Juniors - Pathways General Discussion

Good wins by Wests Magpies Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams against the Warriors this morning in New Zealand.
I only caught bits and pieces of the SG Ball game, but from what I saw it looked like Glassie Glassie, Luke Tilberti, Jhevon Lele and Josh Vella all looked to do some good things.
Luke Tilberti is an interesting one, he played SG Ball for the Bulldogs last season and has really good acceleration off the mark, I would be trying keep him in our system and at least considering him for some Jersey Flegg game time at some stage this season.
Young Aidan Richard’s looks work in progress, still a little bit timid at times, but he has a tall and strong physique just like his dad and could really develop and become a really good player within the next couple of years.
One of the back rowers, I think wearing the 12 jersey looked very strong and a few of our bigger men such as Cruz and Alex have potential, just need a bit of fine tuning.
 
Vicious said:
Good wins by Wests Magpies Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams against the Warriors this morning in New Zealand.
I only caught bits and pieces of the SG Ball game, but from what I saw it looked like Glassie Glassie, Luke Tilberti, Jhevon Lele and Josh Vella all looked to do some good things.
Luke Tilberti is an interesting one, he played SG Ball for the Bulldogs last season and has really good acceleration off the mark, I would be trying keep him in our system and at least considering him for some Jersey Flegg game time at some stage this season.
Young Aidan Richard’s looks work in progress, still a little bit timid at times, but he has a tall and strong physique just like his dad and could really develop and become a really good player within the next couple of years.
One of the back rowers, I think wearing the 12 jersey looked very strong and a few of our bigger men such as Cruz and Alex have potential, just need a bit of fine tuning.
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How did young Izaac Isdale go in Matts please?
 

Wests Tigers Pathways Wrap: Macarthur finish 2026 unbeaten with Grand Final win​


It was a strong weekend for the Wests Tigers Pathways system, with six of ten teams recording wins in games from Port Macquarie to Auckland.

The standout performers were the Macarthur Wests Tigers, who claimed both the Laurie Daley Cup and Andrew Johns Cup titles to complete unbeaten seasons.

Across the Tasman, it was also a successful trip to New Zealand, with the Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg side and Western Suburbs Magpies Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup teams recording impressive victories over the Warriors.


Macarthur Wests Tigers

Andrew Johns Cup vs Newcastle-Maitland Region Knights: 26–16 win

The Macarthur Wests Tigers created history, claiming their first Andrew Johns Cup title and completing an unbeaten season in Port Macquarie for the NSWRL Regional Representatives Grand Final Day.

The Knights opened the scoring with a first-minute try, but Macarthur responded with a strong defensive effort, as well as first half tries from Lucas Bentham and Adam El Masri, both converted by Masen Mallia, putting Macarthur ahead 12-6 at halftime.

The second half saw Bryce Blatch and Hamish Butler help extend the Tigers lead to a comfortable 26–6.

The Knights added two late tries, but the result was already in hand as Macarthur secured a 26–16 victory to conclude a historic unbeaten premiership season.

Laurie Daley Cup vs Northern Rivers Titans: 40–22 win (after extra time)

The Macarthur Wests Tigers took on the Northern Rivers Titans in the second final of the day.

After a tight opening, the Tigers found their rhythm through Kye Penfold, who sparked a strong attacking surge. A double from Penfold and a try from Daniel Lafolafo, converted by Drake Ayers, helped build a solid 18–6 lead heading into halftime.

The Titans fought back to level the scores at full-time, forcing extra time.

Macarthur proved too strong in the added time, keeping the ball out of the Titans possession while piling on tries through James Lanyon, Jake Gaffney and Jordan Truckle to run away with a 40–22 win and cap off an undefeated season for both Macarthur sides.


Western Suburbs Magpies

Harold Matthews vs New Zealand Warriors: 26–16 win

The Magpies travelled to New Zealand alongside the NRL squad and other Wests Tigers Pathways teams to take on the Warriors.

