90+ former NRL players and coaches giving back to community rugby league in NSW/ACT
Former NRL stars are making a difference in NSW/ACT community footy inspiring the next generation of players and revitalising bush leagues across the state. See the 90+ stars giving back to the game.
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They’re the heroes of the game who have represented at the highest levels.
With former State of Origin reps and World Cup players, the strength of former first graders in local footy has never been higher.
We look at the 90+ former NRL player and coaches who are giving back to community footy in NSW and ACT this year.
JUMP TO
Central Coast/Newcastle - Central Sydney - Greater Western - Illawarra/South Coast - Macarthur - Northern Region
CENTRAL COAST/NEWCASTLE
ZANE TETEVANO
Wyong - Newcastle
Former clubs - Knights, Roosters, Panthers
Returns to Wyong for his second season of Denton Cup after first playing with the Roos in 2014 after his initial NRL campaign with Newcastle. Signed by the Roosters where he became a premiership player, before joining the Panthers in 2020 and then Leeds the following year.
BRAD TIGHE
Northern Hawks - Newcastle
Former clubs - Knights, Panthers
A veteran of over 170 NRL games, Tighe has been a pillar in the Newcastle community since stints with the Knights and Panthers. A regular at the Koori Knockout, Tighe has been the captain-coach of the Northern Hawks in recent years, a club encapsulating Port Stephens.
DYLAN PHYTHIAN
Lakes United - Newcastle
Former club - Knights
Made his debut at the back end of the 2016 NRL season with the Knights, going on to play three games. Spent time with Burleigh in Queensland Cup and Blacktown before a return to Newcastle in 2022, where he has been a regular in the Denton Cup.
SIONE MATA’UTIA
Lakes United - Newcastle
Former club - Knights
One of the most hyped signings of the off-season, returning from St Helens to join Lakes United in the Denton Cup. Played over 120 games with the Knights, including making his debut for Australia at just 18 years of age.
PETER MATA’UTIA
Lakes United - Newcastle
Former club - Knights, Dragons
Joining his brother Sione at Lakes United, the Mata’utia brothers are back together. Following a six-year stint in the Super League, Peter returned home to Newcastle last year with the Seagulls and is enjoying his second season at this level with the club.
WILL SMITH
Western Suburbs - Newcastle
Former clubs - Panthers, Eels, Tigers, Titans
In his second year with Wests where he is lining up at fullback. Filled in a number of roles throughout his NRL career with the Panthers, Eels, Titans and Tigers, where he played close to 100 games. Still just 32 years of age.
KEVIN NAIQAMA
Western Suburbs - Newcastle
Former clubs - Knights, Panthers, Tigers, Roosters
A veteran of the game with 15 years of experience at both the NRL and Super League level, the Fijian flyer could certainly find the line too with 113 tries in his first grade career. After two years at Huddersfield, Naiqama is finding his place in a strong Wests side.
RICK STONE (COACH)
Western Suburbs - Newcastle
Former club - South Sydney (player), Knights and Roosters women (coach)
Played a handful of games for the Rabbitohs back in 1989, but is best known for his coaching exploits with the Knights, Huddersfield and Fiji. Stone has been involved in coaching in the Denton Cup for the past three seasons now.
ALBERT KELLY
Cessnock - Newcastle
Former clubs - Sharks, Titans, Broncos
An excitement machine in first grade, Kelly forged a fantastic career in the Super League, amassing over 115 games for Hull KR and Hull FC. After calling time on his Queensland Cup career with Souths, Kelly has been strong for Cessnock in the Denton Cup.
HARRY SIEJKA (COACH)
Cessnock - Newcastle
Former club - Panthers
A dual-international for Poland in both league and union, Siejka was a four-time representative with Penrith before stints with Wakefield and Bradford. He has been with Cessnock since 2022, where he has served as a player and coach, but now focus on the clipboard.
