OFFICIAL Harold Matthews Cup

jojo said:

2025 Harold Matthews Cup Season Preview: Western Suburbs Magpies​

How far will they go this season?​

www.zerotackle.com

2025 Harold Matthews Cup Season Preview: Western Suburbs Magpies

How far will they go this season?
www.zerotackle.com www.zerotackle.com

Ethan Lee Chalk
WRITER | January 10, 2025 - 12:58pm
1605

One win away from securing the 2024 Harold Matthews Cup title, the Western Suburbs Magpies will look to go one better this season as they enter the 2025 season.

As the 2025 Harold Matthews Cup season slowly approaches the opening round, Zero Tackle will provide a season preview for all 17 teams made up of players of the next generation.

First...the Western Suburbs Magpies.

One win away from securing the 2024 Harold Matthews Cup title, the Western Suburbs Magpies will look to go one better this season after being defeated by the New Zealand Warriors.

The Magpies enter the competition with a new-looking roster consisting of five players from last year's squad and players from the Andrew Johns Cup competition.

While they have lost the likes of Alex Isdale, Heamasi Makasini, and Onitoni Large, among others, a new bunch of talented kids have arrived and will take centre stage for the Magpies.

"Unfortunately, we fell short of the last season, but we're ready to go again," Magpies head coach Stephen Isdale told Zero Tackle.

"I've got a good crop of kids that have come through the Andrew Johns Cup system so they're hungry and I think a year under their belt of a junior rep season helps them.

"The goal is to obviously go one further but make sure they're all developing and moving along the food chain in the development side of things.

Players to Watch​

Jhevon Lele: Leading the team in the halves, Lele enters his second season of the competition after sitting behind Onitoni Large and Alex Isdale in the halves last season. Coach Stephen Isdale said, "Jhevon's matured a fair bit in the pre-season and he's looking forward to the challenge of leading the boys around the park."

Siotame Havea Jr: The captain of the squad, Havea enters his second season of the Harold Matthew Cup and will be the go-to guy in the middle of the field. Following a strong pre-season, he will be handed the No.13 jumper after spending last season off the interchange bench.

Combine-Players-11-696x392.png.webp
Jhevon Lele with Lachlan Galvin. (Photo: Wests Tigers Pathways Media)

Player Movements​

Gains: AJ Epati, Daniel Lafolafo, Drake Ayers, Elijah Sefo, Jaziyah Taiatu, Kingston Finau, Ronel Ribucan, Sebastian Taylor, Tyler Peken, Will Finianos, Zephaniah Finau

RELATED >> 2025 Harold Matthews Cup Player Movements

Losses: Alex Isdale (Sharks), Boston Lauvou, Brooklyn Milford, Henare Reti, James Bengura, Jayden Innes, Jordan Vandermade, Leviticus Tovia, Lorima Cosgrave, Maddax Fui, Malcolm Mailo, Mase Hillcoat, Onitoni Large (Sea Eagles), Peter Taai, PJ French, Stirling Faumui, Teancum Epati, Tomasi Tavui, Tyler Volcov, Tyson Walker

Best 17 and Full Squad​

1. Thomas Goodfield
2. Joshua Vella
3. Elijah Sefo
4. Kingston Finau
5. Mawin Tema Soa'ai
6. Jhevon Lele
7. Curtis Lakeman
8. Jake Gaffney
9. Brock Achurch
10. Jaziyah Taitau
11. Andrew Sio
12. Ashton Chan Sau
13. Siotame Havea Jr (c)

Interchange
14. Daniel Lafolafo
15. Markus Fonua
16. Kye Penfold
17. Ruben Toga

Rest of Squad
18. Ronel Ribucan
19. Zephaniah Finau
20. William Finianos
21. Tyler Peken
22. Sebastian Taylor
23. James Lanyon
24. AJ Epati
25. Jordan Truckle
26. Siosefa Spears
27. Cooper Williams

After making the Grand Final last season, the same coaching staff will return, with Stephen Isdale being named head coach and Alec Bush and Steven Butler working under him as his assistants.

"Alec controls the defence, and he's still playing the game down in the Wollongong competition, so he's experienced, and defensively, he's really tied the middle down with the boys and really worked hard with them," Isdale said.

"Steven comes from an OzTag background, and he owns the Catch-Pro Bands, so he sort of controls our ball skills drills, and he's got a wealth of knowledge through that OzTag arena."
Click to expand...
good little preview. not anticipating a year like last year but there’s some great talents in this side, namely Goodfield, Sefo, Lakeman, Gaffney and Havea.
 

The race to hoist this year’s Harold Matthews Cup once again promises to be unpredictable. Loaded with under-17s talent, we preview the upcoming season continuing with the Balmain Tigers.

Jason Hosken, Alex Pichaloff and Sean Teuma
January 13, 2025 - 9:55AM

BALMAIN TIGERS

Captain: TBA
Coach: Greg Michell
Last season: 17th (0-8)

Why they will be competitive: Coming off a difficult 2024 campaign, new coach Greg Michell will count on numerous players returning bigger and better as the Tigers prepare to climb the ladder.

