Local Rugby League Wrap: All the latest local footy news from the big leagues around New South Wales

A host of former NRL stars were on show as Newcastle began its season with a Magic Round. Catch up on the latest from the premier comp, plus the rest of the headlines from around NSW in our Local Footy Wrap.

Albert Kelly made his debut for Cessnock. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

With the Easter break on the radar, more competitions across the state commenced their seasons.

The strong Newcastle competition was one of those that began with a Magic Round, while Group 9 also resumed proceedings in a big way.

Here’s the latest from across NSW in our Local Footy Wrap:

CANBERRA

Connor Williams scored a double to help Queanbeyan Blues maintain their unbeaten start to 2025.

The fullback was dynamite as they prevailed 32-18 over Goulburn City in a battle of two of the competition’s heavyweights.

A Calab Edwards hat-trick was one of many highlights for West Belconnen as they raced away to their first win of the season.

Interchange player Jamieson Norris also chipped in with a double as they recorded a sound 44-6 defeat of Yass.

Blake Newcombe posted a hat-trick for Gungahlin, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Bulls from going down to Belconnen United 34-24.

Jay Slavin had a double for the Sharks.

The Queanbeyan Kangaroos became the first team to hit the half century, running in nine tries in a 50-16 victory over Tuggeranong.

STANDINGS: Queanbeyan Blues 4, West Belconnen 3, Queanbeyan Roos 2, Gungahlin 2, Belconnen United 2, Goulburn City 2, Woden Valley 1, Yass 0, Tuggeranong 0

In the Katrina Fanning Shield, Ella van den Heuvel recorded a personal haul of 22 points (two tries, seven goals).

It came as Belconnen United surged to a mammoth 54-8 defeat of Gungahlin.

A late try to Courtney-Lee Picker helped Goulburn City to a 20-16 victory over Queanbeyan Blues.

The lock and captain crossed with just three minutes to play.

Chloe Cooper and Jada-Lily Lauvao both scored doubles for West Belconnen in a 24-14 victory over Yass.

STANDINGS: West Belconnen 3, Belconnen United 2, Yass 2, Queanbeyan Blues 2, Tuggeranong 2, Goulburn City 2, Gungahlin 2, Woden Valley 1, Queanbeyan Kangaroos 0

Kevin Naiqama starred at Magic Round. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

NEWCASTLE

Newcastle kicked off its season with a Magic Round at the Newcastle Sportsground with 10 teams in action.

South Newcastle recorded the biggest win of the weekend in the final game, downing Macquarie 34-12.

Mapu Uasi starred with a hat-trick against a strong Macquarie team featuring Luke Walsh and Peni Terepo.

Former first grader Kevin Naiqama posted a double for Western Suburbs in their 22-6 victory over Lakes United.

Quintin Fui scored a double for Wyong but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from falling to Cessnock 20-10.

The Goannas scored four tries to two as Albert Kelly made his highly anticipated debut from the interchange bench.

The Entrance scored two tries in the final 12 minutes to come from behind and defeat Central Newcastle 22-18.

Tom Pellow threw a lovely cutout for Fuimamao Uta to score his second and cut it back to two, before Pellow set up the matchwinner inside the final two minutes, making a break from halfway and passing inside for Nicholas Newman to score.

Brodi Linnane and Reid Alchin both scored twice for Kurri Kurri as they downed the Northern Hawks 38-20.

STANDINGS: South Newcastle 2, Kurri Kurri 2, The Entrance 2, Cessnock 2, Wests 2, Maitland 0, Central Newcastle 0, Wyong 0, Macquarie 0, Northern Hawks 0, Lakes United 0

NSWRL WOMENS CONFERENCE

Redfern All Blacks continued their good form to open the season with a 36-10 victory over Mascot.

Gun forwards Yilara Widders and Shyla Mundine both got across the line as Solomon Haumono’s troops improved to 2-0.

Forestville edged out Leichhardt in a thrilling 16-14 encounter at Blackmore Oval.

Both teams finished with three tries, but it was Laura Eisenhauer’s goalkicking that helped the Ferrets get over for the win.

STANDINGS: Marrickville 6, Redfern 6, Forrestville 6, Chipping Norton 4, Mascot 4, Leichhardt 2, Pennant Hills Cherrybrook 2

Tavis Felsch scored a hat-trick for the Wombats. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography

SOUTHS JUNIORS

It was a bounce-back weekend for a pair of clubs who recorded their first wins of the season.

