Wentworthville Magpies Under 16's More than a Rugby League Team

The 2019 season began on Thursday 7th February as training resumed at Alpha Street Park Greystanes, the two 2018 sides became one squad for the preseason. Early trial matches indicated the season would be another successful one for the Wentworthville Magpies. 2019 would, however, bring significant change. A new coach and manager, two new trainers and the positions of fullback, centre, half and hooker would need to be reworked due to a contract opportunity with the Bulldogs, a promotion into the 17/18’s competition, a commitment to education and unfortunately a season ending injury. The Parramatta Harold Matthews team would be carried by five mighty magpies and the North Sydney Bears would be blessed with two of our best. Come season end the team would be supported by twenty four different players. Although offical training took place on Monday and Thursday many players took up the opportunity for a Tuesday night boxing and Wednesday night Weights sessions, after training hard in the garage of pain the Magpie Men enjoyed some laughs around the table tennis table and in the swim spa.

Round One of the 2019 season saw the Mighty Wentworthville Magpies call on the strength of the cub, missing seven junior representative players provided an opportunity for several players to rise to the occasion and rise they did. Captain Raymond The Force Hekeik took all the Bulls could throw at him winning both meters gained and the defensive battle. Jerome Mr Reliable Saba also stood tall, scoring two tries with two try assists he was the most outstanding Magpie in attack. Sage The Zip Zip Andary, Lannery Mr Fix It Brown and Filifili The Hammer Filo all added to the scoreboard. James the Magician Carr started the season with five goals from five attempts and a magical defensive effort. Several players, including Daniel Steel Springs Curmi, Alek the Flash Kouvas, Joshua the Gun Veleika and Phoenix the Juggernaut Brown cemented their positions in next weeks team with outstanding performances. Whilst the possible return of representative players next week could see a reshuffle of the team it won’t be easy with Apolo Rocket Man Hehea, Corey Woodpecker Deane, Bostyn the Boss Ligaliga and David the Bull Pese all playing quality rugby league. Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu and John Paul the Brick Layer Wehbe had enormous performances tainted only by a late sin binning that saw the team short for the final minutes of the match. Overall it was a great way to begin the season and stamp our mark on the competition.

Round Two saw the return of big guns Toby the Mastermind Lewis, Cayne the Bank Nicholas, Joshua the Sniper Leifi and Deon the Rock Iro to the squad. After the round one demolition of the Hills District Bulls the pressure was on the returning representative players to raise the bar, and raise the bar they did but, not before a slow start. As is the experience for all Premiership winning teams attempting to go back to back, opposition teams lift their game knowing they are competing with the best in the competition. With a vocal crowd in support Winston Hills did just that going to an early 6-0 lead. It was not too long before Phoenix the Juggernaut Brown powered through two defenders with an enormous 30 metre run, and with a quick play the ball the Sniper shot over to see the Magpies level at 6-6. Some scrappy football followed, and, with what I am assured from the Rock was a case of mistaken identity, Deon was binned for 10 minutes with 8 minutes remaining in the half. It was an amazing defensive effort from the entire team but forwards Raymond the Force Hekeik and Joshua the Gun Veleika dominated the opposition forwards. The Mastermind had a target on his back and was continually hit late after kicks but, he could not be kept down and directed a second half that saw the magpies fly. After the break a more controlled and settled magpies unit took control of the game, with Alek the Flash Kouvas and Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu making valuable metres from dummy half and with their fast play the ball nothing was going to stop John Paul the Brick Layer Wehbe who after only five minutes of the second half crashed over under the posts. With James the Magician landing the conversion the Magpies were in front and never looked back. Filifili the Hammer Filo was just too strong for the Winston Hills defence with a 40 metre kickoff return the Magpies were ready to capitalise. The speedy work from Apolo  Rocket Man HeHea, saw our superb return set finish with the Bank depositing his first try close to the post. With the Magician landing the goal the score had flown out to 18-6, but, the magpie men were not finished yet. Another great metre gain from Daniel Steel Springs Curmi and a follow up punishing drive from the Hammer saw Mr Reliable Jerome Saba put Sage the Zip Zip Andary into space crossing over for the Magpies fourth try. 22-6 would be the final score and a great opportunity for the team to realise the importance of staying focused in the emotion of an oppositions early enthusiasm, knowing that, class always shines out in the end. A classy performance it was. Two from two to begin the 2019 season. 

Round Three Bye Weekend saw the Magpies first BBQ Training at Roberta Street. A massive thank you to the coaching staff Danny Mr Fingers Veleika, Robert the Postman Lewis, Michael the Hulk Nicholas, Lina Mum Hekeik and Mathew Scaffold Curmi who prepared and served the players. Individual talent may win games but will never win a competitions, it takes a TEAM to win a competition and Bruce Coach Carr is thankful that the Wentworthville under 16’s has such a team.