“We are fortunate that several players had a taste of Harold Matts last year,” said Michell.

“This provides us with a good foundation to work from. Their experiences and success through the development program will be invaluable.”

Key fixture: Dragons and Bears (round two and four). After a tough opening against Wests at Campbelltown, Balmain hosts St George and North Sydney at Lidcombe Oval in rounds two and four.

Like the Tigers, the Dragons and Bears are on the rebound and the outcome of each contest should provide a decent indication of Balmain’s improvement.

Players to watch: With the likes of outside back Harrison Aoake and backrower Isaac Perkins returning for the summer program, Michell is comfortable with the mix of talent at his disposal.

“I don’t think it’s fair to single anyone out,” he said. “Obviously the lads who have been involved in the Wests Tigers Cubs program have been exposed to some quality training and experiences.

“Additionally, Leichhardt Wanderers (premiers), Dundas (premiers) and Concord Burwood all had very successful seasons in their respective competitions. Their players have joined us in great shape and with confidence, so it’s no coincidence they make up a large part of our squad.”

Squad (summer squad): Zavier Anjoul, Billy Antonopolous, Harrison Aoake, Thomas Aroyan, Lebron Asoava, Christian Azzi, James Baranowski, Zac Bechara, Harry Bickhoff, Ben Burge, Marcus Cesaro, Sebastian Chidiac, Jayden Dabit, Christian Dolfo, Levi Ellis, Vuki Esau, Riley Fong, Darby Fotheringham, Henry Gardiner, Isaac Ghazzaoui, Tyler Greene, Levi Henderson, Soeli Iongi, Jacob Jasper, Sam Jorgenson, Jarrod Kanaan, Eric Katoa, Jack Kennedy, Jeremiah Kilolo, Kane Kutu, Brandon Lawandos, Ben Lawrence, Jerry Leau, Jahzelle Lokeni, Kuki Maafu, Isaac Mascerenas, John Moussa, Luke Niulala, Isaac Perkins, Leroy Petelo, Jayden Ratcliffe-Newman, Jaydn Reign-Keepa, Matteo Reupena, Sosaia Unga, Dom Vella, Ali Yehia
 

WESTS MAGPIES​

Captain: Siotame Havea

Coach: Stephen Isdale

Last season: Runner up (8-1-1)

Siotame Havea returns as Wests skipper this season. Supplied: Wests Tigers

Siotame Havea returns as Wests skipper this season. Supplied: Wests Tigers

Why they will be competitive: Despite falling to New Zealand at the final hurdle in last season’s grand final, the Magpies once again showed why they are an under-17s powerhouse.

With eight victories and a draw, the CommBank Stadium defeat was Wests’ only blemish all season. Looking ahead to 2025, coach Stephen Isdale says the club’s elite pathways program has this year’s squad primed for another strong showing.

“We have a large number joining the squad coming off the back of a successful Andrew Johns Cup season,” said Isdale.

“They understand what a junior rep program looks like now. Adding that experience to the boys returning from last season’s Matts competition, I believe we will be a competitive team.

“It’s been a big pre-season and the boys are ready to start ripping in.”

Key fixture: Warriors (round six). Based on last season’s standings Wests have a generous start to the season. Pitted against four sides who missed the finals across the opening five rounds, the Magpies should be primed for a get square when the Warriors arrive at Campbelltown for the grand final rematch.

Players to watch: A member of last season’s grand final side, Siotame Havea returns as captain and continues to impress the coach.

“Siotame has come back this pre-season and made the team his own by leading the way with his actions and I am excited to watch him lead the group this year,” said Isdale.

A front-rower with a massive engine, Jake Gaffney is a Country rep with the silky ball skills of a No.13. Coming off an impressive pre-season, the coach expects him to make a significant impact throughout the season.

Still a year young, Kingston Finau is a pocket rocket with the versatility of play anywhere in the back line or even hooker. A Narellan junior, the livewire keeps the older boys on their toes with his no nonsense approach to every session.

Jake Gaffney mixes grunt with ball play. Supplied: Wests Tigers

Jake Gaffney mixes grunt with ball play. Supplied: Wests Tigers
 
Here is the WT preview of our Harold Matts teams, pretty meh stuff. I hope they announce the squads in the coming days.

www.weststigers.com.au

Pathways Preview: Harold Matthews Cup

With the Pathways season beginning next Saturday, we preview our two U/17’s boys sides before they kick off their campaigns against each other at Wests Tigers Club Day.
www.weststigers.com.au www.weststigers.com.au
 
Another game with plenty to look forward to.

For the Magpies, the elusive speedster Thomas Goodfield at fullback with the very promising halves combination of Jhevon Lele & Curtis Lakeman. Elijah Sefo in the centres, Andrew Sio backrow & the most promising of all Siotame Havea Jr captain at lock. Not to mention Kye Penfold & Jake Gaffney in the rpop rotation.

For Balmain, bottom age fullback Khalid Kairouz & prop Sioeli Iongi, CUBS hooker Bill Antopolous, centre Ben Lawrence & backrower Jerry Leau and co-captains Isaac Perkins & Christian Dolfo are ones to look out for.
 