BROCK LAMB
Maitland - Newcastle
Former clubs - Knights, Roosters
An Australian Schoolboys and NSW U18s representative, Lamb played with the Knights and Roosters before departing for a short stint in England with London. Grew up in Maitland and it’s fitting that he has been a fixture for the Pickers throughout a successful period.
LUKE WALSH
Macquarie - Newcastle
Former clubs - Panthers, Knights
Walsh put together a very strong career at the top flight, playing close to 250 NRL and Super League games, most notably with the Panthers from 2009-13. After a host of years playing for Central Newcastle, Walsh made the move to the Macquarie Scorpions this season.
PENI TEREPO
Macquarie - Newcastle
Former club - Eels
Now in his second season with the Macquarie Scorpions after an eight-year NRL career with Parramatta. He notched up 123 games in first grade and represented Tonga at the World Cup. Terepo has added a touch of class to the Scorpions side alongside Walsh.
PAUL STRINGER (COACH)
Kurri Kurri - Newcastle
Former clubs - Bears, Northern Eagles, Rabbitohs, Eels
A Berkeley Vale junior who has adapted well to the coaching life after playing just shy of 150 first grade games. One of South Sydney’s most consistent through the tough period after their reinstatement, the Country representative has coached at the NSW Cup level and an assistant in the NRL, before joining Kurri Kurri this year.
MITCH GARBUTT
Kurri Kurri - Newcastle
Former clubs - Storm, Broncos
Fitting that he returned back to the Newcastle comp after playing his junior footy with Wests. Garbutt played 12 NRL games with the Storm and Broncos before moving to the UK, playing with Leeds and Hull KR before travelling on to France.
MATT IKUVALU
Wyong - Newcastle
Former clubs - Roosters, Sharks
The prolific tryscorer with the Roosters has returned to Australia following two years in France with the Catalans Dragons. Is back with Wyong, the club where he spent four years in NSW Cup from 2015-18.
ANDREW RYAN (COACH)
South Newcastle - Newcastle
Former clubs - Eels, Bulldogs
A genuine legend of the game with close to 300 NRL games and representing his state and country, Bobcat has taken to coaching like a duck to water. Ryan served as the coach of the NSW U19s since 2022 (now Josh Jackson) after a year at NSW Cup level with the Knights. Took over as head coach of South Newcastle last year.
BRAYDEN MUSGROVE
Cessnock - Newcastle
Former club - Knights
The local junior returned home to the Goannas in 2022 after playing seven first grade games with the Knights in 2021. Great determination to make the top flight after working his way through the pathways and going down with an ACL injury on his way to the top.
SAM ANDERSON
Maitland - Newcastle
Former club - Panthers
Still fit and firing at the age of 34, Anderson reached the heights of the NRL with seven games over three seasons for Penrith. After a successful career in NSW and Queensland Cup, Anderson has been a regular with the Pickers since 2019.
BLAKE AUSTIN
Berkeley Vale Panthers – Central Coast
Former clubs: Panthers, Tigers, Raiders, Warrington, Leeds Rhinos
One of the biggest names playing in the competition, Austin stepped back from Newcastle’s Denton Cup to play for the same club as his children.
At 34, the playmaker is still in great nick as the Panthers look to break a run of four consecutive wooden spoons and climb up the ladder.
NATHAN DAVIS
Kincumber Colts – Central Coast
Former clubs: Titans, Eels
Having played nine games for the Gold Coast and Parramatta in 2016 and 2017, the 29-year-old backrower has been an absolute machine for Kincumber in the first half of the season, wreaking absolute havoc down the right edge as the star-studded Colts put teams to the sword.
DAVID FIFITA
Kincumber Colts – Central Coast
Former clubs: Sharks
Like Austin, Fifita is another to make the move from the Newcastle competition to the Central Coast for the sake of his kids, with Fifita taking on the captain-coach role at Kincumber.