Round Four saw the greatest 28 minutes of Rugby league Coach Carr have ever witnessed. The Wentworthville Magpies annihilation of Cabramatta by 50 points in 28 minutes was sheer rugby league excellence. The pace was so fast that not even the officials could keep track of our perfection missing a try on the score book tally. Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu was at his finest finishing off sensational team sets with three tries. Raymond the Force Hekeik saw his powerful running rewarded with a double. Daniel Steel Springs Curmi, James the Magician Carr, Deon the Rock Iro and Filifili the Hammer Filo all added four pointers to the scoreboard. Francis the Storm Tuitino kicked 7 from 9 taking his personal total to 14 points and his speed running scored him 8 most valuable player points. Toby the Mastermind Lewis was instrumental in directing the team around the park, Cayne the Bank Nicholas, controlled the middle in defence, his big hits scoring 7 most valuable player points, while Joshua the Sniper Leifi and  Phoenix the Juggernaut Brown made endless metres through the middle. Joshua the Gun Veleika shot down the minimal attacking raids that Cabramatta had cruising through the 28 minutes without raising a sweat. Alek the Flash Kouvas and  Sage the Zip Zip Andary fine tuned their motors after the bye weekend ready for full throttle next week against Rouse Hill. Three from three was the start to the competition the magpies were after.

Round Five The Mighty Magpies continued to dominate the opposition this week defeating Rouse Hill 44 to 4. Another outstanding finishing display from winger Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu  scoring four tries to make it seven in the last two weeks. Joshua the Gun Veleika joined Raymond the Force Hekeik and Jerome Mr Reliable Saba in the double try club, scoring in each half highlighting the new and improved support play dimension of his game.  Archangel and the Gun were joined by Cayne the Bank Nicholas  and Francis the Storm Tuitino who each added a try to their personal and team tally. After taking up the kicking duties mid way through the game, James the Magician Carr kicked four from five to top off a solid performance. Sage the Zip Zip Andary clocked up most meters gained, zipping through the defence at will. Zip Zip’s change of speed devastated the Rouse Hill backline. Spencer the Enforcer Tuala joined the demolition stamping his authority over the centre of the field. His powerful running was just simply too strong for the opposition defence often carrying four defenders deep into post contact meter gains. Toby the Mastermind Lewis had unleashed his troops and had begun planning for next week’s return of the Bulls. Deon the Rock Iro, Phoenix the Juggernaut Brown and Filifili the Hammer Filo were amongst the strongest of the Masterminds troops punishing the opposition beyond repair in both attack and defence. Alek the Flash Kouvas continued to fly under the radar whilst ticking all the boxes for a quality performance the best of the Flash is not far off. It was Daniel Steel Springs Curmi who took most of the most valuable player points this week with his powerful running and support play.  Four from Four, perfection.

Round Six saw our closest match as reflected both on the scoreboard and mentally. With five consecutive wins there comes a real need to maintain both the desire and discipline to win. This week our game reflected a lack of intensity at training. Some poor finishing saw us bomb early tries and going into halftime the opposition were right in the match. Tries to Raymond the Force Hekeik and Deon the Rock Iro with Francis the Storm Tuitino kicking at 100% saw the half time score 12-6. Toby the Mastermind Lewis, got the second half off to the the start we wanted with a dummy, run, swerve and try. Cayne the Bank Nicholas, was over for his second deposit of the season only moments later and with the Storm adding the extras the magpies had skipped to 22 pints to 6. With front line soldiers like Joshua the Sniper Leifi, Phoenix the Juggernaut Brown and Joshua the Gun Veleika there would be no come from behind opportunity for our opposition today. It was alarming that attacking weapons Alek the Flash Kouvas, Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu and Sage the Zip Zip Andary were not utilised as we had previously done. James the Magician Carr, Filifili the Hammer Filo and Spencer the Enforcer, Tuala were our sleeping giants this week, while playing well there was not the consistently dominating performance that had destroyed our previous opposition.

Round Seven saw the team move from winners to learners. That lack of intensity and discipline had finally caught up with us. It was a hard lesson but one we needed to learn. Sage the Zip Zip Andary scored a double and was our most dangerous attacking weapon closely followed by his centre partner Francis the Storm Tuitino who scored our third try to lock up the scores.  The magpies scored three tries to our opposition two and with six minutes remaining the scores were locked at 12-12 but a late penalty was the difference.  Toby the Mastermind Lewis, continued to develop as the director of play some further direction from the coaching staff will add to his game. Cayne the Bank Nicholas, has now grown into his positional change and upon mastering the dummy half role, the coaching staff are expecting the Bank to be instrumental in the team’s future success.   Joshua the Sniper Leifi is beginning to gel with his teammates, his devastating running game will be pivotal in future victories, The Sniper shared most of the most valuable player points with James the Magician this week. Deon the Rock Iro was a little frustrated today as his final attempts to break the opposition defence were not as effective as expected but the Rock has much to offer.  Phoenix the Juggernaut Brown, Raymond the Force Hekeik, John Paul the Brick Layer Wehbe and Joshua the Gun Veleika were all way below their best and mentally will be stronger for the experience of the ugly word “Loss”. Alek the Flash Kouvas and Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu need to understand that their work rates from the wing are important for the teams go forward. The Magician continues to excel in defence a display that this week  earned him the most valuable player points but he will be a much fuller asset to the team as he begins to play what is in front of him. FiliFili the Hammer Filo continues to push for a starting position with his damaging running and defence. Daniel Steel Springs Curmi has injected his commitment into everything he does and this will serve the side well in the future. Spencer the Enforcer, was awaiting the ball today to inflict his damage but his team were lacking the vision required to get the ball to him.  We will ensure this does not happen again. Winners to Learners this week

Round Eight No official Football this weekend but the team had a run at Harold Read Park. Again supported by Mathew Scaffold Curmi and Danny Fingers Veleika who purchased subway sandwiches for the Magpie men. Some members of the team who had the afternoon free ventured to Coach Carr’s place to view Richie McCaw’s video Chasing Great, a highly recommended view into what sporting perfection looks like. The midweek discovery that Phoenix the Juggernaut Brown had broken his hand was not the news the team needed. The Juggernaut had been a major weapon in our armoury to date.

