Juniors - Pathways General Discussion

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/n...y/news-story/440d9ac8082c3d297fd31950c5b8a4bd

For many of Macarthur’s rising rugby league stars, the conclusion of junior reps has opened the door for a return to local footy. Meet the 20+ youngsters to play first grade in 2024.

CAMDEN RAMS​

Harry Delaney

Western Suburbs, SG Ball Cup

A busy middle forward, Delaney made a successful transition to SG Ball after captaining Macarthur Wests Tigers last year in the Laurie Daley Cup (under-18s). Made his first grade debut at Camden last year, and is now a regular off the bench for the ladder leading Rams.

Bowen Roper

Western Suburbs, SG Ball Cup

The Camden Rams junior is a hard running backrower who thrives on hard work. Made his top grade debut in June, coming off the bench in a tough initiation against an imposing Campbelltown Collegians pack.

Ewan Xuereb

Western Suburbs, SG Ball Cup

A towering middle with a neat step and sharp turn of pace, Xuereb was a regular for the Magpies throughout the SG Ball season. Made his mark in an unbeaten Camden Rams outfit during May, bagging a double on his first grade debut against Narellan.

CAMPBELLTOWN CITY​

Ramses Ah Chong

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

Ah Chong played in the second-row for Wests before showing his utility value at City when named at centre in the first grade clash with East Campbelltown. Crossed the stripe in his first two appearances for the Roos this year.

Wade Zreika

Wests Tigers, Jersey Flegg

Zreika’s well rounded skills have been a regular feature in the Wests Tigers pathways. Named in this season’s Jersey Flegg (under-21s) squad, he has kicked on at City with first grade appearances as an outside back and in the halves.

Daniel Waqa

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

A teammate of Ah Chong’s in the junior reps, the speedy winger joined him in City’s first grade side last April. Starred for the Tigers last season in the Laurie Daley Cup, and this year was rewarded with a Magpies jumper in SG Ball.

EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES​

Brooklyn Milford

Western Suburbs, Harold Matthews Cup

From the club that propelled Tallyn Da Silva to the NRL, Milford is a Westfields Sports High student following a similar path. After finishing the season with Wests in the Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s), the teenage hooker nailed his first grade debut from the bench in an epic win over Mittagong.

Tristyn Ball

Wests Tigers, Jersey Flegg

A bustling prop who has been on the rep scene for some time, Ball continues to split his time between Flegg and first grade for East Campbelltown. A local junior, he made multiple top grade appearances in 2023.

Heith Pritchard

Western Suburbs, SG Ball, Wests Tigers, Jersey Fegg

The highly regarded junior captained Wests in SG Ball this year and has since transitioned up the chain to Jersey Flegg. A gifted playmaker, Pritchard is equally effective in the No.9 and didn’t look out of place in his top grade debut against South West Goannas in April.

Zakariya Agbere

Wests Tigers, Jersey Flegg

The Jersey Flegg flyer showed what all the fuss is about back in round three for East Campbelltown. Seemingly headed for defeat, the winger pulled off a miracle try on debut to earn his side a draw with South West.

Jeremiah Leatigaga

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

Another Eagles hooker on the rise, Leatigaga has shown his utility value at rep level covering most positions in the pack. Nearing the end of the Macarthur season, the youngster has started several games in the No.9 jersey.

MITTAGONG LIONS​

Joey Eccleston

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

One of a long list of Eccleston’s from the Southern Highlands, Joey started the year in the Magpies’ SG Ball squad. A reliable outside back, Joey continues to be a regular in the Lions’ first grade line-up.

Harley Rebbeck

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

After making his first grade debut for Mittagong last season, the rising five-eighth was part of Wests’ SG Ball summer squad. Continues to develop at the Lions where he has made numerous appearances in the top grade.

Flynn Pickering

Wests Tigers, Jersey Flegg

The workaholic forward kicked of the year in the Tigers’ pathways program ahead of the Jersey Flegg season. Has spent the majority of the season playing first grade for Mittagong in the pack or as a utility off the bench.

NARELLAN JETS​

Michael Coady

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

The young prop is a respected junior at Narellan. Still a teenager, Cody has mixed it with Macarthur’s biggest bruisers in first grade. Hard working, the club believes his stocks will continue to rise.

OAKDALE WORKERS​

Alex Isdale

Western Suburbs, Harold Matthews Cup

It’s already been a massive year for this Patrician Brothers Fairfield student. Since captaining Wests to the Harold Matts grand final, the scheming half has become a crucial member in Oakdale’s charge to the Macarthur finals. Scored a try in a memorable debut against South West and has already shown the benefits of playing in the senior grade.

Sonny Edwards

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

Another quality playmaker to debut for the Workers this season, Edwards spent the early part of the season in the halves in Laurie Daley Cup and for Wests. Fast and light on his feet, when required he has also shown class down back.


