Monday, June 30, 2014

Ellee-Rose Bessenyei: Her Big Day Out

Rugby league clubs at all levels have a proud history of extending a helping hand to those in need, particularly those with medical conditions.

Epilepsy is a brain condition which affects over 50 million people in the world, with half of all cases beginning in the early stages of life. With 2.4 million new cases reported each year, the stigma surrounding epilepsy only grows, but the teams from Sydney’s west were determined to reach out and help one young girl with the condition.





This season, Western Suburbs offered potential sponsors the opportunity to purchase a single sleeve for $1000, and the associated sponsorship package incorporated an opportunity to spend a pre-match preparation with their sponsored player. One generous Magpies fan paid their $1000 and donated the sponsor’s spot to Epilepsy Action Australia, the largest provider of specialist epilepsy services in the community for people with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.


Upon hearing of this donation, the Magpies and Tigers decided to take it that one step further, and, with support from their supporter, offered an opportunity to one special young person a chance to spend a day with their heroes at a Western Suburbs and Wests Tigers home game, spending the prematch warmup with the players and joining them in the sheds after the game to meet the players.


Ellee-Rose Bessenyei, an 11 year old from Engadine, was the lucky winner.


“I have been to two games this year, but lots all together,” an excited Ellee-Rose said, after calling all the friends and family she could think of to tell them she had won the competition and what she loved about rugby league. “I like watching the players pass the ball, and watching the cheerleaders.”


Ellee-Rose’s mum, Melissa, was thrilled that Ellee-Rose won, given the daily challenges she faces in her life.


“Caring for a child with Epilepsy is very challenging at times,” says Melissa. “Her epilepsy has caused her to have other illnesses such as ADHD, Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. As epilepsy affects the brain with every seizure, learning disabilities are a part of her life.”


Melissa says, though, that Ellee-Rose understands her condition, which makes it easier to manage. “Ellee-Rose’s epilepsy does impact in a way, with getting on with her peers, in that she is more reserved. She deals with her epilepsy very well though. She’s starting to know her limitations, when she’s not feeling well, and that she has her medication every day .”


Despite her condition, being a Wests fan, whether of the older Magpie variety or the newer Tiger variety, is in Ellee-Rose’s, and Melissa’s, blood. “My dad has been avid Magpies fan since he was born he is now 64 years old, so we’ve all grown up to know and love the Magpies and Tigers,” Melissa says. “Sitting on the hill at the old Campbelltown Sportsground brings back lots of memories.”


Western Suburbs Magpies Chairman Mick Liubinskas says epilepsy has been a part of the Magpies fabric for a while.


“Sadly, epilepsy indirectly took the life of arguably the favourite son of Western Suburbs in John ‘Dallas’ Donnelly,” Liubinskas says wistfully. “Dallas was a big personality, and while, for most people, epilepsy was a somewhat distancing experience, it brought our club together, and our media man is passionate about promoting the cause, as he had epilepsy when he was younger.”


With epilepsy featuring so prominently in the Wests story, Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) CEO Carol Ireland was only too happy to bring Wests on board in the effort to promote awareness of the condition. “Epilepsy is often an unknown quantity in the community such is the lack of exposure and misunderstanding surrounding the condition,” Ireland says. “It is often misunderstood as a mental illness, or even public drunkenness, which is frustrating as so many people with epilepsy lead normal, happy lives, including former Queensland State of Origin captain Wally Lewis.”


Ireland, though, knows too well the challenges faced by regular families. “Every day we face new difficulties in assisting families affected by the condition. Some families are affected more than others, and we tailor our programmes to assist whenever possible.”


Melissa Bessenyei has nothing but praise and thanks for EAA too. “EAA is incredible. They have been such a help to me in that they update Ellee-Rose’s management plan for school constantly, come out to the school to do information sessions for the teachers, and are there anytime I need questions answered.”


Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer couldn’t have been happier to accommodate Ellee-Rose on a special day for her. “Wests Tigers are pleased to be involved in important causes such as this,” said Mayer. “The Club will continue to work closely with all of our partners to continue to support such worthy causes into the future and are very happy to have been able to assist in Ellee-Roses’s special day.”


Although two of Ellee-Rose’s favourite players in Benji Marshall and Lote Tuqiri no longer wear the black, white and gold, she still got a thrill when her other favourite player handed over a special Magpie-Tiger merchandise pack. “I loved Robbie and Keith (Galloway),” Ellee-Rose beamed afterwards


Although the Wests family saw their offering as small in the grand scheme of things, Melissa couldn’t have been happier with the look on Ellee-Rose’s face.


“It meant the world to my husband Darren and I to see Ellee-Rose meet the players.  She had a permanent smile on her face all day. “


So how much did Ellee-Rose enjoy her day out?


“It was excellent meeting all the players, and getting to go in all the rooms and see the man on the microphone (Wests Tigers ground announcer Tommy Herschell)!”


And that’s all a little girl ever wants.


TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EPILEPSY, OR TO DONATE, VISIT EPILEPSY.ORG.AU OR CALL 1300 37 45 37

Rnd 14 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

Western Suburbs concluded their massive seven game home stand last Saturday with a disappointing 44-22 loss to Guildford at Campbelltown Stadium.

Three penalties gave Guildford an ideal opportunity to post first points, and Paula Kaufusi took full toll, crashing over next to the sticks. Jason Grey slotted the simple kick and, after five minutes, Guildford led 6-0.

A Wests bomb almost saw Jason Grey put back in goal by the Magpies defence. However, the Owls quickly turned defence into attack, a glorious passing chain seeing Jason Grey go over 95 metres downfield from where the play started. Grey’s attempt at conversion of his own try found the metalwork, the Owls holding a 10-0 advantage.

Wests could not get their hands on the ball and Guildford used their possession well, Leva Li touching down in the right corner off a deep backline move. Jason Grey pushed his kick wide, the Owls with a commanding 14-0 lead just before the quarter mark.

Guildford were finding success out wide, and Leva Li pushed through some arm tackles inside his own half and put on a massive step to beat Sam Aiga on a 75 metre march t the line. Jason Grey slotted the simple kick, and Guildford were out to 20-0 after 23 minutes.

Wests had several chances to get on the board, but it was only off the back of consecutive penalties that they were able to take advantage, A Jack Madden grubber finding Sam Aiga flying through to touch down. Dayne Craig’s kick split the uprights, and at the interval, Guildford led 20-6.

Both sides opened the second half with plenty of expansive football and end to end action. It was the visitors who posted first points, though, as a loose pass was scooped up and Shane Hunt flew on to an inside ball to touch down. Jason Grey converted from in front, Guildford skipping out to 26-6.

Guildford could do no wrong as a dropped ball went backwards, wide passes finding Leva Li who went 50 metres to record his hat trick. Jason Grey nailed the conversion for a 32-6 lead after 54 minutes.

Wests needed some inspiration, and who better than the captain to provide, as Dayne Craig grubbered for himself to score. For good measure, Craig converted his own try from in front, reducing the Guildford lead to 20 after 57 minutes.

Wests needed a try and found one, Rusty Bristow putting Daniel Abou-Sleiman away down the left wing, Abou-Sleiman returning the favour with an inside ball for Bristow to touch down. Dayne Craig landed the kick, the lead down to 14 points with 17 minutes remaining.

Guildford snuffed out any Magpie comeback with ten minutes remaining, a grubber put down by Wests, scooped up by Jason Grey. Grey converted his own try for good measure, and a 38-18 lead with eight minutes remaining.

Wests would not submit though, and consecutive penalties set up a goal line raid, Jacob Folent reaching out through four defenders to touch down. Dayne Craig rushed the kick and pushed it wide, Guildford holding a 38-22 advantage with five minutes remaining.

Wests desperately sought to grab another try, but a ball out the back went loose, Tui Oloapu rushing through to pick up the scraps and rush 20 metres to score under the posts. Grey’s conversion made the score 44-22.


WESTERN SUBURBS 22 (Sam Aiga, Dayne Craig, Rusty Bristow, Jacob Folent tries; Dayne Craig 3 from 4)
GUILDFORD 44 (Leva Li 3, Jason Grey 2, Paula Kaufusi, Shane Hunt, Tui Oloapu tries; Jason Grey 6 from 8)

Penalties: Wests 5 Guildford 5

Halftime: Wests 6 Guildford 20


WESTERN SUBURBS

1. Sam Aiga
2. Daniel Abou-Sleiman
3. Rusty Bristow
4. Nu Akeripa
5. Brenton Cowan
6. Jacob Folent
7. Jack Madden
8. Elimileki Taumalolo
9. Dayne Craig
10. Tunui Maurangi
11. Andrew Vela
12. Shane Lalogafau
24. Andy Fiagatusa

13. Luke Williams
15. Inno Inosesio
18. Sonny Bristow
19. Tom Morrison


GUILDFORD

1. Shane Hunt
2. Jason Grey
3. Harmony Hunt
4. Tui Oloapu
21. Leva Li
19. Laz Brown
7. Jason Vidal
15. Paula Kaufusi
9. Ben Ellis
10. Casey Ellis
11. Jack Le Hang
13. Dylan McKeown
20. Luke Fahey

12. Chris Saab
14. Chris Field
17. Paul Tuigamala

18. Stacey Tangira

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Supporter in Profile: Ellee-Rose Bessenyei

In season 2014, Western Suburbs has offered sponsors an opportunity to sponsor a single player/jersey for $1000.

Part of this sponsorship package included an opportunity to spend a pre-match preparation with the sponsor's chosen player.

A donor paid for a sleeve sponsorship and kindly donated the spot to Epilepsy Action Australia.

Wests Tigers and Western Suburbs, in conjunction with Epilepsy Action Australia, then offered one young child with epilepsy the chance to meet the players from both the Western Suburbs Magpies AND the Wests Tigers!

