Rugby League Central Coast: Ultimate preview and grand final gamebreakers
There are bustling props, brilliant playmakers and try-scoring machines. As the RLCC comes to a close this weekend, check out some of the grand final gamebreakers from all grades.
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After a bumper season that has involved some brilliant football, plenty of rain and its fair share of off-field dramas, the Rugby League Central Coast competitions will come to a close this Saturday with a bumper grand final day at Morry Breen Oval.
With six huge games starting off with league tag early in the morning and finishing with the first grade decider in the afternoon, some of the Coast’s best footballers will be in action as their teams chase glory.
Catch up with a preview of all grades and some grand final gamebreakers below.
LEAGUE TAG
Erina v Terrigal – 8am
The Entrance’s stranglehold on the league tag competition will officially be broken on Saturday when Erina and Terrigal clash to kick off a bumper grand final day in league tag.
In what is perhaps a surprise match-up for the big dance, both sides combined to kick the Tigers, the defending champions and undefeated minor premiers, out of the finals in straight sets over the past fortnight.
For the Eagles, the team remarkably has a chance to cap off an undefeated season of its own. Finishing the regular season with 13 wins from 13 games, Erina only missed out on the minor premiership after forfeiting two games throughout the season.
While the team went down in last year’s decider, the Eagles well and truly went up a notch in 2024, scoring an incredible 498 points in the regular season and conceding just 44 before knocking over the Tigers 16-12 in the major semi-final.
“This is my third year with the team and some of those girls have moved into new positions and are starting to feel comfortable in those new positions,” said coach Adam Carlisle. “We’ve also got a bit of speed that we didn’t have last year, which helps a lot as well.”
Indeed, the coach believes pace is one of two major factors behind the side’s improvement.
“Probably the speed and how we use the ball,” he said. “We do like to move the ball around and shift it from sideline to sideline, and we did score three tries (in the major semi-final) on the wings, which sort of shows how we like to play.”
They’ll take on a Terrigal side that caused a huge boilover by defeating The Entrance 12-6 in last weekend’s preliminary final.
While not quite on the same level as the top-two sides over the course of the regular season, the Sharks have been impressive throughout the campaign and pose a serious threat to the title after dismantling Kincumber 20-0 and eliminating the Tigers in back-to-back weeks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Shannon Higgins (Erina)
The halfback has been a standout for the Eagles this season, helping to get the team around the park and also posing a key attacking threat with the ball in hand.
“She just does everything at full speed,” said Carlisle. “She talks really well, she’s got a really calm head on her and just seems to do everything right.”
Ella Carlisle (Erina)
Lightning quick and with the ability to slice through a gap, the fullback provides plenty of X-factor to the Erina side.
A danger from anywhere on the park, Carlisle ran in an incredible 17 tries across 12 regular season games and is one to watch on grand final day.
Morgan Mannion (Erina)
Normally a fullback, Mannion has been a revelation for the Eagles at five-eighth this season.
“She’s another one with a lot of speed,” said Carlisle. “She’s playing a new position this year and she’s just getting better and better.”
Shauntay Noel (Terrigal)
Quick, elusive and with an eye for the tryline, the Sharks’ fullback has been dangerous with the ball in hand for Terrigal this season, particularly when bringing the ball out of her own end.
Showcasing just how dangerous she can be, Noel crossed the stripe 11 times during the regular season to be the Sharks’ leading tryscorer.
Claudia Symington (Terrigal)
The captain of the team and the on-field general, Symington plays a key role in guiding the side around the park.
A dangerous ball-runner in her own right, the skipper will have a huge say if the Sharks are able to pull off an upset on grand final day.
UNDER-19s
Terrigal v Erina – 9:15am
It might have been a competition that started the season on rocky round, but Terrigal and Erina will look to finish off the under-19s on a high when the two sides clash in the second game of the day.
After The Entrance and Wyong’s decision to join the Newcastle under-19s competition left the division staring at the prospect of disappointingly low numbers, eventually six teams came together to compete in the age group.
At the top of the list is Terrigal, who made a stunning return to the 19s to win the minor premiership after the club failed to field a side last season.
“It’s been a standout season,” said co-coach Noel McLean. “A lot of the boys have backed up in the higher grades and have been the real backbone of the club, to be honest.”
Indeed, while not only topping the under-19s, a string of young Sharks have backed up to help out other grades in what has otherwise been a difficult season for the club.
And while the Sharks have some classy players who’ve spent a large chunk of the season playing first grade, the coach said the team’s success has been built on some more fundamental foundations.
