Western Clydesdales 2025 Cyril Connell Cup season preview

The Cyril Connell Cup season is just around the corner and the Western Clydesdales are locked and loaded as they look to build from an impressive 2024 campaign. Check out the breakout players to watch and the full squad list in our season preview here.

Western Clydesdales Cyril Connell Cup players after their pre-season trial game. Picture: Western Clydesdales.

The Western Clydesdales were one of the most exciting teams to watch throughout the 2024 Cyril Connell Cup season as they dominated before being knocked out in the semi-final.

As they prepare for the 2025 campaign, the Clydesdales may only have a few returning players from last year but they are just as hungry and boast some impressive young talent in their line-up.

With the first pre-season game now under their belts, coach Ned Murphy is excited for what this new-look team can do.

“They’ve had a really good pre-season, it’s always hard, they’ve trained really hard and look really good,” he said.

“So hopefully we are in for a good season.

“Even with the success we had last season, it showed that it is possible for us to get to that level in Toowoomba.”

After going undefeated throughout the year before they were defeated by the Townsville Blackhawks in the semi-final, Murphy said the goal for the season was to naturally try and go one better and make the grand final.

However, he is aware that his side will have to face some talented teams if they are to return to finals.

“Long term, that is the goal (to improve on 2024), but we know that Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and Wide Bay are going to be really hard,” Murphy said.

“All our focus is on round 1 and continuing to improve from there.”

Al MacLachlan in action for St Mary’s College in 2024. Picture, John Gass

Players to watch

Alastair MacLachlan and Taj Batty

The duo featured for the Clydesdales last year and Murphy is excited to see what they bring with an extra year of experience under their belts.

“They were both younger last year and their willingness to compete and the way that they just took them on and backed themselves and we’re hoping they will go to another level again this year,” Murphy said.

Liam Marshall and Laythan Potter

Marshall and Potter are new additions to the Cyril Connell set up and Murphy is excited for what they will bring to the forward pack.

The pair are aggressive forwards who will be used to help lay down a strong foundation for the Clydesdales throughout the campaign.

Wildcard Watch: Leroy Malone

The dynamic back who hails from Cherbourg has raised the eyebrows of several Toowoomba Junior Rugby League officials with his impressive athletic ability when lining up for Valleys Roosters.

Malone signed a deal with the Brisbane Broncos after first being identified by the club in 2022.

Whether he’s playing on the edge or at fullback, this young gun can change a game in an instant with his rapid speed.

Western Clydesdales Squad: Tom McDonald, Leroy Malone, Liam Marshall, Liam Marshall, Clayton Hensler, Liam Harch, Kalan Potter, Chevy Ryan, Lockie Hinslewood, Lachie Hillman, Cooper Dolley, Thomas Beresford, Will Paynter, Laythan Potter, Jackson Hopley, Cooper Brown, Cody Soderquist, Jack Curtin, Patrick Clifford, Jack Lewis, Max Murphy, Harry Green, Xavier Fing, Jackson Winnett, Tyrell Lacey, Xavier Newton, Charlie Barnes, Taj Batty, Alastair MacLachlan, Lucas Clarke, Lucas Burrow, Alex White.