That young lady is Ellee-Rose Bessenyei, who we caught up with this week before she joins the boys on Saturday as Western Suburbs face Guildford and the Wests Tigers take on Canberra.



How long have you had epilepsy for? I have had Epilepsy for 10years

What school do you go to? I go to Engadine Public School in the Special Needs Class

What is your favourite subject at school? I like art, cooking, and computers

Age? 11

Why do you follow Wests? I follow Wests cause my grandad does and I like birds

If you could have a super power, what would it be? I would like to be able to be magical so I can make things

Who is your favourite NRL player? I like Robbie Farah, Benji Marshall and Lote Tuqiri

What is your favourite book? I have a rainbow book that I love

What sports do you play? I do gymnastics and used to do dancing

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a midwife so I can work with all the babies

Three people you’d invite to dinner? I would invite Niall from One Direction, Zac Efron from High School Musical and Lea Michele from Glee

Favourite food? I love fettucine bosciola

Favourite movie? I love Frozen and High School Musical


Rnd 14 - Ron Massey Cup - Team List

Western Suburbs will face the Guildford Owls at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday 28 June.
Kick-off: 11.30am 

Referee: Scot Murray

WESTS
 – 1. SAM AIGA 2. DANIEL ABOU SLIEMAN 3. RUSTY BRISTOW 4. NU AKERIPA 5. BRENTON COWAN 6. JACOB FOLENT 7. JACK MADDEN 8. ELIMELEKI TUAMALOLO 9. DAYNE CRAIG 10. TUNUI MAURANGI 11. ANDREW VELA 12. SHANE LALOGAFAU 13. LUKE WILLIAMS 16. RONNIE PALUMBO 17. FRED TEVAGO 19. TOM MORRISON 20. DWAYNE LEMAFA COACH: LEO EPIFANIA
OWLS – 1. SHANE HUNT 2. JASON GREY 3. HARMONY HUNT 4. TUI OLOAPU 5. SULIASI SULI 6. DYLAN IZZARD 7. JASON VIDAL 8. JAROD CLARK 9. BEN ELLIS 10. CASEY ELLIS 11. JACK LE HANG 12. CHRIS SAAB 13. DYLAN MCKEOWN 14. PATRICK GALEA 15. PAULA KAUFUSI 16. COREY WALPOLE 17. PAUL TUIGIMALA 19. ALEX TWAL 20. LUKE FAHEY COACH: STEVE GHOSN

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Rnd 13 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

The five try Corey Brown show was not enough to stop Windsor escaping with a 28-22 win over Western Uburbs last weekend at Leichhardt Oval.

Wests struggled with the Windsor kicking game early, but it was a Windsor knock-on which gave the Magpies a scrum on halfway, Daniel Abou-Sleiman getting outside his man before sending Corey Brown away under the posts. Dayne Craig slotted the easy kick for a 6-0 lead after nine minutes.

There was plenty of pressure from Wests, but it was too much Wests pressure which oddly allowed Windsor to post their first try, a rushed defence forcing Liam Ayoub to burrow back through the ruck. Iain Riccardi tied the scores from in front after 18 minutes.

Wests were making plenty of ground out wide, and a Rusty Bristow break set up a chance for Sam Aiga to burrow over for dummy half, but referee Drew Oultram bewildered the Leichhardt crowd by ruling a knock-on in goal after 26 minutes.

Wests didn’t have to wait long for a second shot, as Chris Aunese-Scanlan spilt a Jeremy Marshall-King bomb cold, Daniel Abou-Sleiman picking up and sending Corey Brown away for his second of the day. Dayne Craig, though, pushed the kick across the face, leaving Wests up 10-6 after half an hour.

Wests’ defence started to look brittle and a back to back set allowed Liam Ayoub to slot a kick in behind the line which was put down by Wests, Kieran Croft on hand to touch down. Iain Riccardi split the uprights for a 12-10 lead, which the Wolves took through to the interval.

Wests had first use of the football in the second half and immediately spread it to the left, Corey Brown beating four defenders in a 70 metre dart to the line to register his hat trick. Dayne Craig was again off line, with Wests leading 14-12 just 55 seconds into the second stanza.

A dubious penalty for holding own in the play the ball allowed Windsor to set up an attacking opportunity after 53 minutes, and a short ball out of dummy half saw Hutch Maiava force his way over next to the posts. Iain Riccardi slotted the easy kick, Windsor ahead 18-14.

There were moves afoot to rename the venue Corey Brown Oval as the Magpies centre notched his fourth of the day, a rush of Jacob Folent on the last forcing him to pass wide, and Brown, appropriately, beat four tackles on his way over in the corner. Dayne Craig was having an off day, hitting the post with his conversion attempt, the scores locked at 18 after 59 minutes.

Wests sent the ball left again from the kick off and you can have three guesses as to who was on the end of Jeremy Marshall-King’s final pass to touch down, but you will only need one. Dayne Craig hit the same post with his conversion attempt for a four point black and white advantage after 62 minutes.