“Across the board they’re a very mobile pack and they’re very tough,” he said. “They’re mates, they go to school together and a lot of them have been playing together since the under-6s, so they’ve just got that mateship that you can’t buy.”
They’ll face a young Erina side that features just six top-age players and includes three 17-year-olds in the squad.
“It’s been up and down but they’re a very young side. It’s taken probably the most part of the year to come to terms with the difference from 17s to 19s,” said coach John Creevey.
“But I’m thrilled for them because they’ve worked very hard and have got the results and rewards for their efforts.”
And despite giving away a few years to some other teams, the Eagles have been very competitive with their no-frills brand of footy.
“I know it’s a cliche but they’re just well balanced,” said Creevey. “There’s not an area where they’re stronger than the other. We’ve got two really good middles that go forward and give us some momentum and we play off the back of that.”
Indeed, it speak volumes to the production line at Erina, which will feature in four grand finals on Saturday, that first graders Devonte Vaotu’ua and Riley Burke are also still eligible for the under-19s.
In head-to-head terms, although Erina did pip Toukley 20-18 back in round five, the Sharks have hit back with three-straight victories against the Eagles, including convincing back-to-back wins in round 15 and the major semi-final.
“We’ve just got to limit our errors to beat them,” said Creevey. “Our completion rate in both those last two games wasn’t brilliant and we gave them the ball in a position where they liked it,” he added. “We’re underdogs and we don’t mind that.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brooklyn Rosemeyer (Terrigal)
After having spent more or less the whole season in first grade, the halfback has returned to the 19s for the finals series.
A classy half who can get the team around the park as well as turn on the magic, his game management will have a big say in who prevails at full-time.
Jared Gilston (Terrigal)
The back-rower has been a real handful for opposition sides over the course of the season, hitting good lines on the edge and muscling up in defence.
“He hits hard, he plays tough and is just a really dynamic player,” said McLean.
Atticus Fotofili (Terrigal)
A real leader for Terrigal on and off the field, the middle forward has led by example throughout 2024 and has been a huge reason why the Sharks’ pack has dominated its rivals all season.
“He’s a bigger body and he’s just a great middle with a great offload and defends really well,” said McLean. “His footy IQ is unbelievable.”
Harry Cash (Erina)
One of two co-captains, Cash has shown plenty of adaptability and leadership at five-eighth throughout the season to guide his young chargers into the decider.
“He’s been a hooker and he’s had to adapt because I’ve got a theory that you pick your best 17 and then find somewhere to put them. He’s been great,” said Creevey.
Noah Owens (Erina)
Another one of the Eagles’ older players and the team’s other co-captain, the centre has been a threat all season out wide and will once again be of the key players Erina turns to in the grand final.
“He’s been great all season,” said Creevey. “He’s definitely a first grader of the future.”
Lachlan Loadsman (Erina)
One of the Eagles’ big guns up front, the prop has been laying the foundation for Erina all season and will look to put his side on the front foot once again on Saturday.
“His carries are really strong, he’s physical and he gives us momentum over the advantage line,” said Creevey.
Brok Elliott (Erina)
Another one of the famous Erina Elliott family that includes Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg star Jake and current first grader Toby, Brok seems to be following in his brothers’ footsteps with an excellent season for the Eagles.
Still only 17, Elliott has impressed in the back row and poses a threat on the edges in the grand final.
OPEN GRADE
Ourimbah v Wyong – 10:55am
Ourimbah and Wyong will battle it out for the title in a big finale to what been a really exciting season in the open grade competition, which saw just four points separate the top-four teams at the end of the season.
After re-entering the open grade competition this season, the Magpies will be looking to cap off a fairytale year with a grand final win that not too many people expected.
With a string of talented young guns joining the club, five-eighth and former Magpies premiership winner Chris Morgan went about bringing in some experienced heads to guide the youthful squad through the season, calling on the likes of club legends Robbie and Chris Trembath and experienced footballers Danny Probert and Sheldon Hall.
“I rang them up and said we’ve got a good mixture here with a lot of youth but no experience,” said Morgan.
“So I put out the feelers out to a few old club legends to come back and with their experience it’s been really good. There’s five of us older guys, so we’ve just based a really good team around the youth and a bit of experience,” he added.
“It wasn’t about coming and winning a third grade premiership, it was about helping these young kids for years to come,” Morgan said. “It was just about coming back and helping out the club that given us so much over the years.”
“The improvement of some of these younger kids coming through has been fantastic.”
In addition to having a mix of young and old, there are also some deep family connections in the side, with Morgan playing alongside his 19-year-old son Jayden in the halves, while his brother and nephew are the trainers and his daughter runs out the kicking tee.