Showing all the class and physicality that saw him enjoy a decade-long professional career, the 35-year-old has been particularly destructive on the edge in what is one of the competition’s premier forward packs.
JAMES MALONEY
Ourimbah Magpies - Central Coast
Former clubs: Warriors, Roosters, Sharks, Panthers
It has been a fairytale return to local footy for the two-time NRL premiership winner, who has come back to lead his junior club Ourimbah as it fields a first grade side for the first time in six years.
Despite being 38 and having retired from professional football in 2023, Maloney has been his ultra-competitive self, taking on the line and muscling up in defence as he guides the Magpies around the park.
BEN MARSCHKE
Kincumber Colts – Central Coast
Former clubs - Roosters
The 27-year-old, who played 13 games for the Chooks in 2021, is in his second year at the Colts.
Switching between hooker and halfback, Marschke has been pulling the strings for the impressive Kincumber squad, who have piled on the points with some headline performances in the first half of the season.
MATT MOYLAN
Kincumber Colts – Central Coast
Former clubs - Panthers, Sharks
Undoubtedly the biggest name in the Central Coast competition, Moylan was a huge coup for the star-studded Kincumber side, which boasts five former NRL players.
Fresh from finishing up his professional career with the Leigh Leopards just last year, the 33-year-old former NSW Origin and Australia representative has been a huge drawcard and added some serious class to not only the Colts but the competition at large.
BEN THOMAS
Kincumber Colts – Central Coast
Former club - Roosters
After playing seven games for the Chooks from 2021 to 2023, Thomas has returned to his junior club in recent seasons to lead the seriously impressive Kincumber pack as it looks to have a crack at the title.
TERENCE SEUSEU
Toukley Hawks - Central Coast
Former clubs - Knights, Sharks, Sea Eagles
An NRL veteran who made his debut for the Knights way back in 2007, Seuseu is still showing his class in the local Central Coast competition.
After a few years at Wyong and after spending last season at Kurri, the 37-year-old five-eighth/hooker has joined heavyweights Toukley as they look to make amends for going down in last year’s grand final.
CENTRAL SYDNEY
DEAN WIDDERS (COACH)
Redfern All Blacks - Souths Juniors
Former clubs - Eels, Rabbitohs
A fan favourite with the Eels and Rabbitohs, the Aboriginal Dreamtime representative returned to RAB this year, the club he won multiple premierships with as a player-coach a decade ago. Takes the reins as coach this season.
ANDREW FIFITA
De La Salle - Southern Sydney
Former clubs - Sharks, Tigers
The premiership winner with Cronulla and Australian representative backed up his coaching duties with the Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup side with a playing stint in the Cronulla comp with De La Salle, drawing big crowds in the process.
DAMON ALLEY-TOVIO
La Perouse - Souths Juniors
Former club - Rabbitohs
Still going around at 41 in the local Souths Juniors comp, joining La Perouse this year after previously running around with South Eastern. Played four games with the Rabbitohs from 2003-04. Shot to fame with six tries in a Jersey Flegg fixture.
SIONE TOVO
Mascot Jets - Souths Juniors
Former club - Knights
Made his NRL debut with Newcastle in 2009, representing Tonga twice in the same year. Still one of the most devastating props in the local game at 36, Tovo returned to his junior club of Mascot last year after previously playing with Matraville.
NOAH SETE and EDDIE PAEA (CO-COACHES)
Mascot Jets - Souths Juniors
Forming a dynamic coaching duo of past Mascot Jets juniors are Sete and Paea. Coming through the grades at Souths, Sete played two games in their return NRL season in 2002, while Paea played eight games in red and green, as well as representing Tonga in league and union.
TINIRAU ARONA
St Clair Comets - Penrith
Former clubs - Roosters, Sharks
After 12 seasons and more than 230 first grade appearances in the NRL and Super League, the former Cook Islands and Sharks/Roosters ball-playing forward returned to the local scene in 2024, helping the Comets in their return to the finals.