Round Nine Having not played for two weeks and coming off our first loss of the season it was a nervous Magpies camp, but nerves usually mean our minds are on the job at hand. There was some late positional changes that coach thought would best support the team this week. Daniel Steel Springs Curmi was moved from fullback to the wing and Alek the Flash Kouvas moved onto the interchange from the wing. Like the amazing men they are, Steel Springs and the Flash accepted the coaches decisions and put the team before their personal preference.  This saw Sage Zip Zip move to fullback and brought FiliFili The Hammer Filo into the starting lineup joining Francis the Storm in the centres.  The performance reflected our new sense of purpose with the Magpie men running rampant with our opposition.  With eight different try scorers today the attacking wonder was spread across the park. Steel Springs, the Hammer, the Mastermind, the Sniper, the Enforcer, the Rock, the Force and the Gun all crossing for four pointers. The Tower was given permission to attempt our final conversion from just off centre and he stood tall, transforming four into six. Cayne the Bank and James the Magician were again mighty in defence, two of our mentally toughest continue to demolish the far physically larger opposition. The Archangel , Zip Zip and the Storm played crucial roles in the victory while the Flash added that something extra from the interchange. The quality of the team performance saw eight individual players share in the most valuable player points with the Storm and the Bank leading the way.

Round Ten  Saw the Magpies take on the Rouse Hill Rhinos and it was another convincing win at home. Toby the Mastermind Lewis, directed the team around the park with shear precision earning himself a share of the most valuable player points. With the team winning the ruck Cayne the Bank Nicholas, was unstoppable from dummy half tearing the Rhinos defence to shreds. Deon the Rock Iro was solid across the park and added to his try scoring tally.  Raymond the Force Hekeik started from the interchange after being sick all week, his amazing recovery keeping his season stats at 100%. With the Juggernaut, and the Sniper sidelined through injury. David the Bull got the call up and took the game by the horns making meters at will and tackling all opposition crazy enough to run at him. Joshua the Gun Veleika continues to do the unseen essentials, tackling everything that moves and running support play for big our forwards.  Alek the Flash Kouvas moving back into the starting line up scored four tries cementing his move into the centres and taking the majority of the most valuable player points. Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu had to find his place after arriving minutes before kickoff. James the Magician Carr has hit his attacking straps now putting players through gaps at will. Having the Magician and the Mastermind discovering each others game and reaching their peak is exciting news for the team. Junior the Hammer Filo was unstoppable crossing the try line again this week. Daniel Steel Springs Curmi is another who, now established on the wing is putting together the pieces of his game another exciting option for the team.  Sage the Zip Zip Andary continues to shine and his consistency was rewarded with seven most valuable player points this week. Spencer the Enforcer and Francis the Storm now playing together in the forward pack have made some bold statements about the brutal force of the Magpies pack. Their devastating running just simply too strong for our opposition. Interchange Jerome Mr Reliable Saba and John Paul the Brick Layer Wehbe continue to inject both a physical and mental strength that no other team can match.

Round Eleven saw the Magpies take on Hills District for the third time this season. There was talk of the Bulls having their full side available for the first time this season, but the rumoured full side was not strong enough for the much improving Magpies. Toby the Mastermind Lewis, directed a six tries to three victory. Cayne the Bank Nicholas, continues to develop his attaching game with another four pointer. His defensive technique is beyond reproach and it is often the perfection of his contact, drive and slamming of the opponents back into the turf that is mistaken for danger by our young referees and penalised. Deon the Rock Iro has found his best attacking form crossing for a treble of tries this week and claiming three most valuable player points for his effort. Raymond the Force Hekeik was again a stand out making meters at will his polished offload has now become an element of the Forces’ game that few can match. Joshua the Gun Veleika is ready to load up as a complete player taking home two most valuable player points. Alek the Flash Kouvas and Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu continue to shine as they take their games to new levels. James the Magician Carr is enjoying the support of quality team mates who are allowing him to also develop into the complete player. The Magician was rewarded with three most valuable player points this week. FiliFili the Hammer Filo showed just how powerful his running is scoring a double today and terrorising the Hills attack. Daniel Steel Springs Curmi continues to throw everything he has into not only game day but every training session also such professionalism will see Steel Springs rewarded come the back end of the season. Sage the Zip Zip Andary, was simply amazing in both attack and defence by far our best today taking home 12 most valuable player points. Jerome Mr Reliable Saba is arguably our most elusive interchange player and continues to support both our 16’s teams. John Paul the Brick Layer Wehbe is warming up to the demands of both work and sport and was a powerful runner today. Francis the Storm has so much power to give that when the conditions are right for the perfect storm he will be unstoppable. Four from seven with the boot this week for the Storm. David the Bull Pese was a solid addition to the team this week making massive metres through the middle of the ruck. This leaves Spencer the Enforcer Tuala who continues to lead by example not only our metre maker but also the teams prayer leader, the Enforcer is such a well rounded young man that he brings a special confidence to the side. He will surly dominate come the semi final series.