PICTON MAGPIES​

Luke Keppie

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

One of the elite junior reps in the Macarthur comp, Keppie had a taste of the top grade last season. Now pulling Picton’s strings, the halfback has held his own in contests with ex-NRL stars like Corey Norman and Brad Takairangi.


Aaron Keppie

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

A member of this year’s NSW Combined High Schools side, Keppie has had a big season on and off the field. Since shifting to Cronulla from Wests midway through the rep season, the Picton dummy-half has continued to make the most of his chances under the guidance of former Canberra hooker, Simon Woolford.

Kobe Tooala

Macarthur Wests Tigers, Laurie Daley Cup

The flying winger raced away to score untouched during his first grade debut against Mittagong in July. In a major buzz, the teenager then backed it up with a double against a Thirlmere side that included former NRL stars Ken Sio and Tim Simona.

THE OAKS TIGERS​

Chad Daniels

Balmain, SG Ball

The Balmain fullback’s first grade debut for The Oaks came out of the blue and is one he’s sure to remember. On a tough night in slippery conditions at Oakdale, he held his own in a performance that was praised by captain-coach Mitchell Brasington.

Kohan Lewis

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

One of two rising forwards to consistently perform in first grade, Lewis’ efforts throughout a long season were rewarded with selection the Country under-18s.

Ryan Polsen

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

A starting prop in SG Ball, Polsen has made a seamless transition to the senior grades. Reliable and tireless, he alternates between starting and coming off the bench in a strong Tigers pack where he often ranks among the best each week.

THIRLMERE ROOSTERS​

Rielly Smith

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

In a strange twist, Smith has taken over the first grade hooking role at Thirlmere following the departure of Mitchell New, who relocated north to play NSW Cup with Newcastle. After spending the off-season training with the Magpies under-19s, he has shown enough on either side of the ball to become the team’s regular No.9.
 
To avoid the TLDR potential of this post I’ll make this relatively short and sweet with maybe an article attachment to read for those interested.
Penrith yes, have a team with majority of developed juniors however I’m not sure how many people notice that these guys aren’t ’local’ to the Penrith region.
When Matt Cameron got involved with Gus and Ivan they poured a lot of focus into making the Central West their own. Guys like Liam Henry, Liam Martin, Issah Yeo aren’t what you would call Penrith locals however since this change was made with the Central West Penrith became their home club. Bathurst, Orange, Temora, Dubbo juniors all feed into the Penrith system. Fair enough right. And I’m sure previous to this change that still may of occured. However rather than scouting from those areas they have since set up programs that ensures these country areas are trained and prepared in the Penrith way.
We have done similar with Macarthur Wests Tigers. And we are starting to see some of that talent from the region outside of Western Suburbs filter into our catchment. But we need to go out further, all the way down to the border and make that our territory.
Link attached.
www.nrl.com

Secret to success: How the Panthers dynasty was built from within

Penrith officials open up on the inner workings of their recruitment model, and how the most successful club in the game always manage to stay one step ahead of it.
www.nrl.com www.nrl.com
 
Needaname said:
To avoid the TLDR potential of this post I’ll make this relatively short and sweet with maybe an article attachment to read for those interested.
Penrith yes, have a team with majority of developed juniors however I’m not sure how many people notice that these guys aren’t ’local’ to the Penrith region.
When Matt Cameron got involved with Gus and Ivan they poured a lot of focus into making the Central West their own. Guys like Liam Henry, Liam Martin, Issah Yeo aren’t what you would call Penrith locals however since this change was made with the Central West Penrith became their home club. Bathurst, Orange, Temora, Dubbo juniors all feed into the Penrith system. Fair enough right. And I’m sure previous to this change that still may of occured. However rather than scouting from those areas they have since set up programs that ensures these country areas are trained and prepared in the Penrith way.
We have done similar with Macarthur Wests Tigers. And we are starting to see some of that talent from the region outside of Western Suburbs filter into our catchment. But we need to go out further, all the way down to the border and make that our territory.
Link attached.
www.nrl.com

Secret to success: How the Panthers dynasty was built from within

Penrith officials open up on the inner workings of their recruitment model, and how the most successful club in the game always manage to stay one step ahead of it.
www.nrl.com www.nrl.com
Click to expand...
I should add, in addition to, setting up pathways programs with the locals in those regions.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/n...y/news-story/440d9ac8082c3d297fd31950c5b8a4bd

For many of Macarthur’s rising rugby league stars, the conclusion of junior reps has opened the door for a return to local footy. Meet the 20+ youngsters to play first grade in 2024.