OMAR SLAIMANKHEL
Marrickville - Souths Juniors
Former club - Warriors
Before he became a star on ‘The Block’, Slaimankhel played five first grade games with the Warriors, becoming the first ever Pakistani-born NRL player. After playing with Mascot previously, he is back in the Souths Juniors comp with Marrickville.
JOHN SUTTON (COACH)
South Eastern - Souths Juniors
One of South Sydney’s favourite sons, holding the games record for the club that is likely to never be broken. Sutton took to coaching in the Souths Juniors comp last season after leading South Sydney’s SG Ball team. In his second year with the Seagulls.
PITA GODINET
Mona Vale - Northern
Former clubs - Warriors, Tigers, Sea Eagles
Enjoyed a league career that has taken him around the world, starting with the Warriors before stints in England, France and even America with the Atlanta Rhinos. A Samoan international, Godinet joined Mona Vale this season after playing with Dapto previously.
FRANK PRITCHARD (COACH)
Cabramatta - NSWRL Open Women
Former clubs - Panthers, Bulldogs, Eels
Few could lay claim to be as devastating with the ball in hand as Frank the Tank. The New Zealand international enjoyed a long career in first grade, and is enjoying success as a coach with Cabramatta as well as Patrician Brothers Fairfield, where he helped them claim the Peter Mulholland Cup.
LUKE PHILLIPS (COACH)
Pennant Hills Cherrybrook - NSWRL Open Women
Former clubs - Roosters, Cowboys, Sea Eagles, Raiders
The man known as ‘Diamond’ has been shining bright since his playing days in the NRL. Phillips made the call to become a referee, officiating at the level he used to play, before moving into the coaching space, serving as an assistant to the Roosters NRLW and giving young Indigenous talent from northern Queensland a pathway to first grade.
TRAVIS ROBINSON
Alexandria Rovers - Souths Juniors
Former club - Panthers
Another Alexandria Rovers junior who has returned to the club in recent times. Robinson scored six tries in nine NRL appearances with Penrith. A Lebanese international, Robinson played hooker last season as the Rovers broke their A-grade drought.
GREATER WESTERN
SAM WILLIAMS
Queanbeyan Roos - Canberra
Former clubs - Raiders, Dragons
Filling the role as captain-coach of the Roos is Sam Williams, a veteran of over 100 NRL games with the Raiders and Dragons, with a couple of stints in the Super League in between. Hails from Cooma and has been with the Roos since 2023.
MITCH CORNISH
Goulburn City Bulldogs - Canberra
Former clubs - Raiders, Roosters
In his third year with Bulldogs, having previously held a captain-coach role at Goulburn City. Cornish was a Junior Blues and Kangaroos representative before going on to play 20 games of first grade footy with Canberra and the Sydney Roosters.
TYLER CORNISH
Goulburn City Bulldogs - Canberra
Former club - Titans
The younger brother of Mitch, Tyler played just the one first grade game with the Titans in 2017. A Goulburn junior, Cornish has been with the Bulldogs at this level for the best part of six years and is relishing playing with his brothers.
JOSH McCRONE
Temora - Group 9
Former clubs - Raiders, Dragons
It was always fitting that McCrone went back to his junior club of the Temora Dragons following his NRL playing days. Spent seven years with the Raiders and represented Country Origin. A long time captain-coach, McCrone still plays while now sharing the coaching duties.
CLAY PRIEST
Mudgee - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former clubs - Raiders, Bulldogs
Priest has been a fixture at Mudgee since 2020, including delivering a premiership last season and filling the captain-coach role since 2023. The Penrith junior was snapped up by the Raiders, playing 39 games with them and the Bulldogs in his first grade career.