Sunday Special – A mid week call from Allan McGowan saw four of the Mighty Magpies Under 16’s complete the Parramatta Marist side that would ensure the Wentworthville Senior Try Time team had a game this week. What an amazing game it was with the try time side scoring seconds before the hooter to earn themselves a 28-24 win. With the game locked at 24-24 it was a fiery forward from the Wenty Try Time Team who, having given Filifili the finger after a heavy collision earlier in the half, would not be stopped close to the line diving over to win his team the game. It was an amazing display of solidarity from the Marist and Wentworthville men without whom their Magpie Brothers would not have been able to play the sport that brings such pleasure to their life. For those who may not know the try time teams consist of Rugby League loving men with mental and physical challenges that prevent them from participating in the general rugby league competition. The opportunity to play our great game is so important to these players that one father brings his son all the way from Lithgow to play for the Magpies Try Time side. The game would not only touch the hearts of our players but to see such camaraderie had an impact on all who where there to witness the fierce competition. More than one parent sent me photos and suggested that the Wenty and Marist boys should join forces more often to ensure the Try Time side has a game every week. Well done to all who gave of their time to play, your families are so very proud of the type of men you have become.

Round twelve Saw the magpies return game against Winston Hills washed out. The team was chanting at the bud to have another shot at Winston Hills to show them who the strongest team in the competition  is, but our chance for revenge would have to wait. It will now be Winston Hills challenge to win semi final games to allow us to make up for our lack of desire at our mid season slump. With the Hills bulls acquiring some mid season additional players Winston Hills will need to be at their best to earn a chance to play the Magpies.

Round Fourteen With the washout, school holidays and then the Bye the Mighty Magpies had not played for four weeks and the gap in game time was evident with a failure to complete three out of our first four sets. With the weight of possession against us, there was, however a silver lining, an amazing display of defensive might. The team was rock solid and after 12 minutes with all the possession Mounties could not cross our line. Once the Mighty magpies took control of the ball we were unstoppable. An attacking raid down the right hand side saw the ball spread back to the centre of the field where Spencer the Enforcer was awaiting and he powered over tossing the Mounties defenders aside. What sounds like such an easy task had been missing for several weeks leaving the Enforcer starved of possession. Our first completion from the kick off saw Francis the Storm Tuitino cross for the first of his three tries, such attacking brilliance earning the Storm 15 most valuable player points. Alek the Flash Kouvas was hot on the Storm’s heals running at speed the Flash crossed for two blazing tries and scoring four most valuable player points. Toby the Mastermind Lewis, Raymond the Force Hekeik and Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu all joining the Enforcer, crossing for tries. James the Magician picked off the countless Mountain Mounties Men who were obviously trying to target his side of the defensive line scoring him three most valuable player points this week. Cayne the Bank Nicholas was recovering from injury this week and this saw Lannery Mr Fix It Brown return to the side and fix it he did. Mr Fix “It’s” service from dummy half was excellent and his defence second to none. Welcome back Lannery. Deon the Rock Iro had a solid game that was rewarded with two most valuable player points. Joshua the Gun Veleika continues to hit the targets set him by the coaching staff tackling everything that moves and supporting up the middle.   Filifili the Hammer Filo and Daniel Steel Springs Curmi did all they needed to do this week running into gaps and drawing and passing for their team mates to tally up the scoreboard points. But the crowd favourite today was John Paul the Brick Layer Wehbe who, from the kick off return, built up all his pace and ran into a Mounties Brick wall propelling him backwards, a feat I would not have believed had I not seen it myself. What was impressive for the coaching staff was that the Brick Layer then took a second hit up smashing right through the mounties defence. After our next try it was Josh the Sniper Leifi’s turn to shoot everyone a lesson about returning the kick off, carrying four of mounties biggest for 15 post contact meters there would be no deflecting the Snipers shot. The precision of the Snipers continual deadly shots will benefit the teams run towards a premiership. Another bonus for the side was the call up of John Little Brother Tuitino off the interchange, Little Brother will be required again over the next few weeks as we await the return of the Juggernaut from his broken hand.

Round 15 Saw the mighty magpies take on Rouse Hill and with seven point scorers and six sharing in most valuable player points the team is achieving excellence at the right time of the season. Raymond the Force Hekeik was again a stand out with his powerful running and his new found connection with James the Magician Carr is something we will intensify come finals. The Magician has polished his entire game at the right end of the season and will be a dangerous asset come the finals series. The Force has also refined his rushing defence so that the occasional miss has been replaced with continued crushing contact. FiliFili the Hammer Filo is excelling in his now permanent position in the centres and is a powerhouse runner down our left attacking side scoring a double today. The Hammer was not the only double try scorer today he was joined by not one but two team mates. Cayne the Bank Nicholas also scored a double and continues to reflect the brilliance of Cameron Smith from his dummy half role there was a lucky supporter who offered the Bank $100 for three tries not sure I would risk that bet! Francis the Storm Tuitino notched up his double from his back row position, a move for the Storm back into the forwards gives the side the power of a hurricane as we attack our opposition. John Paul the Brick Layer and Josh the Sniper Leifi were caught in traffic arriving only minutes before kick off. The Brick Layer and Sniper switched straight to full gear, Josh the Sniper crashing over for his try but the most impressive part of his game was the burial of a Rhinos’ back rower who having run into the aim of the Sniper found himself smashed deep into the dust of the field. John Paul the Brick Layer Wehbe laid opposition player after opposition player on the floor with both his attack and defence. Joshua The Gun Veleika saw his support play finally rewarded with an amazing try. Alek The Flash Kouvas and Daniel The Archangel Saininaivalu also crossed the white line today. Deon The Rock Iro and Spencer the Enforcer Tuala are shaping up to be two power players come our semi final series as they continue to dominate the opposition forwards. Daniel Steel Springs Curmi and Sage Zip Zip Andary are our potential Jack in the Boxes who will spring into action in the major games coming up fast on the horizon. However Toby the Mastermind Louis could be our major card holder as he contemplates the tactics of his team mates and structures our game plays around that processing. NO Wonder we “ARE HAPPY AT WENTWORTHVILLE”.