Wests were incensed after Corey Brown was penalised for a high tackle on Hutch Maiava, but from the resulting set, Liam Ayoub’s kick pinballed around, Ayoub scoopng it up to grab his second try of the day. Riccardi couldn’t guide his kick between the uprights, scores again locked up at 22-22 with six and a half minutes remaining.

From the kick-off, Windsor spread the ball right, opening up the Magpies defence, and Liam Ayoub backed up on the inside to get his third of the day. Riccardi’s kick was straight this time, Windsor taking their 28-22 lead through to fulltime.

WINDSOR 28 (Liam Ayoub 3, Kieran Croft, Hutch Maiava tries; Iain Riccardi 4 from 5) defeated WESTERN SUBURBS 22 (Corey Brown 5 tries; Dayne Craig 1 from 5)

Penalties: Wests 5 Windsor 5

Halftime: Wests 10 Windsor 12

WESTERN SUBURBS

1. Sam Aiga
2. Daniel Abou-Sleiman
21. Corey Brown
4. Nu Akeripa
5. Tom Satterthwaite
6. Jacob Folent
7. Jeremy Marshall-King
8. Elimileki Taumalolo
9. Dayne Craig
20. Dwayne Lemafa
3. Rusty Bristow
12. Shane Lalogafau
13. Luke Williams

11. Tom Morrison
15. Jerome Mose
19. Fred Tevago
25. Brenton Cowan

WINDSOR

7. Kauri Aupouri
2. PJ Cartwright
3. Ryan Cusack
4. Solofa Silipa
5. Chris Aunese-Scanlan
6. Matt Boss
1. Kieran Croft
8. Hutch Maiava
9. Liam Ayoub
17. Mitch Clark
11. Iain Riccardi
15. Shenelle Haumono
13. Ryan Tramonte

10. Paea Pua
14. Pat Hollis
18. Moses Leota
19. Jack Nelso

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Live Coverage: Wests v Windsor

This week Steele Sports will be broadcasting the Match Live between the Western Suburbs Magpies and the Windsor Wolves via their Website.
Follow the link below and then click on the "Listen Here Logo" and it will take you to the broadcast page.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Player In Focus: Francis Laulu

This week in our player in focus series, we catch up with Francis Laulu, who has been making good progress in his comeback from concussion in recent weeks.


Position: Prop

Height: 201cm

Weight: 120kg (Please don't hurt me...)

Date of Birth: 24 July 1991

Which NRL team did you follow as a kid? Canterbury

Which junior club did you play for? La Perouse

What is your earliest football memory? Putting a big hit on, scoring five tries and leading the team to victory in the one game (Aww, such modesty...)

What advice do you have for young players? Go hard or go home!

Which sport would you play if not rugby league? Boxing (Yeah, we reckon you could make that work)

What is the best advice you have received? You get out what you put in.

What was your first job? Selling first aid kits (To the opposition I assume)

Which three people would you invite to dinner? The Rock (Oh not this again...), John Cena and Sam Burgess, so The Rock can smack them around (Love it)

What is your greatest fear? Not achieving my personal best.

What's the worst thing on your Ipod? There's nothing bad on my Ipod.

What is your most embarrassing moment? I don't get embarrassed.

Rnd 13 - Ron Massey Cup - Team List

The Western Suburbs Magpies will face off against the Windsor Wolves at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, 21 June.
Kick-off: 1.00pm 
Referee: Drew Oultram
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM (Link available via 
www.hawkesburyradio.com.au)

WESTS
 – 1. SAM AIGA 2. DANIEL ABOU SLIEMAN 3. RUSTY BRISTOW 4. NU AKERIPA 5. TOM SATTERTHWAITE 6. JACOB FOLENT 7. JACK MADDEN 8. ELIMELEKI TUAMALOLO 9. DAYNE CRAIG 10. TUNUI MAURANGI 11. TOM MORRISON 12. SHANE LALOGAFAU 13. LUKE WILLIAMS 
18. JARRAD SZCZUDLO 19. FRANCIS LAULU 20. DWAYNE LEMAFA 23. RONNIE PALUMBO
COACH: LEO EPIFANIA
WOLVES – 1. KIERAN CROFT 2. PJ CARTWRIGHT 3. RYAN CUSACK 4. SOLOFA SILIPA 5. CHRIS AUNESE-SCANLAN 6. MATT BOSS 7. KAURI AUPOURI 8. HUTCH MAIAVA 20. CAMPBELL BATTYE-SMITH 10. PAEA PUA 11. IAIN RICCARDI 12. MYLES TAUELI 13. RYAN TRAMONTE © 
14. PAT HOLLIS 15. SHENELLE HAUMONO 16. FAIRHOUZ ELKNADER 17. MITCH CLARK 18. MOSES LEOTA 24. MATT LUPI 
COACH: BRAD PRIOR

Monday, June 16, 2014

Vale Neville Charlton

It is with sadness that we announce that Neville “Box Head” Charlton passed away on Friday night after a recent health problem.