STEVEN MARSTERS
Mudgee - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former club - Rabbitohs
A relative of former Cowboy and Tiger Esarn, Steven played the six games for the Rabbitohs during the Covid years of 2020 and 2021. A mid-year signing before the deadline, the Cook Islands international made an immediate impact with a try on his Dragons debut.
JACK LITTLEJOHN
Mudgee - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former clubs - Sea Eagles, Tigers
Played 21 games over three seasons in the NRL with Manly and the Wests Tigers. The Wagga junior then went on to have a stint in the Super League with Salford. Since then Littlejohn has been a mainstay at Mudgee.
AARON GORRELL (COACH)
Gundagai - Group 9
Former clubs - Broncos, Dragons
A crafty hooker during his time with the Broncos and Dragons, Gorrell has made a very successful switch to the clipboard as a coach. Helped guide the Riverina Bulls to a Country Championships grand final and is now in charge at Gundagai.
BLAKE FERGUSON
Wellington - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former clubs - Raiders, Eels, Roosters, Sharks
One of the most exciting outside backs we’ve seen in the NRL era, Ferguson returned home to Wellington to link with the Cowboys in 2023. Reached the heights of Australia and State of Origin, scoring 127 first grade tries in 250 NRL games.
ADAM QUINLAN
Queanbeyan Roos - Canberra
Former club - Dragons
A South Coast junior who got to live out his NRL dream with the Dragons, before a move to the Super League where he had stints with St Helens and Hull KR. Has played in Group 7 previously before making the move to Queanbeyan to join the Roos.
SHANE RODNEY (COACH)
Orange Hawks - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former clubs - Panthers, Sea Eagles
A NSW City representative during his playing days with Penrith and Manly, where he played over 130 first grade games. Rodney has coached with St Marys in Sydney Shield, before making the move to Orange from 2022 where he remains today.
JUSTIN CARNEY (COACH)
Dubbo Macquarie - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former clubs - Raiders, Roosters
The former Raider and Rooster, who enjoyed great success in the English Super League, has made his mark at the local level in more recent years. After a playing and coaching stint with the Albury Thunder, Carney moved back home to Dubbo this season to lead Macquarie.
JAMIL HOPOATE
Nynan Tigers - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former club - Broncos
A 12-game player with Brisbane during the 2020 Covid-impacted season, Hopoate linked with the Nyngan Tigers for this year’s Peter McDonald Premiership.
VINCENT LEULUAI
Nyngan Tigers - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former clubs - Roosters, Storm
Featured in five first grade games for the Roosters and Storm in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Signed with Souths the following year but never cracked first grade. The big forward has been with Nyngan since 2024.
ZAC SADDLER
Mudgee - Peter McDonald Premiership
Former club - Sea Eagles
The Bathurst-born second-rower made his NRL debut with the Sea Eagles in 2021, where he played three games. After a subsequent stint in France, the Indigenous All Stars representative returned to the region where he has been with Mudgee since last year.
ILLAWARRA/SOUTH COAST
KURT DILLON
De La Salle - Illawarra
Former clubs - Sharks, Rabbitohs
A robust and reliable prop, Kurt served a long apprenticeship in the lower grades before making the first of four NRL appearances with Cronulla in 2018. Returned to the top grade in 2020, playing one match for Souths.
TAUTAU MOGA
Wests - Illawarra
Former clubs - Roosters, Cowboys, Broncos, Knights, Rabbitohs, Dragons
Plagued by an almost endless list of injuries, the rampaging Samoan centre refused to turn his back on an NRL career that lasted more than 10 seasons from 2012.
GEORGE JENNINGS
Wests - Illawarra
Former clubs - Panthers, Eels, Warriors, Storm
The younger brother of former NSW Origin centre Michael, the speedy outside back made 56 appearances in the top grade scoring 27 tries.
TEPAI MOEROA
Wests - Illawarra
Former clubs - Eels, Storm
Nearing 30, the versatile forward brings a wealth of experience to Wests. A Cook Islands international, Tepai carved out 10 seasons in the NRL and also had a stint in rugby, playing two seasons for the NSW Waratahs.