“It’s like a dream come true, memories that will last forever,” said Morgan. “To have one season with my son is something will never get taken away from us and it’d be great to win a competition with him. To have my son there, my brother, my nephew, my daughter is great. Plus the coach, Logan (Glover), I’ve known him for 30 years and he’s like a brother, and his son’s 18 and is playing as well. It’s just been a great year, a real family affair.”
Standing in the way of Ourimbah and its fairytale finish are the minor premiers in Wyong, who similarly have a mix of youth and experience that saw the team finish on top of the 12-team comp.
“I think we’ve got a good mix,” said coach Luke Blackhall. “We’ve got some old heads leading the team around but also some good youth in the team who are going to be awesome to watch in the next few years,” he added.
“Our older guys are in the forwards and they lead the way for the younger guys to play their style and enjoy their footy.”
And while there is plenty of talent in the team, Blackhall, who at 44 will come off the bench for the Roos, said the team culture has been a driving factor behind its success.
“Everyone seems to get along really good, wants to improve and get to training and put in the hard work. I think it’s made a bit of a difference that we’ve got players fighting for positions.”
Heading into the big one, it is hard to split the teams. While Wyong finished minor premiers, just one point ahead of Ourimbah, the Magpies defeated the Roos 12-4 in the major semi-final a fortnight ago to ensure they’ll take a 2-0 head-to-head record into the game on Saturday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Robbie Trembath (Ourimbah)
He might be in his early 40s, but the Magpies veteran has been one of the team’s best since coming back to mentor the young kids in the back-row this season.
“He’s a club legend, he’s going to play his last ever game for the Ourimbah Magpies,” said Morgan. “He’s been around the club for about 30 years and has been one of our best players all year.”
Josh Elvins (Ourimbah)
The hooker and captain has duly led from the front in 2024, tidying up the middle in defence and offering plenty with the ball in hand out of dummy-half.
Jayden Morgan (Ourimbah)
Playing alongside his dad, the 19-year-old halfback has been a revelation for the side this season in a key playmaking role.
“It’s his first year of grade football, he’s handled a lot of pressure,” said Morgan. “With his skill level and mindset, he’s certainly one we’ll look to on the weekend.”
Brayden Peachey (Wyong)
He might line up in the back-row, but Peachey can just about do it all and poses a serious threat on the edge.
“He’s got every bit of skill: he can run, he can pass, he can tackle and on the weekend he put up three towering bombs that no one got close to,” said Blackhall.
Lachlan Ritchie (Wyong)
The captain and five-eighth has been one of the best players in the competition. Really sharp and with excellent footwork, he’s proven to be a particularly dangerous threat taking on the line, crossing for an impressive 15 tries during the regular season.
“He’s just a freaky player,” said Blackhall. “Great kicker of the ball, great runner, very good passer, he’s also got a good step. He just plays ‘eyes-up’ footy with whatever’s in front. He’s not scared to do a short kick, long kick or take the line on himself.”
Jayden Marsh (Wyong)
Arguably the team’s most consistent player all year, Marsh has been forced to fill holes just about anywhere in the outside backs, playing at fullback, wing and centre over the course of the season.
“You just know what you get with him: 100 per cent effort, just gets involved, wants the ball in his hands, great footwork and willing to do whatever is required,” said Blackhall. “He never lets the team down.”
WOMEN’S TACKLE
The Entrance v Berkeley Vale – 12:35pm
The first of three grand final rematches from last year to finish off a bumper grand final day, The Entrance will take on Berkeley Vale in the second women’s tackle decider to be held on the Coast.
And while it will be the same two teams fighting it out this year, the tables have somewhat turned, with last year’s runners-up the Tigers coming into the game as favourites while the Panthers will be the underdogs looking to defend their title.
“Berkeley Vale beat us last year so it’s a bit of a redemption round for us,” said The Entrance captain-coach Charmayne Nathan.
Indeed, after finishing second last season and being beaten 18-4 in the decider, the Tigers have gone to a completely new level this year. The team enters the grand final having piled on 340 points and conceded a miserly 50 in 12 games.
“Our shape is what’s really affecting the women’s comp, because a lot of the other women’s teams are still playing bash-up footy,” said Nathan. “The reason why our points are so high is because we’ve sort of learnt how the game is to be played in the proper way by creating numbers, creating shapes, so that’s one massive positive.”
Despite their dominance, Nathan said her team, which features 10 from last year’s grand final side, certainly isn’t going to underestimate the Panthers.
“I back my team and I back my girls but finals football it’s just so different,” she said. “They’ve only scored once against us this year but finals footy is just so different and it just depends who can take the pressure on the day.”