CAMDEN RAMS​

Harry Delaney

Western Suburbs, SG Ball Cup

A busy middle forward, Delaney made a successful transition to SG Ball after captaining Macarthur Wests Tigers last year in the Laurie Daley Cup (under-18s). Made his first grade debut at Camden last year, and is now a regular off the bench for the ladder leading Rams.

Bowen Roper

Western Suburbs, SG Ball Cup

The Camden Rams junior is a hard running backrower who thrives on hard work. Made his top grade debut in June, coming off the bench in a tough initiation against an imposing Campbelltown Collegians pack.

Ewan Xuereb

Western Suburbs, SG Ball Cup

A towering middle with a neat step and sharp turn of pace, Xuereb was a regular for the Magpies throughout the SG Ball season. Made his mark in an unbeaten Camden Rams outfit during May, bagging a double on his first grade debut against Narellan.

CAMPBELLTOWN CITY​

Ramses Ah Chong

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

Ah Chong played in the second-row for Wests before showing his utility value at City when named at centre in the first grade clash with East Campbelltown. Crossed the stripe in his first two appearances for the Roos this year.

Wade Zreika

Wests Tigers, Jersey Flegg

Zreika’s well rounded skills have been a regular feature in the Wests Tigers pathways. Named in this season’s Jersey Flegg (under-21s) squad, he has kicked on at City with first grade appearances as an outside back and in the halves.

Daniel Waqa

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

A teammate of Ah Chong’s in the junior reps, the speedy winger joined him in City’s first grade side last April. Starred for the Tigers last season in the Laurie Daley Cup, and this year was rewarded with a Magpies jumper in SG Ball.

EAST CAMPBELLTOWN EAGLES​

Brooklyn Milford

Western Suburbs, Harold Matthews Cup

From the club that propelled Tallyn Da Silva to the NRL, Milford is a Westfields Sports High student following a similar path. After finishing the season with Wests in the Harold Matthews Cup (under-17s), the teenage hooker nailed his first grade debut from the bench in an epic win over Mittagong.

Tristyn Ball

Wests Tigers, Jersey Flegg

A bustling prop who has been on the rep scene for some time, Ball continues to split his time between Flegg and first grade for East Campbelltown. A local junior, he made multiple top grade appearances in 2023.

Heith Pritchard

Western Suburbs, SG Ball, Wests Tigers, Jersey Fegg

The highly regarded junior captained Wests in SG Ball this year and has since transitioned up the chain to Jersey Flegg. A gifted playmaker, Pritchard is equally effective in the No.9 and didn’t look out of place in his top grade debut against South West Goannas in April.

Zakariya Agbere

Wests Tigers, Jersey Flegg

The Jersey Flegg flyer showed what all the fuss is about back in round three for East Campbelltown. Seemingly headed for defeat, the winger pulled off a miracle try on debut to earn his side a draw with South West.

Jeremiah Leatigaga

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

Another Eagles hooker on the rise, Leatigaga has shown his utility value at rep level covering most positions in the pack. Nearing the end of the Macarthur season, the youngster has started several games in the No.9 jersey.

MITTAGONG LIONS​

Joey Eccleston

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

One of a long list of Eccleston’s from the Southern Highlands, Joey started the year in the Magpies’ SG Ball squad. A reliable outside back, Joey continues to be a regular in the Lions’ first grade line-up.

Harley Rebbeck

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

After making his first grade debut for Mittagong last season, the rising five-eighth was part of Wests’ SG Ball summer squad. Continues to develop at the Lions where he has made numerous appearances in the top grade.

Flynn Pickering

Wests Tigers, Jersey Flegg

The workaholic forward kicked of the year in the Tigers’ pathways program ahead of the Jersey Flegg season. Has spent the majority of the season playing first grade for Mittagong in the pack or as a utility off the bench.

NARELLAN JETS​

Michael Coady

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

The young prop is a respected junior at Narellan. Still a teenager, Cody has mixed it with Macarthur’s biggest bruisers in first grade. Hard working, the club believes his stocks will continue to rise.

OAKDALE WORKERS​

Alex Isdale

Western Suburbs, Harold Matthews Cup

It’s already been a massive year for this Patrician Brothers Fairfield student. Since captaining Wests to the Harold Matts grand final, the scheming half has become a crucial member in Oakdale’s charge to the Macarthur finals. Scored a try in a memorable debut against South West and has already shown the benefits of playing in the senior grade.

Sonny Edwards

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

Another quality playmaker to debut for the Workers this season, Edwards spent the early part of the season in the halves in Laurie Daley Cup and for Wests. Fast and light on his feet, when required he has also shown class down back.


PICTON MAGPIES​

Luke Keppie

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

One of the elite junior reps in the Macarthur comp, Keppie had a taste of the top grade last season. Now pulling Picton’s strings, the halfback has held his own in contests with ex-NRL stars like Corey Norman and Brad Takairangi.