JY HITCHCOX
Wests - Illawarra
Former clubs - Tigers
Light on his feet, the flying winger spent eight seasons in France and England after making four top grade appearances for Wests Tigers in 2014.
DANE CHISHOLM
Wests - Illawarra
Former clubs - Storm
Well travelled with one NRL appearance to his name. Since turning out for the Storm in 2011, the goal kicking playmaker spent nine seasons playing in England.
BRAD DEITZ
Thirroul - Illawarra
Former club - Bulldogs
After four seasons of NSW Cup with North Sydney, the tireless hooker made the most of his opportunities at Canterbury in 2021, appearing in seven NRL matches for the Bulldogs.
AARON GRAY
Dapto - Illawarra
Former clubs - Rabbitohs, Sharks
The hard running outside back quickly made a name for himself in three seasons with South Sydney, earning City selection in 2016 and scoring a remarkable four tries. Played the last of his 49 NRL games with Cronulla in 2019.
TIM LAFAI
Stingrays - Group 7
Former clubs - Bulldogs, Dragons
A Samoan international with more than 230 appearances in the NRL and UK Super League, the 34-year-old played centre for Canterbury in the 2014 grand final. Played 91 first grade matches for St George, and returned to Canterbury for one final season in 2020.
DYLAN FARRELL (CAPTAIN/COACH)
Nowra Bomaderry - Group 7
Former clubs - Rabbitohs, Dragons
Remembered by Souths diehards for scoring a hat-trick in his first grade debut, Farrell went on to make 90 NRL appearances with the Rabbitohs and Dragons during six seasons until 2015.
MACARTHUR
JUNIOR MOORS
Campbelltown City - Macarthur
Former clubs - Panthers, Tigers, Storm
A mainstay in the City pack, at 38, the former Panthers, Tigers and Storm forward shows no signs of slowing down. Among the most respected props in the Macarthur competition, the Samoan international played 17 seasons in the big time, finishing at Featherstone in 2023.
AVA SEUMANUFAGAI
Campbelltown City - Macarthur
Former clubs - Tigers, Sharks, Bulldogs
After a distinguished career in the NRL and Super League, the hard working former Tigers middle took over the reigns as Campbelltown City captain-coach in 2024. Still in peak physical condition, the 34-year-old brings almost 200 games of top-flight experience to a young side.
DANNY FUALALO
Camden Rams - Macarthur
Former club - Bulldogs
A Rams prop and former Macarthur player of the year, Fualalo played more than 70 top grade games for Canterbury up until 2019. Has two premiership medals in the local competition, and was a key player in Camden’s Clayton Cup success in 2024.
TRENT PEOPLES
Camden Rams - Macarthur
Former club - Rabbitohs
After making the big time with Souths in 2022, the busy backrower’s time at the top was cut short by a devastating leg injury. Still only 26, the former St Gregs student was part of Camden’s historic unbeaten run to the title last season.
MICHAEL LETT
Picton Magpies - Macarthur
Former clubs - Roosters, Dragons, Bulldogs
A legend at Picton, the four-time premiership-winning Magpie continues to cause headaches for the opposition. Now 38, and 20 years on from making his NRL debut with the Roosters, the fullback remains as elusive as ever.
SIMON WOOLFORD(COACH)
Picton Magpies - Macarthur
Former clubs - Raiders, Dragons
Now in his second season at the helm of Picton, the former Raiders and Dragons hooker draws on experience from more than 260 NRL appearances and a handful of seasons behind the clipboard in NSW Cup and Super League.
BRAD TAKAIRANGI
South West Goannas - Macarthur
Former clubs - Roosters, Titans, Eels
Now 36, the goalkicking playmaker and former Kiwi international is helping guide South West’s revival in the top grade. Made the last of his 178 NRL appearances with Parramatta in 2020, and rewound the clock last year with two outings for the Cook Islands.