Round 16 Saw the Mighty Magpie take on HillsDistrict for the 4th time this season, with a gale force wind behind us we needed to start strong and it wasn’t to long before Alek the Flash Kouvas crossed for his first. Not long after James the Magician Carr went hard to the line, through the rushing defence and with a perfect short ball sent FiliFili the Hammer Filo flying up the sideline the Hammer was too strong for the Hills fullback crashing over for the Magpies second try. Toby the Mastermind Lewis then took control directing traffic and sending our last play kicks deep into the opposition half. Ensuring that there was no chance for the opposition to reduce our lead. Running into the wind after the break the mighty magpies Josh the Sniper Leifi used his brut force and crashed through the defence to put the game beyond doubt. With some quick play the balls from Daniel Archangel Saininaivalu a large gap opened up for Cayne the Bank Nicholas who needs no introduction to an awaiting deposit, try time. It was then Blake the Kid Metcalfe in his first call up from the under 15’s turn to throw an amazing pass for Aleck the Flash Kouvas to cross out wide. Joshua the Gun Veleika continues to top the tackle count and do the little things that often go unnoticed, while Raymond the Force was again just to big and strong topping the meters gained this week. John Little Brother Tuitino took on big brothers responsibilities today and only the team would be aware that John plays with the Kid in the Mighty Wentworthville under 15’s. John Paul the Brick Layer was again a major interchange impact player making massive metre gains from kick off returns. Dion the Rock Iro and the Gun are now moving into a real powerful space as attacking weapons completing the fulness of their games as running support players at the right end of the season. Sage the Zip Zip Andary continues to be a shining light for the team with his speedy kick returns and amazing cover tackles. Daniel Steel Springs Curmi is nursing a hamstring strain and taking the first intercept of the season did not assist his nagging injury for semifinal time, but if anyone is committed to his recovery its Steel Springs so the week off will be enough for 100% fitness.

Regular Season Statistics

Major Final V Hills District Bulls

The Day that became the Dark Night, so dark that only after, the return, could the chapter be written. Simply a dark chapter in an amazing journey the magpie men were embarrassed by a near perfect performance from the opposition. The day, perhaps unfortunately, started as had the four previous battles against this opposition. The Magpies kicked off and after some magical defence from the Magician forced the opposition into an early error. Then after driving defence from the Bank saw the Enforcer bring back a powerful return from drop out, it was after only three minutes that the Sniper would fire the opening shot crashing over under the post. The Storm adding the extra two and the magpies day was going to plan. Coach had called the Gun from the interchange bench asking him to maintain our lead by tackling everything that moved. Yet before Michael The Hulk Nicholas could get him onto the field the opposition had scored two tries and the Magpies were behind 8 – 6. This was not part of the plan and as the sun sunk for the day so too did the hopes of the Magpies moving straight into the Grand Final. From the ensuing kick-off the Magpies were penalised for being in front of the Kicker now we knew we were in for a long night. It was the Force who tried to lift his team with some full body damaging hits, the Zip Zip wouldn’t give in appearing all over the field to be ready for an offload, but just as the light had disappeared so too had our desire to win. The Archangel and Steel Springs must have been blinded by the dust as the ball seemed to purposefully avoid them, it seemed like there was nothing the Rock could do as the ripple of errors skimmed across the team. “We need half time” Coach said to Bob the Postman Lewis but by the time the halftime bell had rung the team were down 20-6 and with little hunger in their eyes we were in trouble. As we entered the shed it was clear the Flash and Hammer were running on empty as the rushed analyses of the oppositions game plan mid-week had left them hanging out to dry. Looking into the eyes of these fine young men there was a feeling that no half time speech would inspire a comeback today, unfortunately that thought played out to be correct. Our first attacking set in the second half saw a great kick from the Mastermind, finally we would put them under some pressure, but no, the ball decided to nicely bounce up for the opposition to make the field of play and then a penalty saw them out of trouble. A magpies player called off side in the running play saw any chance of a comeback quashed as the score blew out to 32-6. There was not much the Juggernaut or Brick Layer could do but perhaps some fresh bodies would mediate the damage, although they gave their all, there would be no mediation to the damage with the opposition scoring two late tries to amass 42 points to 6. So, Plan A had come to a drastic halt, there would be no week off for the Magpies, but why, everything happens for a reason. Would two games in four weeks have been good for us? Could the darkest of nights turn out to be a blessing in disguise? The task now was to search long and hard for the learning and insert it into the awaiting plan B. The video was viewed several times and it became clear that a poor coaching decision to quickly draw the perceived oppositions attacking game on a white board at the beginning of Monday night’s training session and not explicitly demonstrate, practice, develop and then practice some more was the reason that the Flash, Hammer, Steel Springs and the Archangel were not fully ready and loaded to cut down the oppositions attacking raids. Now there was a more pressing issue, could the team recover; many have gone before that could not. Only the greatest of teams would rise from the dust of such a defeat. So, the process to rebuild would begin and only next week’s result would tell if these men were men of the amazing character that would be required of such a feat. Our opposition next week are the Mountainous Mounties, a massive road to climb only time will tell.