Tries on both wings from Sebastian Taylor and Josh Ratu were not enough to hold the lead early, with the Warriors heading into halftime ahead 16–8.

Pat Richards’ side came out strongly after the break, with second rower, Jerome Cosgrave and centre, Kingston Finau scoring converted tries in the opening seven minutes of the second half to take a 20–16 lead.

A Kingston Finau assist sent Moni Tumanuvao over on the left edge with eight minutes remaining, and the successful conversion sealed a 26–16 win at Bruce Pulman Park.

SG Ball Cup vs New Zealand Warriors: 32–26 win

The Warriors opened strongly, scoring the first 10 points to put the visitors under early pressure.

The Magpies responded with 14 unanswered points of their own, with tries to Josh Vella, Leviticus Tovia and Aidan Richards giving them a 14–10 halftime lead.

A double from centre, Luke Tiberti and a try from prop, Cruz Tauaifaiga extended the lead to 32–16. Despite a late push from the Warriors, the Magpies held on to secure a 32–26 victory.

Both victories helped end their seasons on a high, with the Magpies having byes in their last round.

NSW Cup vs New Zealand Warriors: 29–28 loss

Western Suburbs Magpies travelled to New Zealand for the fourth round of the Knock On Effect NSW Cup.

The Magpies struck early following a quick play-the-ball from Ben Stevanovic, allowing Solomone Saukuru to score in the corner.

After the Warriors responded, a brilliant charge down by Mavrik Geyer, followed by a clever flick pass to Javon Andrews, restored the Magpies lead to 10–6.

The Warriors levelled the scores following a Magpies error and then took a narrow 12–10 lead into halftime after a 39th minute penalty goal.

A Jack Attard double, along with a second try to Saukuru, saw the Magpies fight back to level the scores at 28–28.

However, a late field goal from Luke Hanson proved the difference, with the Warriors securing a narrow 29–28 win.

Wests Tigers

Jersey Flegg vs New Zealand Warriors: 36–30 win

It was a highly competitive contest in Auckland, with the Warriors leading 16–14 at halftime before extending their advantage to 30–20 with 18 minutes remaining.


A Bailey Smith try under the posts in the 70th minute sparked a late comeback, before Heith Pritchard crossed to level the scores, with Logan Brookes conversion giving the Tigers the lead.

The win was sealed in dramatic fashion, with Christian Taupau-Moors scoring on the final play to secure a 36–30 victory and end the Warriors three-game winning streak.

Lisa Fiaola Cup vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: 22–4 loss

It was a tough outing for the Wests Tigers Lisa Fiaola side against the top-of-the-table Bulldogs at Leichhardt Oval.

Despite an early try from Khiarna Munro on the wing and a strong overall effort, the Tigers were unable to maintain momentum.

The Bulldogs responded strongly, ultimately scoring 22 unanswered points.

Tarsha Gale Cup vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: 22–12 loss

The Wests Tigers faced a strong Bulldogs outfit in the second-to-last round of the Tarsha Gale Cup competition.

Standout performers included May Fuimaono off the bench, along with try scorers, Saige Tautalafua and Fa'alagilagi Faimasui Brown.

In a hard-fought contest, the Tigers trailed 10–6 at halftime and were forced to play with 12 players for a third of the match. Despite their efforts, they ultimately fell 22–12.

Both results leave finals positions to be decided in the final round, with multiple outcomes set to shape both the Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale ladders.

Balmain Tigers

Harold Matthews vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: 30–8 win

Balmain made a fast start, with a double from James Kerr and a Hamish Malone-assisted try for Michel Helou, helping the side to a 12–0 lead inside the opening 14 minutes.

The Tigers led 12–4 at halftime before extending their advantage in the second half. Kody Baxter and Lachlan Ellis added further tries, while Kerr completed his hat-trick with a long-range effort through the middle.