Defending premiers Alexandria recovered from a heavy defeat in round one to knock off Marrickville 36-14.

It was an improved showing from both sides after big losses the previous weekend.

Mascot was another to get on the board for its first win of the year, taking down Redfern 18-12 on home soil.

Tavis Felsch put his hand up for higher honours with an impressive showing in Coogee-Randwick’s 30-16 win over South Eastern.

The Rabbitohs pathways player scored a hat-trick in the win.

La Perouse kept its perfect record intact after downing Coogee Dolphins 18-16 in the match of the round at Yarra Reserve.

The boot of Harley Attwater ultimately proved the difference in a battle of two teams regarded as title contenders.

Dolphins had a chance to tie it late after scoring, but their conversion attempt was waved away.

STANDINGS: Coogee Wombats 4, La Perouse 4, Redfern 2, Coogee Dolphins 2, Mascot 2, Alexandria 2, South Eastern 0, Marrickville 0

SOUTHERN CORRIDOR

St John Bosco continued its strong start to 2025 with a 34-12 defeat of Engadine at Anzac Oval.

Winger Ryan Burke picked up a double as they improved to 2-0.

Another team that is undefeated is Gymea, who made a big statement in defeating defending premiers St Joey’s 20-8.

Five-eighth Flynn Pickering had a double as the Gorillas showed they are a title contender.

It marked an important milestone weekend for the club, with captain Matty Bird playing his 100th game and Nathan Riley bringing up 200.

De La Salle was emphatic in its shutout victory over Como Jannali, coming out on top 28-0.

Prized recruit Andrew Fifita got over the line for his first try in De La colours, with Eli Levido impressive with the boot.

STANDINGS: Gymea 4, St John Bosco 4, De La Salle 2, St Joey’s 2, Engadine 0, Como Jannali 0

Albury started the season with a draw. Picture: Cat Butler Photography

GROUP 9

Young sent out a major warning to the rest of the competition with a 54-6 demolition of Wagga Brothers.

Thomas Giles, Aborosio Navori and Jesse Corcoran all crossed twice as the Cherrypickers ran riot.

Cootamundra’s return to the Group 9 First Grade was dampened in a 34-6 defeat at the hands of Wagga Kangaroos.

Charlie Barton had a 14-point haul and halfback James Smart posted a double.

Southcity Bulls edged out Junee 28-24 on the back of a 16-point tally from fullback Travis Smith (two tries, four goals).

Tumut and Albury were unable to be split, settling for an 18-all draw.

The Blues scored four tries to three, but the accuracy of Viliame Cerei was enough to help the Thunder snatch a point.

Gundagai enjoyed a strong start to its campaign with a 26-14 victory over Temora.

STANDINGS: Young 2, Kangaroos 2, Gundagai 2, Southcity 2, Tumut 1, Albury 1, Junee 0, Temora 0, Cootamundra 0, Brothers 0

WOODBRIDGE CUP

Manildra improved to 2-0 for the season with a defensive masterclass in a 26-0 victory over Molong.

Flynn Fahey scored twice in the success.

Tevita Kengike crossed the line twice for Eugowra as they powered past Grenfell 30-8.

A pair of tries before halftime to Andrew Bennett (finished the game with two) and Joshua Cooney lifted Canowindra to a 40-16 win over Cargo.

The game was in the balance at 12-10 before they propelled the Tigers to a commanding 14-point advantage at the break.

Trundle was at its attacking best in a 56-16 smashing of Condobolin.

Second rower Mitch Hutchings was on fire, scoring a double and booting eight goals to give him a 24-point haul.

Orange United made it back-to-back wins to start the season after accounting for Peak Hill 40-16.

Kaiden Jones recorded his second-straight double to start the year, with centre Matthew O’Neill also getting across the stripe twice.

STANDINGS: Manildra 4, Orange United 4, Eugowra 4, Cowra 3, Peak Hill 2, Canowindra 2, Trundle 2, Oberon 2, Molong 2, Grenfell 2, Blayney 1, Cargo 0, Condobolin 0

Originally published as Local Rugby League Wrap: All the latest local footy news from the big leagues around New South Wales