A lot of talent across the park in this game.

The ones to keen an eye on from Balmain -

Sioeli Iongi - Represented NSWCCC in the ASSRL Championships last year. This kid is a unit and has been impressive each time I’ve seen him play. Still a year young but he’ll handle the step up easy.

Jerry Leau - Was part of last years Wests Tigers u16 White Cubs team. Always hard to handle and definitely one to watch.

Dom Vella - Won last years Panthers Junior Player of the year playing for the Emu Plains.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
Another game with plenty to look forward to.

For the Magpies, the elusive speedster Thomas Goodfield at fullback with the very promising halves combination of Jhevon Lele & Curtis Lakeman. Elijah Sefo in the centres, Andrew Sio backrow & the most promising of all Siotame Havea Jr captain at lock. Not to mention Kye Penfold & Jake Gaffney in the rpop rotation.

For Balmain, bottom age fullback Khalid Kairouz & prop Sioeli Iongi, CUBS hooker Bill Antopolous, centre Ben Lawrence & backrower Jerry Leau and co-captains Isaac Perkins & Christian Dolfo are ones to look out for.
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Love your work @BlackWhiteGold !

Just signed up for to BarTV and looking forward to the HMatts and SG Ball games on the weekend!
 
Balmain didn't really offer much, but Wests were pretty decent. Agree with many others thought Lakeman and Lele were very good. I'd say every Wests player bettered their opposite number.
 
This match at least provided some spark. Wests far superior. Exciting to see one outside back with some real X factor in James Lanyon, he was easily the pick of the backs. Super fast with elusive footwork, put in a nice kick after making a break, which Gaffney pounced on.

Good to see we've locked him up for 3 years, only 16 now

Wests backs and forwards were very good, their halves tidy and did what they needed to. Balmain looked better than last year but looked like a bunch of strangers out there
 
balmain boy said:
This match at least provided some spark. Wests far superior. Exciting to see one outside back with some real X factor in James Lanyon, he was easily the pick of the backs. Super fast with elusive footwork, put in a nice kick after making a break, which Gaffney pounced on.

Wests backs and forwards were very good, their halves tidy and did what they needed to. Balmain looked better than last year but looked like a bunch of strangers out there
Click to expand...

Balmain looked like a well coached team who sadly lack quality players. They looked considerably smaller and less fit then Wests, often at this level size and speed beats footy.

I thought both second rowers were extremely poor and let their team down. In the first 10 mins Balmain probably looked the better team, had some nice start to sets then when shifting the ball left the 6 went to the line, shaped to pass and his back rower was 15ms behind him. The right edge wasnt any better, think he had 3 handling errors in his first stint, all in good field position.

More then half of these guys are in their first, winning 2-3 games would be a decent season to build on. They play Saints this weekend who got belted by 50 last week so good chance of a W there

Wests on the other hand barely looked like they got out of first gear and still won by 38, certainly a warning to the rest of the competition. Huge game against the Dogs in a likley top 4 clash
 
Here is my attempt at POY points for last weekend's Harold Matts game after a couple of watches.

Wests
7 - Lakeman
6 - Havea Jr
5 - Gaffney
4 - Ali Jida
3 - Lanyon
2 - Lele
1 - Goodfield

Balmain
5 - Bickhoff
4 - Perkins
3 - Arovan
2 - Mascarenas
1 - Vella

IMO Lakeman, Havea Jr & Gaffney were the standouts in a very good side. Extremely impressed with centre Ali Jida who made some crucial plays who shows good speed & strength as well as his winger Lanyon who has already received plenty of plaudits.

In a well beaten side thought newcomer Harry Bickhoff (lock) was best with his workrate in A & D, link play and try assist, captain Isaac Perkins for his workrate, fullback Arovan showed promising signs in attack and the halves tried all game in trying to organise their team.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
Here is my attempt at POY points for last weekend's Harold Matts game after a couple of watches.

Wests
7 - Lakeman
6 - Havea Jr
5 - Gaffney
4 - Ali Jida
3 - Lanyon
2 - Lele
1 - Goodfield

Balmain
5 - Bickhoff
4 - Perkins
3 - Arovan
2 - Mascarenas
1 - Vella

IMO Lakeman, Havea Jr & Gaffney were the standouts in a very good side. Extremely impressed with centre Ali Jida who made some crucial plays who shows good speed & strength as well as his winger Lanyon who has already received plenty of plaudits.

In a well beaten side thought newcomer Harry Bickhoff (lock) was best with his workrate in A & D, link play and try assist, captain Isaac Perkins for his workrate, fullback Arovan showed promising signs in attack and the halves tried all game in trying to organise their team.
Click to expand...
hard to disagree with your calls, mate. Havea and Lakeman are very very good junior footballers in their own right.

absolutely love the Ali Jida shout. things just seem to happen around him. extremely impressive.

as for Balmain I really liked the look of Bickhoff and Aroyan as well. both busy and exciting.
 
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