Aaron Keppie

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

A member of this year’s NSW Combined High Schools side, Keppie has had a big season on and off the field. Since shifting to Cronulla from Wests midway through the rep season, the Picton dummy-half has continued to make the most of his chances under the guidance of former Canberra hooker, Simon Woolford.

Kobe Tooala

Macarthur Wests Tigers, Laurie Daley Cup

The flying winger raced away to score untouched during his first grade debut against Mittagong in July. In a major buzz, the teenager then backed it up with a double against a Thirlmere side that included former NRL stars Ken Sio and Tim Simona.

THE OAKS TIGERS​

Chad Daniels

Balmain, SG Ball

The Balmain fullback’s first grade debut for The Oaks came out of the blue and is one he’s sure to remember. On a tough night in slippery conditions at Oakdale, he held his own in a performance that was praised by captain-coach Mitchell Brasington.

Kohan Lewis

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

One of two rising forwards to consistently perform in first grade, Lewis’ efforts throughout a long season were rewarded with selection the Country under-18s.

Ryan Polsen

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

A starting prop in SG Ball, Polsen has made a seamless transition to the senior grades. Reliable and tireless, he alternates between starting and coming off the bench in a strong Tigers pack where he often ranks among the best each week.

THIRLMERE ROOSTERS​

Rielly Smith

Western Suburbs, SG Ball

In a strange twist, Smith has taken over the first grade hooking role at Thirlmere following the departure of Mitchell New, who relocated north to play NSW Cup with Newcastle. After spending the off-season training with the Magpies under-19s, he has shown enough on either side of the ball to become the team’s regular No.9.
Click to expand...
Does the cubs program extend out to these regions?
Or is it a case of just picking the best juniors in these areas and bringing them into the Wests Tigers program through scouting?
 
Needaname said:
To avoid the TLDR potential of this post I’ll make this relatively short and sweet with maybe an article attachment to read for those interested.
Penrith yes, have a team with majority of developed juniors however I’m not sure how many people notice that these guys aren’t ’local’ to the Penrith region.
When Matt Cameron got involved with Gus and Ivan they poured a lot of focus into making the Central West their own. Guys like Liam Henry, Liam Martin, Issah Yeo aren’t what you would call Penrith locals however since this change was made with the Central West Penrith became their home club. Bathurst, Orange, Temora, Dubbo juniors all feed into the Penrith system. Fair enough right. And I’m sure previous to this change that still may of occured. However rather than scouting from those areas they have since set up programs that ensures these country areas are trained and prepared in the Penrith way.
We have done similar with Macarthur Wests Tigers. And we are starting to see some of that talent from the region outside of Western Suburbs filter into our catchment. But we need to go out further, all the way down to the border and make that our territory.
Link attached.
www.nrl.com

Secret to success: How the Panthers dynasty was built from within

Penrith officials open up on the inner workings of their recruitment model, and how the most successful club in the game always manage to stay one step ahead of it.
www.nrl.com www.nrl.com
Click to expand...
Guess who also played a role in it? 😂....see Justin was also involved in establishing their partnership with Oak. I remember he actually tried to plan something similar in the Tamworth area.
www.penrithpanthers.com.au

Wanderers bring back top-flight football to Penrith

Western Sydney Wanderers to play A-League fixture at Sportingbet Stadium.
www.penrithpanthers.com.au www.penrithpanthers.com.au
www.foxsports.com.au

The Penrith Panthers will play one home game in Bathurst for the next five years

Panthers to take NRL games to Bathurst
www.foxsports.com.au www.foxsports.com.au
 
How are Balmain Tigers, looking for next year? I reckon their HM might be pretty competitive next year, as a lot of their squad was under 16. Not sure about SG Ball though, with Kannan and a couple of their spine players aging out.
 
bigdon1234 said:
How are Balmain Tigers, looking for next year? I reckon their HM might be pretty competitive next year, as a lot of their squad was under 16. Not sure about SG Ball though, with Kannan and a couple of their spine players aging out.
Click to expand...

Balmain are pretty high on their Matts team for next year, they quietly believe their current 14-16 year olds are better then Wests (dont shoot the messenger). Apparently they beat them in an inner club challenge earlier this year (for guys who hadnt played Matts yet).
 
Last edited:
Cam Murray, Angus Chrichton, Taane Milne, Coates,
Sualii'i, Tabuai-Fidow, Ponga, there are heaps of them
that took scholarships to good schools. Parents apply
 
I know Joseph Sua’ali’i scholarship was worth 35k. Not sure how that amount is applied (how many $ per year). He signed with Souths who also paid a portion of his schooling.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Members online

Total: 1,792 (members: 5, guests: 1,787)
Back
Top