Wentworthville – 46 Mounties – 10

Hills District – 12 Wentworthville – 36

What a day to wake up a WINNER, the Sun is out and light breeze ensures ideal conditions for comfort. What could beat this amazing free gift of creation? Only one thing could bring a greater joy to the heart of a Coach than the freedom of the new day. Sitting here grinning from ear to ear, that one thing is the opportunity to reflect on a performance that displayed total commitment to the family we call the Under 16’s, division one, Wentworthville Magpies.Having been written off by so many who supposedly “know” rugby league, after only our second loss of the entire season, proved to Coach that many who should, really do not know the men that made up this family. The Magpie Men would eat the grand final pressure for breakfast, arriving at Ringrose they formed a guard of honour for their brothers in the second side, from there we shut up shop. After entering the dressing shed we blocked out all distractions. The mental strength of these men saw them deliver their very best for the only game of the season that ensures that the “pain is temporary but Glory Lasts Forever.” Grand Final peak performance of the season here we come. The Whistle blew and running into a massive wind saw Spencer the Enforcer catch the kickoff inside his own goal line, a slight juggle and regather displayed a concentration level of a 300 game first grade player, that would inspire his team mates all game. Charging into the Bulls defence the Enforcer took the ball over the 10 meter line. A quick play the ball saw Daniel the Archangel get his hands on the ball early. A tip off to Francis the Storm saw him carry three defenders over the 30 meter line another quick play the ball saw Joshua the Sniper make valuable metres up the centre. An inside ball to Deon the Rock and we were set in centre field for our kick. Toby the Mastermind sent the ball into the opposition half, goal one; complete first set completed. An early penalty and with the gale behind their back and the Bulls had early field position. The magpies minds were clearly on the job and forced the opposition into a rushed kick that saw Daniel Steel Springs inject his speed into the game, then an inside pass to the Enforcer saw him tear through the middle of the field, his power running just two strong. A quick play the ball saw Sage the Zip Zip fly out of dummy half to be stopped centimetres short. But nothing would stop Josh the Sniper with his eyes set on the target, a quick pass from dummy half shot him over the try line and with the Storm slotting the extras the Magpies were in front 6-0. There would be no darkness of the night to overshadow the brilliance of this team today. From the Kick off the Magpies completed their six tackles by forcing the Bulls into their own in goal. Goal two; start strong complete early sets. From the dropout Alek the Flash beat two defenders but was pulled down just short of the line by a third. A powerful attacking set saw Raymond the Force carry three defenders over the line only to have the ball stripped from his grasp, in one of those 50/50 calls rather than a Magpies penalty the referee awarded Hills a scrum feed. Then a late flop saw the release of the pressure and again the opposition were in great attacking position. A failure to slide across in defence saw the opposition cross for their first and level the scores at 6-6 the arm wrestle had just got a little tighter, it was the Grand Final and we had prepared for the struggle. Some quality football saw teams complete sets and kick. The Bulls used the wind and the Magpies used their speed and power running.  After some poor discipline the Bulls had received their fourth penalty and the Magpies looked under pressure but it was a first tackle hit from James the Magician and Cayne the Bank on the opposition’s Goliath forcing a lost ball that changed the momentum of the game. From the scrum the Rock crashed through a defender, the Flash made valuable metres before a quick dart from dummy half by the Bank created some space up the middle for the Sniper who took four defenders with him. Dragging in the defence the Magpies shifted the ball with the Magician throwing a long pass to the raging Storm who blew through two defenders to put the magpies up 10-6. Goal Three; stay in the arm wrestle, complete our sets and we will score points. Half time and the team were confident the gale force wind was worth 12 points at least. If we used the breeze and the coaches historic preferred option of running home towards the scoreboard, then 22-6 was a target. There was a sense of immense desire looking back at me through every eye in the shed. The Men were hungry and a hungry Magpie rarely gives up what belongs to him. The second half started with some quality football from our two interchange players Phoenix the Juggernaut and FiliFili the Hammer who both ignited a strength of the side we knew we had but had been awaiting to be at our ultimate best. The Magpies were controlling the game and after both the Bank and the Enforcer were held up over the line, in ran the Zip Zip and identifying a rushing defender zipped straight through the slight gap to score. Move over big boys let this little man’s speed show you how it’s done. 14-6 put us more than a try in front. From the kick off the men were perfect, our set of play got to the kick and forced the Bulls to bring the ball out of their own ten meter line before kicking into touch on their last tackle. From the ensuing scrum it was a ball from the Magician that whipped up the Storm who getting outside his defender swept through the Bulls with a 40meter run saw the Storm tackled just 10 metres short of the line. Working back to the centre of the field the Force offloaded to the Bank who was grabbed by a single boot. A quick play the ball saw Zip Zip once again ask the big men to move over and watch, as his acceleration left all in his wake, try two and 20-6 the Magpies were putting on a show of rugby league only the best could do. The Coaching staff were excited to see their plans for the season coming alive on the field on the most important day of the season. From the Kick off John Paulthe Brick layer pounded into the Hills defence a quick run from the Archangel and then an offload from the Rock saw the Sniper carry three defenders to the halfway line. Another Zipping run from the Zip Zip, a quick play the ball and the Sniper took a snap shot with his second run of the six tackles offloading in traffic to the Bank who evaded two, drew in a third and threw his own magical pass to the awaiting Magician who dived over not to pull a rabbit out of his hat, but to insert the Premiership into the Magpies trophy cabinet. 24-6 the game was over the Mighty Magpies have proved to be the powerhouse of the competition and we were not finished yet. From the kickoff Joshua the Gun gathered a contested ball and shot to the 40 meter line, the Sniper took the second tackle over the halfway and the Flash pushed threw defenders to make the oppositions 40 meter line, the Rock then made another 10 meters before the BrickLayer drew three defenders to take us only ten metres short of the line in five tackles. The Bank then sealed off one of the greatest sets of six tackles Coach had ever seen. Getting out from dummy half and using the Rock as a hard running support player, the Bank simply dummied and crossed the line 28-6 and the Bulls had no answer to the bombardment of the Magpies desire for victory. After a short kick off and a lack intensity the Bulls crossed for a late try but today was the magpies day and it would be the 2019 Premiers who would finish with a bang. From the kickoff a big hit from the BrickLayer and Flash saw a dropped ball gathered up by the Flash and after a penalty, the Magpies took the penalty kick to run down the clock 30-6 with under two minutes to go. But we were not done yet with a penalty from the Kick off the BrickLayer took a 20 meter run and a quick play the ball brought another flooding from the Storm. Crashing through the line and running around the fullback the Storm crossed under the post. The conversion was taken by the Sniper who kept his 100% season record two from two. 36-12 and the Premiership was in the rightful hands of the mighty magpies.

