attended famed rugby league nursery St Gregory’s College, if not for bung hammies, “Twisty” could have made it with Penrith.
Had it all in attack and defence, and has since kicked onto bigger riches in the coal industry. Another based in Wilton, he has a daughter and another baby on the way.
ALEX PETERS
Second row
Peters was Picton’s hitman, and used every ounce of his 80kg frame to rock the opposition. Like the day he hit Ray Cashmere so hard, the former NRL heavyweight coughed up his lunch.
Settled in Thirlmere these days, the former backrower is a custom homes builder in Wollondilly and the Southern Highlands.
MATT WHITE
Lock
Came through the juniors as a halfback before spreading his wings as a ball playing middle. A handful in traffic, White provided the offload for the final try of the match.
Still on the Picton books, the hard as nails multiple title winner and ex-plumber is now a Tahmoor coal miner.
INTERCHANGE
BRENDAN SHEPHARD
Second row
A Picton junior and brother of Kiel, “Sheppy” is still going around with a club side in Perth.
With a couple of sons and a third youngster on the way, the gutsy defender is the head builder at Blue Strike Constructions.
KENNY AHVELO
Prop
In a squad full of unique individuals, the skilled prop from Campbelltown is the one fans need to track down.
Now in the Sunshine State, Kenny drives a limo and has no time for parked schooners.
TIGER VATUVEI
Utility
Don’t be fooled by the No.17 on his back, Tiger had a blinder in the grand final. A livewire in the halves or at dummy-half, the opportunist was never far away from the action and his short side rush set up Lett’s hat-trick play.
BRETT CLARK
Prop
An impact player off the pine, “Clarky” didn’t churn out big stints but still fit plenty into his time on the park.
Now residing at The Oaks, the big fella was no stranger to crashing over the stripe. Currently works in civil excavation.
BEN HURLEY
Outside back
Known for his fitness and ability to slot in anywhere out wide, Hurley was a valued member of the squad. Has since moved further afield and has two kids.
GARY DOWSE
Coach
A legend at Victoria Park, the 2014 trophy fits among Gary’s six titles as a player and coach at Picton.
A respected forward back in the day, he represent Western Suburbs in first grade and bagged a four-pointer in Picton’s 2009 grand final triumph.
Now club president, he recently took over the reins as reserve grade coach.
GRAND FINAL GALLERY 2014
More Coverage
Watch now: Sydney International Cup, Day 2
Former A-League defender Daniel Georgievski is hoping for success with his Stella Academy this weekend. Catch the action from Fields 3 and 4 LIVE. Check the schedule and REPLAYS.
Koori Knockout Day 1: Full juniors, women’s wrap, huge photo gallery
The first day of the Koori Knockout is in the books with the final four teams determined for all junior divisions and the women into their second round. See every result PLUS our huge photo gallery.