 At 85 he was the Magpies oldest living first grade captain, a member of the Team of the Century as well as the Hall of Fame.
 Neville played with Wests from 1954-1961, inclusive, captaining the Magpies in the 1961 Grand Final v St. George. He also played in the 1958 Grand Final and for NSW in 1959 and '61.


 Career:                 Canterbury 1948-'53 61 games
                                Wests 1954-'61        143 games
                                Easts 1962-'63          24 games
  
Regarded by many as "the greatest front rower not to play for Australia", Neville received an OAM in the 2014 Australia Day honours list for service to the Central Coast community.
  



Funeral details will be provided when they are received.

Rnd 12 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Report

Campbelltown Stadium resembled a hospital ward as Western Suburbs triumphed 18-16 in a classic over the Auburn Warriors at Campbelltown Stadium last Saturday.

Auburn placed early pressure on the Magpies and struck first after four minutes, a looping long ball finding Aaron Pene on the chest, who had too much speed for Nu Akeripa, to touch down in the corner. Arthur Little split the uprights from ten in from touch for a 6-0 lead.

Wests looked to hit back and Dayne Craig was held up over the line after a dummy half run after 13 minutes. The Magpies spread the ball from the ensuing play. However, Warriors winger Pene swooped on the intercept and raced 95 metres, beating a desperate Tom Satterthwaite, to touch down. Arthur Little’s kick, from an almost identical position to his first, was not nearly as good, the Warriors ahead 10-0.

Wests again sought to set up for a wide spread, this time to the left, and Auburn were left wanting badly, the Magpies using a 4-1 overlap to send Rusty Bristow in under the posts. Dayne Craig duly converted, the Magpies back to within four at the halfway point of the first half.

A one on one steal gave Auburn a chance to march downfield, the Magpies setting up well to defend their line, but Hala Akauola proved too strong, powering over next to the posts. Little’s conversion made it 16-6 to Auburn after 25 minutes.

Auburn started to look brittle in defence and Wests were finding territory by moving the ball wide, and almost came up trumps five minutes before the break, but a Sam Aiga kick was cleaned up and returned by Sione Kavieleta inches into the field of play.

Wests would not be denied though, and in the shadows of halftime a Jack Madden bomb was put down by the Warriors, Nu Akeripa scooting through to clean up the crumbs and touch down. Sam Aiga converted, while Dayne Craig took a break, and Wests went in trailing 16-12 at halftime.

A physical start to the second half saw three players needing attention, and Auburn decided to try going behind Wests rather than through them, but Matt Utai was unable to gather an Arthur Little grubber behind the line due to heavy Magpie cover defence.

Tensions were starting to boil over as Wests matched the Auburn physicality, and a dropped ball on halfway gave Wests a chance to set up some attacking options, but it was a simple dummy half surge from Nu Akeripa which tied the scores. Dayne Craig slotted the kick and the Magpies led for the first time, 18-16 halfway through the second stanza.

Players were going down everywhere and disaster nearly struck for the black and whites after they dropped the ball off a scrum win 10 metres from their own line, but the defence held firm in the face of enormous Auburn pressure with ten minutes remaining.

Auburn were at it again three minutes later, a grubber from Little ricocheting, both sides fumbling at a ball which lay tantalisingly in the Wests in goal.

The crowd was on tenterhooks as Auburn broke the Magpie line in the final minute, a left spread not enough to find a way through the line, the Magpies holding on for an epic 18-16 victory in what was easily the game of the year so far in the Ron Massey Cup.


WESTERN SUBURBS 18 (Nu Akeripa 2, Rusty Bristow tries; Dayne Craig 2 from 2, Sam Aiga 1 from 1) defeated AUBURN 16 (Aaron Pene 2, Hala Akauola tries; Arthur Little 2 from 3)

Penalties: Wests 10 Auburn 7

Halftime: Wests 12 Auburn 16


Western Suburbs

1. Sam Aiga 
25. Daniel Abou-Sleiman
3. Rusty Bristow 
4. Nu Akeripa 
2. Tom Satterthwaite
6. Jacob Folent 
7. Jack Madden 
21. Sam Hollis
9. Dayne Craig 
10. Tunui Maurangi 
11. Mason Talolua 
12. Shane Lalogafau 
19. Andy Fiagatusa 

8. Jarrad Szczudlo 
13. Sonny Bristow
17. Luke Williams 
20. Tom Morrison


Auburn

1. Matt Utai 
21. Aaron Pene
3. Heka Nanai 
17. Joeli Tuvitu
4. Sione Kaiveleta 
23. Matt Halalilo
7. Arthur Little 
8. Sione Tovo 
9. Luke Ferry 
15. Tupou Iongi 
11. George Tsikrikas 
22. Wilson Faanoi
13. Joe Mua 

14. Jordan Bowles 
16. Hala Akauola 
19. Jordan Hall
24. Damien Taufaao

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Player In Focus: Tunui Maurangi

This week is installment two of our smackdown series initiated by Nu Akeripa, as we catch up with front rower Tunui Maurangi.