2019 Total Season Player Statistics

Most valuable player points are accumulated by a 3,2 & 1 points system. Issued by each member of the coaching staff after each game played

The Wentworthville Senior Presentation Day may have brought a finality to the season for my Magpie Men but, it was the recognition received by our men that saw a final addition to the book. Francis The Storm Tuitino took out Wentworthville Senior Representative Player of the Year. Raymond The Force Hekeik took out Wentworthville Senior Player of the Year and the Team took out Wentworthville Senior Team of the Year. I was also honoured to represent the entire coaching staff and collect the Wentworthville International Coach of the Year. Not fully knowing what the International Coach of the Year is, it was a significant recognition for My Coaching Staff and all those who offered assistance and or advice during the season. Thanks goes specifically to Mohammad Assad the coach of the other Wentworthville Under 16’s side and Gavin Wardel coach of Wentworthville Under 18’s.

Player Review

Number 1 – Fullback, Sage Zip Zip Andary won the best back award in 2019 with a total of 62 most valuable player points only four points off our best. Sage played all but one game this season and was continually an inspiration under pressure. This young man plays well above his weight, his no fear running style saw him score eight tries for the season four of those in the two most important games, the major final and the grand final. His cover defence was also one of the teams most important weapons shutting down oppositions final attacks on our try-line. An amazing season Zip Zip you have a place in any team I coach.

Number 2 – Winger, Daniel Steel Springs Curmi was a true team player. Steel Springs was a member of the second division team in 2018 and took the call up into the first division by the horns. Nick Named “Steel Springs” from the Gallipoli movie, Daniel gave 100% at both training and on game day. His best performances were during the pressure games in the final series. After a loop hole was identified in the teams defensive technique it was perhaps my greatest technical coaching improvement working with Steel Springs on holding his opposition winger on his inside shoulder. Effort is always rewarded Steel Springs a job well done.

Number 3 – Centre, Alek The Flash Kouvas another member of the 2018 second division team who stood tall and was not out of place in the first division. The Flash was our equal top try scorer with eleven tries this season. His best, four tries against Rouse Hill and then scoring doubles on three other occasions. His running style admired by all as he would flash onto the ball at full speed. The Flash’s ability to change direction at pace saw him embarrass many a foot planted defender. Solid in defence the Flash should be extremely proud of his season being one of six players to play every game of the season. A well earned confidence in his ability will bring future success.

Number 4 – Centre, FiliFili The Hammer Filo an offseason purchase from the second division Merrylands side. A welcome to the first division saw the Hammer at his crushing best. Starting as an impact interchange player, The Hammer’s hard running and solid defence saw him establish a starting position in the centres and catch the eye of the Parramatta SG Ball coach who sent coach a text asking “who is your four”. A rib injury in the major final saw the Hammer move back to his impact interchange role for the grand final and with no evidence of the injury he took into the game a major impact player he was. Another of the six players to play every game of the season.

Number 5 – Winger, Daniel The Archangel Saininaivalu arguable one of our most powerful runners, the Archangel scored nine tries across the season, his best, four against Rouse Hill in round four. As our other winger The Archangel was another who was caught out in the final for a defensive tactic that needed to change and change quickly. Daniel’s ability to work at training on improving was a coaching highlight and allowed a weakness to be turned into a strength and thus The Archangel into a much better player. Daniel was a consistent attender at the extra training sessions and this discipline is a character trait that will assist as much in life as in football.

Number 6 – Five Eight, James The Magician Carr when setting his sights on a trick, he would always pull the metaphorical rabbit out of the hat. One of the teams greatest competitors the Magician gave everything to win drills and games both at training and on the playing field. The Magician played his best games when the going got tough. Another player who pays well above his weight it was an opposition coaches error to run their biggest players at our Magician who used his superior technique to drop many a man mountain. Another from 2018’s second division who did himself proud matching it with the best. Rewarded with the opportunity to finish off the greatest team try ever in a grand final.