Fullback, Thomas Aroyan converted all second half tries as Balmain secured a strong 30–8 victory.

SG Ball Cup vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: 42–6 loss

The Bulldogs opened the scoring before Balmain responded through Zach Khattar in the 14th minute, with Christian Azzi converting to bring the scores level at 6–6.

The Tigers remained competitive through much of the first half, but momentum shifted late as the Bulldogs took a 20–6 lead into the break.


In a challenging second half, Balmain were unable to regain control, with the Bulldogs running out 42–6 winners.
 

Teenage Magpies Finding Success Beyond the Scoreboard in 2026​


Walking away with nine weeks’ worth of invaluable playing experience under their belts, the Western Suburbs Magpies Harold Matthews Cup (U17) and SG Ball Cup (U19) squads conclude their 2026 campaigns.

Despite not claiming as many wins as they would have hoped, Pathways Coordinator, Brad Speechley is nonetheless pleased with the development of the players involved.

“It was a successful season, not because of results, but because of what we learnt.

He adds that despite the turbulence, the playing group remained united and determined throughout the season.

“Results didn’t go the way they wanted, but [I’m impressed by] how connected they were right through it. Positive, upbeat energy the whole time.”

It’s a promising sign from a young crop of players, many of whom are new to the representative rugby league scene.

Speechley adds that performance benchmarks extend far beyond the win column, particularly for players in junior development systems.

“Although we weren’t getting the results, we could see a constant improvement and development across players from both teams.”

Harold Matthews Head Coach, Pat Richards is on the same wavelength of measuring success at the junior level.

“You can learn more in those losses so hopefully they can use that in a good way.

“We’re into the first real year of rep footy… they’ve learned a lot about how to prepare for games and how to prepare for training,” he explained.

Richards also noted that amongst his talented playing group, there were a few individuals who stood tall every week.

“Kingston Finau has really impressed with his performances.

“The way he carries the footy, the way he defends and the way he’s learned about different things in attack and defence.”

“Iszak Isdale… his attention to detail and training has been first class. He’s just a competitor.”

The pair of athletic outside backs could be in the running to play up an age group next season, eligible for selection in the SG Ball Cup squad.

Earning the opportunity to work with the next generation of elite talent and backed by a team of support, Richards says his first season at the helm was a memorable one.

“The West Tigers Pathway system has been great to work in. I’ve had a lot of support and really enjoyed the experience.”

SG Ball Head Coach, Nathan Lakeman says his Harold Matthews counterpart had a productive season in his new role.

“It was good watching Pat and working alongside him. I think he learnt a lot. He realises that a lot goes in to being a head coach,” he said.

Lakeman also describes how the world of junior elite rugby league is growing rapidly in quality and, subsequently, expectations.

“The junior reps are only getting stronger, the competition is getting stronger - the expectation on clubs, kids, players, coaches at this level.”

Despite the increase in expectation on the younger players, Lakeman notes that they are largely able to meet the level required in both training and performance. In particular, he mentions centre, Boston Lauvao as a standout talent and prop forward, Alex Futialo, who captained the Magpies in their last game of the SG Ball season to a triumph over the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland.

Also noting the exponential growth rate of junior systems, Speechley discusses the significance of instilling professional habits into the playing group during their development process.

“We need to do the work of developing them and giving them alignment all the way up, so that progression is clear,” he explained.

With the 2026 seasons coming to a close, Speechley is appreciative of the hard work from the coaching staff across the Magpies sides.

“They were happy to do what’s best by the Club, but they also were strong on their beliefs.

“We worked together to come up with the best solution.”

Following his first season of coaching the Harold Matthews Cup squad, Richards is confident that his players are better off for the experience and ready to take their game to the next level.

“We would have loved to win a few more games, but we learnt a lot in those losses that will stand those guys in good stead for the next journey.”

“Hopefully we see these guys stay with the Club and go up the grades.”
 
