https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/n...p/news-story/de9a4e712e49c4a8587a7b1eae951ab3
After making the semis in both competitions this year, the Macarthur Wests Tigers have their sights set on going all the way in 2025. We look at 10 players to lead their Johns/Daley Cup charge.
Sean Teuma
December 9, 2024 - 2:16PM
ANDREW JOHNS CUP
AXEL STEEL
Doesn’t just have the best name in the junior reps program. Axel is a centre from the East Campbelltown Eagles who was identified at an early age to get involved in a Macarthur development program. Now gets to showcase his skills at a higher level and is one that can take a major step forward.
CHRISTIAN MUAGUTUTIA
A progressive front rower from the Narellan Jets who has shown his ability in more than just rugby league. Has represented Bankstown in touch footy and Cabramatta in rugby union in the front row. A big boy who will have a huge impact at this level. One the Tigers will be watching closely for the coming years. Scored nine tries at club level this year.
JOSH RATU
Another quality centre the Macarthur Wests Tigers will have at their disposal, Ratu has come through the junior ranks with powerhouse club Camden. Finished fourth in tries scored across the competition to help the Rams to the grand final with his speed and strength a highlight of his play.
Josh Ratu. Picture: Camden Rams
HARRISON KEANE
There’s no shortage of halves in the region and Keane will throw his hat in the ring to take the reins at halfback. The Picton Magpies junior featured in the U15s development squad last year. Not scared to take the game on or run at the line, something that will work in his favour.
MARCUS DESIRA
We’ve seen Desira find his best in both union and league, but the 13-a-side code is where he has been thriving. Another from the Camden Rams system, Desira recently represented his Maltese heritage at the Harmony Nines and the hardworking lock won’t look out of place in the junior reps program.
LAURIE DALEY CUP
RILEY INGERSOLE
An exciting halfback by way of the East Campbelltown Eagles, Ingersole stepped up in a big way as a bottom-age player in the U18s competition this season. Kicked a winning field goal to demonstrate his ability in clutch moments, is also a leader, representing the Tigers at the NRL Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit.
AARON PAEA
Studies at the powerhouse school of Westfields Sports High and is a previous Andrew Johns Cup representative in 2023. That team was stacked with ability across the park and Paea on the wing brings goalkicking prowess and a genuine strike weapon out wide. The Ingleburn junior can fill a number of spots in the backline.
WILL JENKINS
The second rower from Camden was crowned Players’ Player for the Macarthur Wests Tigers in the 2023 Andrew Johns Cup season. A glowing endorsement from his teammates and his workrate has a lot to do with that. Also great at running lines, something his halves will be looking to exploit.
Tyler Schuberg. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography
TYLER SCHUBERG
A front rower from East Campbelltown, he’s been dubbed the ‘White Rhino’ and you only have to ask the opposition to know why. A big, strong, mobile forward who can play out the entire contest if needed, his ability to break the line and create something out of the defensive end is key.
ETHAN TIFA
The versatility of the Campbelltown City product makes him a valuable asset to the U18s team. Tifa can fill out a spot in the front row, second row and even the centres. Looks a likely type to come off the bench and provide the Tigers with a spark.