GREG EASTWOOD
South West Goannas - Macarthur
Former clubs - Broncos, Bulldogs
Indestructible upfront, the Kiwi powerhouse continues to churn out big minutes in his second year at the Goannas. A mainstay of the New Zealand pack for a decade, Eastwood continues to inspire since making his NRL debut for Brisbane in 2005.
BRYSON GOODWIN
Mittagong Lions - Macarthur
Former clubs - Sharks, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs
Nearing 40, Bryson continues to fly the flag for the famous Goodwin family. Currently playing his fourth season for the Lions, the centre/backrower showed he’s still got it by notching a hat-trick in a recent win.
TONY WILLIAMS
Narellan Jets - Macarthur
Former clubs - Eels, Sea Eagles, Bulldogs, Sharks
T-Rex made his name as wrecking ball in 11 NRL seasons. Among a swag of Origin and international appearances, the giant backrower reached the top of the podium with Manly in 2011. After taking a break last season, Williams recently dusted of his boots to play with Narellan.
NATHAN GARDNER
East Campbelltown Eagles - Macarthur
Former club - Sharks
With strong family connections at East Campbelltown, the former Cronulla fullback returned to the club two years ago following eight seasons away from the game. Still on the Eagles’ books, he is yet to lace up in 2025.
POASA FAAMAUSILI
Narellan Jets - Macarthur
Former clubs - Roosters, Warriors, Dragons, Dolphins, Bulldogs
After making the last of 47 NRL appearances across five different clubs at Canterbury in 2024, the 29-year-old prop agreed to terms with Narellan and is currently at the forefront of the club’s rebuild.
CURTIS SCOTT
Thirlmere Roosters - Macarthur
Former clubs - Storm, Raiders
With his NRL days now seemingly behind him, the former Storm premiership winner continues to mix boxing with appearances for Thirlmere. Still a lethal attacking weapon, the centre was prominent in the club’s 2023 grand final victory.
TIM SIMONA
Thirlmere Roosters - Macarthur
Former club - Tigers
Another member of Thirlmere’s most recent title winning combination, the former Wests Tigers strike-centre has bedded down a position in the halves. Now 33, the Samoan international continues to challenge the best defence nine years on from his last NRL appearance.
MATT GROAT
Thirlmere Roosters - Macarthur
Former club - Tigers
Groat rose through the ranks as a no-nonsense prop playing for Wests Tigers across two seasons from 2011 before concluding his top-flight career in 2020 after four seasons in the Queensland Cup. Now 33, and after a five-year break, he’s back in the pack playing in Macarthur’s top grade.
KEN SIO
Campbelltown Collegians - Macarthur
Former clubs - Eels, Knights
Following a high-profile career in the NRL and Super League, the former Parramatta and Knights flyer joined Thirlmere last season before moving to Campbelltown Collegians in 2025. Now 34, the fullback continues to perform his duties with a level head and remains a key figure in a Collies revival.
LOPINI PAEA (COACH)
The Oaks Tigers - Macarthur
Former club - Roosters
A constant in the Sydney Roosters forward pack for seven seasons until 2010, Lopini concluded his playing career with five seasons in UK Super League. Now a teachers aid at Briar Road Public School in Airds, he brings over 180 top-grade appearances to his role as reserve grade coach for The Oaks Tigers.
NORTHERN REGION
ROY BELL
Casino Cougars – NRRRL
Former club – South Sydney
He might be 40 years old, but evergreen playmaker Roy Bell, who played nine NRL games for Souths in the mid-2000s, is still one of the classiest footballers in the Northern Rivers.
After leading Evans Head to regular semi-final appearances in recent years, Bell has returned to where it all began in 2025, switching to junior club Casino, where he remarkably made his first grade debut as a teenage way back in 2002.