Number 7 – Halfback, Toby The Mastermind Lewis, returning from a season in the Balmain competition the Wentworthville club did all they could to ensure their local junior was allowed to return. It was as if the mastermind had never left, sliding straight back into his organisational role, Toby directed the team around the park with precision. This year, we saw a much stronger defensive player as the Mastermind made his defence an attacking element of our game. Another strong part of the Masterminds game was knowing when to attack the line and when to load up our outside backs for an onslaught. Although not nicknamed after Terry BaBa Lamb, the Masterminds support up the middle of the ruck saw him also score some of the most amazing tries of the season.

Number 8- Front Row, Joshua The Sniper Leifi arguable our most dangerous attacking weapon, The Sniper never missed a target once his sites were set on it. Opening the scoring with five of his six season tries The Sniper was responsible for the teams solid start to games including the Grand final where he crashed over after six minutes to get the team off to the start we needed. The Sniper my have been one of our most dangerous attacking weapons but he was also one of our biggest hitters driving any opposition player stupid enough to run straight at him hard into the turf. Scoring 32 most valuable player points from only eleven games clearly identifies the Sniper as one of the best.

Number 9 – Hooker & Captain, Cayne The Bank Nicholas, from a coaches perspective the Bank had the greatest individual growth of any player this season. Moving from lock forward into the vital role of hooker after the teams 2018 hooker was taken out by injury the Bank carried the most responsibility of any player to ensure that the team went forward. Joining two team mates, the Bank crossed for eleven tries this season which identify his domination of the ruck area, something seen in only two players in the NRL Cameron Smith and Damien Cook. The Bank completes his deposit with an ideal tackling technique his perfection of pick up drive and slam onto the back, producing some of the most effective hits of the season. A man of the match winning performance in the Grand final a true reflection of his season.

Number 10 – Front Row, Spencer The Enforcer Tuala is one of the smartest positional players I have ever coached. Enforcing his domination of the middle of the field he was unstoppable when the team went to the flanks then brought the ball back to the centre for the awaiting enforcer. Another dimension of The Enforcers character that earns him so much respect is his spirituality leading prayer before every game the Enforcer continually reminded us of the gifts we had been given not the least of which is the mateship that drove this team. The Enforcer was not only an enormous attacking weapon but statistics show that the defensive middle of our team was the best by far another position held by The Enforcer.

Number 11 – Second Row, Francis The Storm Tuitino after a representative season that saw Wentworthville award The Storm their best representative player, he started the magpie season as he had finished with the Eels in the centres. After the teams first loss The Storm was moved into the forwards adding an exciting element of power running to the pack. When the Storm decided it was time to run through a defensive line he would whip up a storm of running which allowed him to do it. Massive metre gains was something the team could rely on from The Storm. With eleven tries in the season and two in the Grand final the Storms power running saw him take home the best forward award for 2019.

Number 12 – Second Row, Raymond The Force Hekeik had the best season of his career to date but that career is only just beginning. The Force took home our best player of the season award, amassing 66 most valuable player points. The Force was another of the six players who played every game of the season. The level of consistency displayed across his attacking game was second to none, the Force dominated meter gains in attack and for a tall man his quick play the balls were significant to the teams go forward. Two elements of improvement were his precision with offloading to support players and his rushing defence that went from a 55% contact and stick to 90% contact and stick. The most underrated under 16’s player of the competition is soon to channel his talent for all to see.

Number 13 – Lock, Dion The Rock Iro although pivotal to our success on the field the Rock was the influential player who continually accompanied his team mates to the extra training sessions each Tuesday and Wednesday night, as a result he was tagged The Rock. Another of his actions that cemented his Rock nickname was his handing over of the captaincy to the Bank when representative duty prevented him from attending every training session. The Rock was one of those players whose efforts are rarely recognised because the Rock did the little things his hitup percentages and tackle counts were always amongst the best. His perfect game attendance was stolen only by a late representative release and with six tries for the season it was a super season.

Number 14 – Joshua The Gun Veleika. Another returning star from a season in the Balmain competition and one of the six players to play every game this season. Nicknamed the Gun because when Joshua was fired up he never missed the target. The Gun had worked on his fitness pre-season which allowed him to consistently remain amongst the teams top tacklers. The Gun also worked on his support play which resulted in four tries and just as many try assists. I was also very impressed with a new found focus of the Gun on his discipline and this was assisted by his increased fitness level. The Gun was a true team player although starting most games in the run on line up, the Gun was at times needed as an impact interchange player.

Number 24 – John Paul The Bricklayer Wehbe had perhaps the most difficult of seasons and not for the reasons many would think of, the Bricklayer was our only player who had to balance Rugby League with work and this was also a strange situation for his coach who has previously always expected that Rugby League would be his players first priority. Once the courageous conversations were had the Bricklayer let his training and game day speak for his dedication to the team. A powerhouse runner the Bricklayer would often carry not two or three but four defenders into post contact metres and in such a situation any offload would put his teammate into space. Running directly at the Bricklayer was something an opponent would only do once.

Number 16 – Phoenix Juggernaut Brown another player who had a difficult season but it was the expected injury that prevented the Juggernaut form reaching the peaks that his dedication to training should have allowed him to reach. Early in the season The Juggernaut was amongst our best often breaking the line and starting the teams onslaught of the opposition early in the season. A line break and 40 metre run in round 2 stands out as the best among many. A broken hand in week 7 saw the Juggernaut sidelined until the final against Mounties where all were reminded about his potential impact as he broke the Mounties line with a 65meter kickoff return that saw the team score three plays later and put the game beyond doubt. The best is yet to come for the Juggernaut.