Zach Fittler, Brody McLaren young guns impressing in Sydney Rugby Union 1st Colts heading into Rd 5

The Waratahs have their eye on these young guns so its no surprise they are ripping it up in 1st Colts rugby. Teens turning heads, club with a target on its back in Rd 5 talking points

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

April 30, 2025 - 6:56PM

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Manly player Brody McLaren scoring against Souths

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Two are teammates and the other will be a rival when Eastern Suburbs players and fans cross the bridge and head into hostile territory to take on the Manly Marlins in round five of the Sydney Rugby Union comp.

These players are expected to make a mark in the much anticipated match between the Beasties and Marlins at Manly Oval on Friday night.

Easts Colts coach Dan England said Louis Fenwicke and Zach Fittler, a prized signing for the Waratahs last year before the Australian U18s tour, were standouts in the Beasties win over traditional foes Randwick last weekend.

The pair were also teammates in the NSW U20 Waratahs team which played a series of matches pre the Colts season along with Brody McLaren, one of the stars of the Marlins Colts campaign his year.

And while they are defending champions, Easts aren’t the ones with a bullseye on their backs heading into the match-up on the northern beaches.

That honour goes to the young guns over at Manly, with Gordon the only other undefeated team in the 1st Colts competition to date.

England said it has made Manly marked men with his team fired up to knock them off in their clash this weekend.

Zach Fittler played for the Australian U18s last year. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images for Rugby Australia

“We want to be the first club to knock them off,” England said.

“They have been very good in both attack and defence.

“We are not surprised by them.

“They have Brody McLaren who has been playing very good football and they are playing an exciting brand of footy.’’

England said Fenwicke and Fittler were two standouts of the win over Randwick.

“Louis was exceptional, he’s had a ripper start to the year at fullback,’’ England said.

“And Zach had his best game season at centre.

“He’s a strong athletic kid learning how to use his skills and he’s developing that.’’

Manly player: Brody McLaren scoring against Souths:

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Early season leaders Gordon will be looking for a big scoreline and a bonus point after conceding the competition lead to Manly last weekend when they take on Eastwood at home.

The Wildfires, fresh off two wins, will have their hands full against a Sydney Uni side stinging from their most recent loss to Gordon.

Warringah and Souths take on the winless Two Blues and Norths respectively in their round five battles.