Position: Second row, lock (someone didn't read the team list...)

Height: 189cm

Weight: 104kg

Date of Birth: 4 March 1992

Which NRL team did you follow as a kid? Wests Tigers (I feel so old)

Which junior club did you play for? Eagle Vale-St Andrews

What is your earliest football memory? Being a chubby kid in the under 6s and running over the sideline all the way to the tryline!

What advice would you give to young players? Be consistent and have a good attitude.

What sport would you play if not rugby league? Bodybuilding (Hear that Nu?...)

What is the best advice you have received? Do things others aren't prepared to do to become better.

What was your first job? Labourer

What is your greatest fear? Losing family members

What is the worst thing on your Ipod? I don't own one (This has been a rather plain profile...)

What is your most embarrassing moment? Kissing my girlfriend's identical twin sister in high school thinking she was my girlfriend! (You, sir, are a hero for men EVERYwhere!)

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Rnd 12 - Ron Massey Cup - Team List

The Western Suburbs Magpies take on the Auburn Warriors at Campbelltown Sports Stadium this Saturday the 14th of June.
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Daniel Olford

WESTS 
– 1. SAM AIGA 2. TOM SATTERTHWAITE 3. RUSTY BRISTOW 4. TRENT JENNINGS 5. BRENTON COWAN 6. JACOB FOLENT 7. JACK MADDEN 8. JARRAD SZCZUDLO 9. DAYNE CRAIG 10. TUNUI MAURANGI 11. NU AKERIPA 12. SHANE LALOGAFAU 13. MASON TALOLUA 
17. LUKE WILLIAMS 19. ANDY FIAGATUSA 20. TOM MORRISON 21. SAM HOLLIS 
COACH: LEO EPIFANIA

WARRIORS – 1. MATTY UTAI 2. JOHN SILA 3. HEKA NANAI 4. SIONE KAIVELETA 5. TUUTA LANGI 6. SKIPPY LIPANO 7. ARTHUR LITTLE 8. SIONE TOVO 9. LUKE FERRY 10. PAT MAFI 11. GEORGE TSIKRIKAS 12. BRANDON MAFI 13. JOE MUA 
14. JORDAN BOWLES 15. TUPOU IONGI 16. HALA AKAUOLA 17. JOELI TUVITU 18. JAMIE STANLEY 19. JORDAN HALL
 COACH: DARREN MAROON

Ron Massey Cup Table - Halfway Mark

The Ron Massey Cup has reached the halfway mark in 2014 and our Magpies are traveling well in 5th place. For our next game we return to our home ground fortress of Campbelltown Sports Stadium to take on the Auburn Warriors, Saturday - 14th June, 2014. Get out and support the boys from Western Suburbs.

P +/- Pts
The Entrance Tigers 11 84 17
Asquith Magpies 11 115 16
Auburn Warriors 11 53 16
Wentworthville Magpies 11 163 15
Western Suburbs Magpies 11 65 13
Guildford Owls 10 30 12
Mounties 10 20 12
Windsor Wolves 11 60 9
Cabramatta Two Blues 11 -27 9
Blacktown Workers 11 -107 6
Kingsgrove Colts 11 -270 3
Burwood North Ryde United 11 -186 2

Wests Tigers Battle of the Hume Hwy

Wests Tigers will take on the Canberra Raiders on Saturday the 28th of June at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Kick-off is at 5:30pm. Tickets are $15 if you per-purchase by clicking here...



Monday, June 9, 2014

Rnd 11 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Report

Western Suburbs’ five game unbeaten run came to a screeching halt as Asquith recorded a 35-10 win last Saturday at Lidcombe Oval.

Asquith took five minutes to open the scoring, Adam Kalcina sliding through the Wests line before drawing Sam Aiga, Jack Hawkins racing in under the posts, Asquith ahead 6-0 after Hawkins converted his own try.

Asquith extended their lead at the quarter hour, a restart of the tackle count allowed Brendan Hurd to force his way over the line. Hawkins’ conversion successful, Asquith led 12-0.

Asquith were in again shortly after, another break down Wests’ right hand side by Adam Kalcina cutting Wests open, a looping ball inside finding Aaron Groom to take it around under the posts. Hawkins’ conversion made it 18-0 after as many minutes.

Wests had two quick chances to hit back, but Trent Jennings was forced into touch by a desperate lunging tackle, while Jack Madden was stripped of the ball over the line. Asquith nearly had their fourth on the half hour, but Aaron Groom’s pass to Adam Kalcina was ruled forward.

Errors by both sides slowed the game, but Asquith took their chance to register their fourth just four minutes from the break, Luke Jay dummying and barging his way on the last tackle. Jack Hawkins split the uprights for a 24-0 lead at the break.

Wests needed to be the first to score after the break and did so, although the 12 minutes it took was frustrating for the boys from Campbelltown, a soft ball from Shane Lalogafau found a steaming Corey Brown who could not be caught down the right side. Dayne Craig’s kick found the left upright, leaving the score at 24-4 Asquith.