Looking to spoil The Entrance’s parade is none other than Berkeley Vale, the defending premiers and the Central Coast’s original women’s tackle team, which in 2024 celebrated 10 years playing tackle rugby league.
“It’s a massive challenge for us. The Entrance have been the most dominant team this year, they’re undefeated, so it’s not going to be easy,” said captain Madeline Watson.
And while no doubt determined to defend their title from last year, the Panthers have been sure to draw a line under their past achievements.
“We’re going in with a clean headspace,” said Watson. “We’re not putting any pressure on ourselves because we won it last year. We’re a whole new team this year and we’re trying to make a name for our 2024 side.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Phyllis Mulua (The Entrance)
A real powerhouse in the back row, Mulua is a destructive ball runner and even bigger hitter in defence.
“She hits like an absolute train truck,” said Nathan. “Anyone who runs at her, good luck!”
Kate Goodhand (The Entrance)
After a tough Tarsha Gale Cup representative season in which her North Sydney Bears finished at the bottom of the table, the hooker started the local league season full of determination and has been one of the team’s best out of dummy-half.
“She really wanted to prove herself and she has been in excellent form the last few weeks,” said Nathan.
Brearna Nathan (The Entrance)
A really dangerous running five-eighth, Nathan has developed a deadly combination in the halves with her older sister and gives the team plenty of X-factor.
“Her game has immensely improved,” said Nathan. “She runs like a forward but plays like a back.”
Madeline Watson (Berkeley Vale)
An excellent defender and a dangerous runner in of the ball, the lock forward was outstanding in last year’s grand final, named player of the match in the inaugural decider,
With big-game experience and playing a key role in keeping things tight in the middle, Watson holds the key for the Panthers if they are to challenge The Entrance.
Tahlia Smith (Berkeley Vale)
Playing either at hooker or lock forward throughout the year, Smith has been rock-solid in the middle for the Panthers and will play a key role in getting the team on the front foot out of dummy-half on Saturday.
Sophie Dryden (Berkeley Vale)
New to rugby league this season after a background in union, Dryden has been a standout for the Panthers after an injury forced her into the halfback position.
With the responsibility of guiding the team around the park, the playmaker has gone to a new level in the finals and will be looking to continue that form in the grand final.
RESERVE GRADE
Erina v The Entrance – 2:05pm
Just like in the main game, the reserve grade clash will see the same two sides meet for the third year in a row.
However unlike in firsts, Erina’s reserve grade team has taken out the last two grand finals and will have the chance to complete a three-peat against rivals The Entrance.
“The first time we won in ’22 was the first time the club had won a second grade premiership in 28 years,” said assistant coach Ryan Owens. “So now to be going for three in a row, that’s massive – not just for the boys and coach but for the club.”
Indeed, the Eagles appear to be somewhat of a bogey side for The Entrance in big games, with Erina winning in 2022, ruining The Tigers’ unbeaten season by knocking them over 18-10 in last year’s grand final and once again handing the side its first loss of the season this year with a nailbiting 20-18 win in the major semi-final a fortnight ago.
“We beat them the last two years in a row in the grand final but I don’t think we’ve got the wood over them because they’re a different side once again and, to be honest, they nearly had us again in the major semi,” said Owens.
“They’ve got a massive pack, it’s probably bigger than their first grade’s. They were missing a few players and so were we, so come the grand final the pressure is more on us.”
As for The Entrance, a sense of redemption is certainly in the offing as the side looks to overturn the heartbreak of the past couple of years,
“They’ve got a couple of key players who’ve been there and done it before,” said captain-coach Haydn Green.
“We’re a pretty young side, so they’re a bit more experienced when it comes to those big games. In the first year, it was definitely the experience that got us. The second year, I feel like we were kind of the better team but it just slipped away.”
He added: “We just need to keep a level head and put in a good kicking game – I think that’s what we need to do this year to beat them.”
With a similar side to last year and a couple of players who have remarkably had some experience playing in the Denton Engineering Cup throughout the season, the Tigers are confident they have what it takes to finally lift the premiership trophy.
“We’ve got a very strong forward pack with a couple of big boys who go all day,” said Green. “We’re just a bunch of mates who play together. We’ve just got a good bond, we all have fun and I think that goes a long way.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mitchell Deegan (Erina)
With plenty of strike power in the centres, Deegan has been a threat all season for the Eagles. He crossed for 12 tries to be the second-highest tryscorer in the regular season before going over for a crucial double in the team’s 20-18 major semi-final win over The Entrance.
“He just fast, strong and elusive,” said Owens. “He’s just a good kid as well.”
