RUGBY LEAGUE MANAGER’S REPORT
After the challenges that we were presented in seasons 2020 and 2021, our football community anticipated a welcomed returned to Rugby League. With a weather disrupted start to the season, rugby league participation at Saints was at an all-time high.
In 2022, we had 674 male players, 238 female players and 294 volunteers registered in 54 teams across all age groups ranging from Under 5’s to Ron Massey Cup.
The strength of our Club continues to be recognised with the 36 teams that are eligible to play in finals, we had an amazing 35 take part in the semi-final series!
A new era for the St Marys Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield teams, with the coaching appointments of former NRL premiership player/coach Wayne “Snoopy” Collins and the well-respected Glenn Jones. In addition, with the recruitment of former NRL star Sam McKendry and Saints local junior Geoff Daniela, has enabled St Marys to a true contender in September.
The St Marys Ron Massey Cup team finished the regular season in second position and the Sydney Shield team securing their first Minor Premiership.Unfortunately, the Ron Massey Cup team were unable to sustain their form during the final series and existed the competition after two straight defeats to Glebe and then to archrivals Wentworthville.
Our Sydney Shield team were at their clinical best in their qualifying final against the Hills Bulls and progressed to their second Sydney Shield Grand Final. The Grand Final showdown was set, and it was a local derby between the Saints and Penrith Brothers. An explosive an dominate display form our Sydney Shield team were too classy and went on to secure their second Sydney Shield Premiership defeating Brothers 36-12.
Congratulations to coach Glenn Jones and the terrific group of young men that represented our Club very proudly.
To close, a special acknowledgment and congratulations to Ray Lesoa, Pat Hollis, Anthony Layoun, Joe Vaegaau and Atonio Pelesasa who were all selected for the NSW Mens City Origin team.
The Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team continues to be a very successful and engaging addition to our elite rugby league program. After the challenges that we were presented with covid last season, the 2022 season had the considerations of two NRLW seasons (2021 and 2022) and the NSWRL Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
With a great start to the season winning two from our first three games, but unfortunately some narrow defeats impacted of the team on making the final 4.
Several of our women were rewarded for exceptional individual form and this was acknowledged with Abbi Church and Rikeya Horne who were both selected for the NSW Womens Country Origin team. Rising stars, Salma Nour was selected for the NSW U19 Country Origin team and Chantel Tugaga was selected for the NSW U19 City Origin team.
A very special mention of an outstanding individual achievement with Sarah Togatuki, being selected in the NSW Blues Women’s Origin team!
I would like to formally introduce and give a warm welcome to our the newly appointed Coaching & Development Officer, Anthony Moore. Held in high regard amongst the rugby league circles, Anthony will implement and facilitate programs to improve the quality and standard of the St Marys Junior Rugby League players, coaches and trainers. Those initiatives include the EFS and UYM Programs.
EMERGING FEMALE SAINTS PROGRAM
Late last year we commenced our EFS development program to further support our female pathway system and to ensure the education and development of aspirational female players. Players will be identified through their performances within their specific St Marys teams and assessed on their attitudes to training and self-development.
Selected players were presented with a range of teachings and development tools to further advance their position in the game and ultimately to take this knowledge as they progress through the next stages of their rugby league journey.
UPSKILLING YOUNG MEN PROGRAM
UYM development program is a new initiative designed to provide aspirational junior male players with an avenue to obtain specialised training and education through a complete development experience.
The UYM Program will target players within our lower tiered divisions with an opportunity to enter the performance pathway and develop their rugby league skills.
SAINTS RISING STARS
Several Saints have been recognised for their outstanding form during the 2022 season.
- Abbi Church – NSW Country Origin, NRLW Parramatta Eels
- Anthony Layoun – NSWRL City Origin
- Atonio Pelesasa– NSWRL City Origin
- Billy Tsikrikas – NRL debut for the Canterbury Bulldogs
- Chantel Tugaga – NSW City Origin, NSW U19, NRLW St George/Illawarra Dragons
- Eddie Aiono – NSWRL City Origin
- Elsie Albert – NRLW St George/Illawarra Dragons
- Geoff Daniela – Cook Islands Test Selection
- Harry Hassett – U18 Australian Schoolboys
- Joe Vaegaau – NSWRL City Origin
- Kim Nikua – Tongan Test Selection
- Kurt Falls – NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers
- Litia Fusi – U18 Australian Schoolgirls
- Pat Hollis – NSWRL City Origin
- Ray Lesoa – NSWRL City Origin
- Rikeya Horne – NSW Country Origin, NRLW Parramatta Eels
- Salma Nour – NSW Country Origin, NSW U19, NRLW St George/Illawarra Dragons
- Sarah Togatuki – NSW Blues Origin, NRLW Sydney Roosters
- Soni Luke – NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers
- Sunia Turuva – NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers
- Tia Jordyn Vasilovski – U18 Australian Schoolgirls
School Rugby League Development
We have assisted several Schools with their participation and Rugby League development programs. We have also supported the schools with jerseys, equipment and recourses. Emerton Public School, Chifley Dunheved and Chifley College Senior Campus have all recently received assistance.
District Rugby League Development
This year the St Marys Rugby League Club Board very kindly created a budget to assist other Rugby League Clubs in the Penrith district and regional areas with equipment and resources.
Colyton Colts: St Marys Rugby League Club provided a grant to support their junior league program.
NSW Push and Power Rugby League. St Marys Rugby League Club purchased rugby league jerseys for the six-team competition.
Cambridge Park JRL: St Marys Rugby League Club purchased of 100 x Mini Footballs and 100 x Mod Footballs to assist with their junior program.
Western Vikings JRL: St Marys Rugby League Club purchased a line Maker and line marking paint to assist with their game day operations.
Clontarf Foundation: St Marys Rugby League Club provided football boots to be presented to sectors of the Clontarf Foundation.
Condobolin JRL: St Marys Rugby League Club purchased new jerseys, shorts and socks for their junior league teams.
THANK YOU
Our Club is renowned for its professional status within the local and wider rugby league community this is due to the remarkable team lead by Rugby League Administrator, Dannielle Back, Coaching/Development Officer, Anthony Moore and an exceptional group of volunteers led by Junior League President Peter Bowler and Junior League Secretary Janelle Borg.
Finally, I would like to thank the Board of Directors and CEO Rod Desborough, for their unconditional support and remaining true to the Club’s commitment to propagate the game of rugby league.
Adam Przybyla
Rugby League Manager