Wests quickly grabbed their second, an Asquith error allowing Wests to set up, and Dayne Craig popped a ball for a barnstorming Andy Fiagatusa to go over, Dayne Craig converting to put Wests within 14 with 22 minutes remaining.

Asquith were quick to arrest the momentum slide against them, a last tackle grubber pinballing around before Daniel Vaseak scooted through to touch down. Jack Hawkins hooked his kick wide, Asquith ahead by 18 with as many minutes to play.

The game was grinding to a halt, Asquith sensing that an extra point would be sufficient, and Jack Hawkins slotted a field goal without pressure to extend the lead to 19 with 5 minutes remaining.

Asquith looked eased of pressure and found space through the middle of the Wests defence after a dropped ball, Greg Davis pouncing on the kick to touch down in the corner. Jack Hawkins nailed a masterful conversion from touch, Asquith running out 35-10 winners.



ASQUITH 35 (Jack Hawkins, Brendan Hurd, Aaron Groom, Luke Jay, Daniel Vaseak, Greg Davis tries; Jack Hawkins 5 from 6; Jack Hawkins field goal) defeated WESTERN SUBURBS 10 (Corey Brown, Andy Fiagatusa tries; Dayne Craig 1 from 2)

Penalties: Western Suburbs 7 Asquith 7

Halftime: Western Suburbs 0 Asquith 24



WESTERN SUBURBS

1. Sam Aiga
2. Tom Satterthwaite
16. Trent Jennings
25. Daniel Abou-Sleiman
5. Corey Brown
6. Jack Madden
7. Jacob Folent
12. Shane Lalogafau
9. Dayne Craig
10. Tunui Maurangi
11. Mason Taloula
3. Rusty Bristow
4. Nu Akeripa

8. Sam Hollis
13. Sonny Bristow
17. Luke Williams
18. Andy Fiagatusa


ASQUITH

1. Jack Hawkins
21. Brayden Goulding
2. Greg Davis
4. Adam Kalcina
5. Mick Pearsall
6. Ben Fisher
7. Aaron Groom
8. Brendan Hurd
9. Luke Jay
23. Joel Tubbs
3. Josh Nichols
12. Petros Thanous
13. Joel Latham

14. Daniel Vaseak
16. Bryce Holland
18. David Ryan
19. Jackson Williams

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Rnd 11 - Ron Massey Cup - Team List

The Western Suburbs Magpies take on the Asquith Magpies at Lidcombe Oval this Saturday the 7th of June. Kick-off: 1.00pm
Referee: Drew Oultram

WESTS
– 1. SAM AIGA 2. TOM SATTERTHWAITE 3. RUSTY BRISTOW 4. NU AKERIPA 5. BRENTON COWAN 16. TRENT JENNINGS 7. ANDREW SULTANA 8. JARRAD SZCZUDLO 9. DAYNE CRAIG 10. TUNUI MAURANGI 11. MASON TALOULA 12. SHANE LALOGAFAU 13. SONNY BRISTOW

15. RONNIE PALUMBO 17. LUKE WILLIAMS 19. FRED TEVAGO 20. FRANCIS LAULU

COACH: LEO EPIFANIA

ASQUITH - 1. JACK HAWKINS 2. GREG DAVIS 24. JECO MARKETU 4. ADAM KALCINA 5. MICK PEARSALL 6. BEN FISHER 7. AARON GROOM 8. BRENDAN HURD 9. LUKE JAY 23. JOEL TUBBS 3. JOSH NICHOLS 12. PETROS THANOUS 13. JOEL LATHAM

14. DANIEL VASEAK 15. BRAD LUPI 16. BRYCE HOLLAND 17. STEVE TEVITA

COACH: SIMON CLARKE

Player in Focus: Nu Akeripa

Player profile Thursday takes us into the heart of the Magpies' forward pack to chat with second rower Nu Akeripa.



Position: Second row/Centre

Height: 185cm

Weight: 110kg

Date of Birth: 27 August 1987

Which NRL team did you follow as a kid? Manly (Seriously Nu? What the hell man!)

Your junior club: Campbelltown Warriors

What is your earliest football memory? I remember putting a shot on Tunui Maurangi and knocking him cold! (Tickets to Nu vs Nui smackdown are $25 and can be purchased from....)

What advice would you give young players? Set goals, make plans and work hard.

What sport would you play if not footy? Volleyball (That's different)

Best advice received? Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care

Your first job: Removalist

Which three people would you invite to dinner? The Rock, Dwayne Johnson (HEY! No cheating!) and Rocky Maivia (I just got trolled by a man crush...)

What is your greatest fear? Nothing!

What is the worst thing on your Ipod? Tunui Maurangi singing! (Tickets for smackdown just went up to $50...)

What's your most embarrassing moment? Picking my wedgie out in front of the girl I liked and not realising she was standing behind me.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Our Final 2014 Appearance at Lidcombe!

There comes a time in your life, where you can relive those glory days of your youth, those simpler times, where you couldn’t spell mortgage, the rent was the older person who fed you and bossed you around and you only knew of being couped up from 9am until 3pm when the bell rang.