TODD CARNEY
Byron Bay Red Devils – NRRRL
Former clubs - Raiders, Roosters, Sharks
The former Dally M Medal winner made headlines recently after making a shock comeback to help Byron Bay snap an 11-month losing streak in the Northern Rivers competition.
Despite retiring from local footy at the end of last season, the 39-year-old still has the passion for the game and is expected to turn out for the Red Devils again in the back half of 2025.
LUKE DOUGLAS
Lower Clarence Magpies – NRRRL
Former clubs - Sharks, Titans
After 349 professional games in the NRL and Super League as a middle forward, the ex-Scotland international is remarkably still bending the line at 39 years of age.
Not just a champion footballer, Douglas has been a stalwart for his junior club the Lower Clarence Magpies, playing a huge role in helping the Yamba-based club return to A-grade football and establishing it as a competitive force in the Northern Rivers.
CODY NELSON
Mullumbimby Giants – NRRRL
Former clubs - Titans, Eels
One of a crop of former NRL players who have returned to their junior clubs to help drag them out of trouble, Nelson has been inspirational in the resurgence of the Giants.
After flying in from work commitments in Sydney and Melbourne just to help the team make up the numbers a few years ago, the 36-year-old has seen the club emerge as genuine finals contenders in the strong Northern Rivers comp.
JACOB MILLER
Mullumbimby Giants – NRRRL
Former clubs - Tigers
A veteran of 290 professional games mostly in the UK Super League, the 32-year-old turned down potential contracts both in England and Australia to come home to Mullumbimby.
Bringing all the class that allowed him to enjoy a 13-year professional career, the halfback has brought an extra level of quality to the Giants as they hope to challenge the contenders in 2025.
TYRONE ROBERTS
Ballina Seagulls – NRRRL
Former clubs - Knights, Titans
He might not play at the highest level anymore but the 33-year-old halfback’s quality is still plain to see as he carves up the NRRRL on a weekly basis.
After first returning to the competition last season with Northern United, Roberts made the switch over to Ballina as he seeks to win a premiership with his junior club in what some speculate could be his final season of footy.
BODENE THOMPSON
Murwillumbah Mustangs – NRRRL
Former clubs - Titans, Tigers, Warriors
A classic rugby league journeyman who played 320 games for eight clubs in both the NRL and Super League over the course of his 15-year professional career, Thompson still loves the contact as he leads the pack for Murwillumbah in the NRRRL.
SHANNON WALKER
Kyogle Turkeys – NRRRL
Former club - Titans
An explosive winger who played four games for the Titans in 2008 before switching codes and representing Australia 80 times in rugby sevens, Walker brought his career full circle this year when he returned to his hometown club Kyogle.
The 36-year-old has been a key part of the Turkeys’ revival after the club collected the last three wooden spoons in a row.
TYRONNE ROBERTS-DAVIS
Nambucca Heads Roosters – Group 2
Former club - Titans
At 27, the fullback – who played seven games for the Titans in 2017 and 2018 – is still in his prime and is absolutely carving up for his hometown club Nambucca.
Roberts has set the competition light since returning two seasons ago, winning the Group 2 player of the year award in both 2023 and 2024 while also leading the Roosters as they broke a 28-year premiership drought last season.
FRANK WINTERSTEIN
Macksville Sea Eagles – Group 2
Former clubs - Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Widnes
Still in great shape at 38, the former Samoa international provides plenty of go-forward to the Macksville pack in the Group 2 competition, with his huge frame still putting holes through defensive lines.
JARROD MULLEN
Port City Breakers
Former club - Knights
The former Origin player has made his return to the local footy ranks in recent years, playing in the Illawarra comp last year and now joining the Port City Breakers. Played over 200 games with the Knights, filling one of the toughest roles in sport as the successor to the great Andrew Johns.
Originally published as 90+ former NRL players and coaches giving back to community rugby league in NSW/ACT
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