Brayden Cain (Erina)
The captain of the side has been there and done that in local footy terms and will have a huge say in Saturday’s clash at five-eighth.
“I don’t know how old he is, he must be in his early 40s by now, but he just leads us around the park so well, all the boys love him and he’s just a great leader,” said Owens. “He’ll be going for three in a row and he makes it look easy.”
Kurt McGowan (Erina)
While he might give away a few kilos to some of the other forwards in the competition, the lock has been one of Erina’s best in 2024 with his tireless work in the middle.
“He’s only small but the work he gets through week in, week out, is impressive,” said Owens. “He’s a very tough player.”
Brodie Green (The Entrance)
A powerful middle forward who has a lot of experience playing in the higher grades, Green will be one of the Tigers’ enforcers as they look to get on the front foot early on in the contest.
“He’s a big boy and he just goes all day,” said Green.
Kalem Surya (The Entrance)
A super talented fullback who has spent some time in the club’s Denton Cup side throughout the year, Surya brings plenty of X-factor to the table and can change a game in a moment.
“He’s a bloke who could win it on his own,” said Green. “He’s one of those fellas who when he’s on, he’s on.”
Matt Fisk (The Entrance)
Powerful, aggressive and damaging both with and without the ball, Fisk is another key forward for Tigers if they are to win the battle in the middle.
FIRST GRADE
Toukley v Erina – 3:35pm
The best two teams for the past three seasons, Toukley and Erina will clash in the third instalment of what has been epic first grade rivalry in recent years.
“I spoke to ‘Fitzy’ on Monday and we were sort of saying how the rivalry amongst the two clubs is super respectful but has also been a bit of a driving force that has sort of kept Central Coast footy afloat for the last few years,” said Erina coach Dane Allen.
“Without that really strong rivalry and closeness between the two teams, Central Coast footy could have gone down the gurgler. I think that’s been a really big part of what’s kept it alive.”
After the Hawks ambushed the Eagles with a first half blitz to win 20-10 in 2022 and then ground out a thriller 8-6 last year, Toukley will be looking to win a remarkable third-straight premiership, a feat not achieved since an Ourimbah side won five in a row between 1951-1955.
“No club’s done it in the modern era and if we’re going back to the 50s, then far out, it’s a very difficult thing to achieve,” said Toukley captain-coach Jake Fitzpatrick. “So for Toukley to give themselves that opportunity to be able to do that is crazy.”
On the other side, Erina also has plenty to play for and will be looking for redemption after two heartbreaking grand final losses.
The best team all year, the Eagles went through the regular season undefeated before falling to the Hawks by two points in the major semi-final. They will be looking to snap a 33-year drought and win the club’s first first-grade premiership since 1991.
In a clash full of potential milestones, it will also be the last game for both skippers, with Fitzpatrick and Erina’s Joel Frazer to hang up the boots at full-time.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be the skipper this season, it’s something I take great pride in and I’d be very proud to captain the first premiership-winning side for Erina in 30-odd years,” said Frazer.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jakob Giles (Toukley)
Big, strong and skilful, the back-rower is not only up for the tough carries but is one of the biggest attacking threats in the competition on the left edge.
Man of the match in last year’s grand final, Giles certainly can lift for the big occasion.
Damon Goolagong (Toukley)
Perhaps the player with more X-factor than any other in the Hawks side, the strike centre has the ability to break the line from anywhere.
Although he missed several weeks with a hamstring injury, he returned in style with a man-of-the-match performance in major semi-final win a fortnight ago.
Jake Fitzpatrick (Toukley)
The captain, coach and spiritual leader of the club, Fitzpatrick might be retiring but he’s still playing some excellent footy at five-eighth.
In particular, his lethal combination with Giles on the left edge has yielded plenty of points this season and is bound to feature heavily on Saturday as he looks to go out in immortality.
Nathan Dwyer (Erina)
In a similar vein to Toukley back-rower Giles, Dwyer is an athletic, powerful second-rower who has been threatening on the edge all season, crossing for 11 tries to be just one behind the competition’s leading tryscorer.
Riley Burke (Erina)
Still only 18, last year’s RLCC rookie of the year has taken his game to another level in 2024.
Playing in a hybrid role that sees him pop up on the wing or at fullback, the young gun has plenty of speed and ball-playing ability to cause Toukley problems if given a yard of space.
Joel Frazer (Erina)
“I think sometimes I’m just there to bump the median age up,” laughed Frazer, who is well and truly the elder statesman and leader of this young Erina side.
Lining up in the front-row, the 34-year-old will play a huge role in trying to win the battle of the middle against the tireless Toukley pack, widely regarded as the best in the competition.
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