CUBS SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT

Congratulations to the following players on their selection in the Wests Tigers Cubs Program.

Selected from across all Wests Tigers Junior Reps Pathways teams from 17s,18s & 19s this is a well-deserved reward for their hard work and commitment.

This Cubs Program is a key development pathway, giving players the opportunity to grow, be challenged and take their game to the next level.



Screenshot_20260411_221011_Facebook.jpg
 
Best of luck to our women's pathways sides (Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale) today, who face Penrith in the opening weekend of the finals👍
 
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Wests Tigers CUBS squads named for 2026 following the end of our male junior reps campaigns. These are for our 17, 18 & 19yos.

The surprising names not included are Glassie Glassie & Aaron Paea, unless they are already in the WT Flegg squad or contracted to WT like Siotame Havea Jr, Godinet, Taupau-Moors & Peter Ta'ai.

My top picks in CUBS are James Lanyon, Kingston Finau, Iszac Isdale, Kye Penfold & Christian Azzi.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
View attachment 36477
Wests Tigers CUBS squads named for 2026 following the end of our male junior reps campaigns. These are for our 17, 18 & 19yos.

The surprising names not included are Glassie Glassie & Aaron Paea, unless they are already in the WT Flegg squad or contracted to WT like Siotame Havea Jr, Godinet, Taupau-Moors & Peter Ta'ai.

My top picks in CUBS are James Lanyon, Kingston Finau, Iszac Isdale, Kye Penfold & Christian Azzi.
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Bickoff is under rated so is lorima Cosgrove.
 
Wiz said:
I’m pretty sure Isaac is not related. I believe Troy has remained in the UK since he finished his career over there. I knew Troy back in the day.
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Does anyone know if Troy played for Brothers in the North Sydney comp before he went to HCR? I vaguely remember playing against some massive unit in under 12s and that guy moving to the Balmain comp the next year.
 
balmain boy said:
All solid players but no standouts who look to have a First grade future in my view.
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I didn’t realise Isaac Perkins was the youngest player in Balmain SH Ball team. Although he didn’t show any great impact, he played tough and was a very solid worker.
Based on that I think there is hope that he continues grow physically, become more impactful and if that happens he could be a very good player capable of moving through the grades.
I liked Kayden Kanaan’s high energy, he will continue to improve like his older brother Cameron.
I rate Thomas Aroyan very highly. He’s another one that ideally needs to grow taller and stronger physically, but he has the high energy, speed and intent to become a very good player.
I rate him potentially better than Logan Brookes and Jack Attard and I rate both of them very highly.
Where is the big red winger, surely we have trained him as he’s the type of physical specimen we should be putting plenty of effort into developing.
 
Vicious said:
I didn’t realise Isaac Perkins was the youngest player in Balmain SH Ball team. Although he didn’t show any great impact, he played tough and was a very solid worker.
Based on that I think there is hope that he continues grow physically, become more impactful and if that happens he could be a very good player capable of moving through the grades.
I liked Kayden Kanaan’s high energy, he will continue to improve like his older brother Cameron.
I rate Thomas Aroyan very highly. He’s another one that ideally needs to grow taller and stronger physically, but he has the high energy, speed and intent to become a very good player.
I rate him potentially better than Logan Brookes and Jack Attard and I rate both of them very highly.
Where is the big red winger, surely we have trained him as he’s the type of physical specimen we should be putting plenty of effort into developing.
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Big fan of Isaac Perkins. He topped my SG Ball POY rankings this season with Havea Jr. Yep was a bottom-ager this season and was the foundation of the Balmain forward pack. Is rated for his leadership & work ethic and has an excellent tackling technique, rarely misses and does a lot of clean up work behind the ruck. He'll put on a few kg with age and pre-seasons and his game & fitness really suits the current NRL rules - a junior Alex Twal or going further back Wayne Pearce.
 
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