This weekend is that time!





Next Saturday, June 7th. at Lidcombe Oval is an opportunity for Western Suburbs Players... past and present...to rub shoulders with Supporters and recall the Club's glory days on the great ground.

Noel Kelly will lead a host of former Magpie Greats!

It's a 'lunchtime event', with pre-match activity from noon, with the Ron Massey Cup kick-off at 1pm, plus the opportunity for everyone to mingle post match.

Current Coach, Leo Epifania, who played fullback for Wests at Lidcombe during the 1980s, has his team firing well in the top six and the clash with equally placed Asquith may well provide a turning point for the season.

The 'Back to Lidcombe' Day is proudly sponsored by Wests Leagues Ashfield, with all proceeds for local junior rugby league.

Tickets are $5 for adults, with kids admitted free! There’s no reason for YOU not to get out to Lidcombe this weekend and relive your childhood while also cheering on the new generation of Western Suburbs Magpies to victory!!!



1 Sam Aiga
2 Tom Satterthwaite
3 Rusty Bristow
4 Nu Akeripa
5 Brenton Cowan
16 Trent Jennings
7 Andrew Sultana
8 Jarrad Szczudlo
9 Dayne Craig
10 Tunui Maurangi
11 Mason Taloula
12 Shane Lalogafau
13 Sonny Bristow

15 Ronnie Palumbo
17 Luke Williams
19 Fred Tevago
20 Francis Laulu
COACH: Leo Epifania

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Rnd 10 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

Wests survived a scare in the final four minutes to take down Cabramatta 30-24 at Campbelltown last Saturday.

Both sides started with enormous energy, with the highlight being two clashes between former NRL heavyweights Shannon Gallant and Junior Vaivai. However, it was Wests who got on the board first, Inno Inosesio crashing over adjacent to the posts, allowing Dayne Craig a simple kick to put Wests up 6-0 inside ten minutes.

Cabramatta looked to pressure the Wests attack with a quick line, but they left themselves exposed out wide, Nu Akeripa stepping his way through and swerving away from Shannon Gallant to touch down under the posts. Dayne Craig duly made it 12-0 after 19 minutes.

Cabramatta needed to score quickly to stay in touch and they did so, Pierce Sapsford going in on the left side after the Magpies’ defence rushed too quickly. Bobbie Goulding converted from touch, Cabra back to within a half dozen after 23 minutes.

Wests broke through some soft Two Blue defence with Luke Williams, but the cover defence held solid and forced a late pass from Williams, which travelled forward, Andrew Sultana denied the try by referee Chris Treneman.

Cabramatta were living dangerously, and relying on Shannon Gallant for life support, the fullback’s tackle the only thing stopping Dayne Craig taking Wests’ lead to double figures four minutes from the break as Gallant forced a knock-on over the line by the Magpies’ rake.

Craig was at it again three minutes later, this time the referee stopping the Magpie number nine, ruling a double movement. Cabramatta found touch and, with the last play of the half, hoisted a bomb, James Anthony spectacularly marking mid air and charging over the line. The kick from Bobbie Goulding was straight, the score level at 12 at halftime.

Cabramatta were pulled up for a forward pass to Aaron Teariki, denying them a try, six minutes into the second half. Wests took full advantage, Nu Akeripa busting through on a 50 metre run, allowing Wests to set up, Junior Vaivai popping a short ball to Mason Talolua, who stretched to the maximum to score. Dayne Craig’s successful conversion put Wests up 18-12, eight minutes into the second half.

Cabramatta weren’t going away and David Farkas opened the Magpie line up with a delightful dummy before Morris Highman took the tackle. Wests nearly pinched the play the ball, but Cabra made it in time, Brett Manning touching down on the second pass. An inch perfect touchline conversion from Bobbie Goulding levelled the scores after 58 minutes.

Cabramatta found themselves on the wrong end of a penalty for dissent, Wests marching downfield and taking four tackles before Shane Lalogafau bustled his way over the line. Craig split the posts from in front, Wests back in front by six with 18 minutes remaining.

Cabramatta were struggling to contain the Magpies’ speed at the ruck, and gave away a legpull penalty with 12 minutes remaining. Dayne Craig chose to kick for goal, the penalty kick putting Wests ahead 26-18 with ten minutes to play.

Western Suburbs continued to play with speed and energy, but overcommitted in defence, Bobbie Goulding cutting through to put James Anthony away for his second. Goulding converted, Cabra chasing a two point deficit with three minutes remaining.

Cabramatta needed the ball and sought to steal it, but that merely allowed Shane Lalogafau to bust through weak tackles and then go 60 metres to seal the match for Wests in the final minute. Shane Lalogafau was given the kick, but shanked it, 30-24 the final score.

WESTERN SUBURBS 30 (Shane Lalogafau 2, Inno Inosesio, Nu Akeripa, Mason Talolua tries; Dayne Craig 5 from 5, Shane Lalogafau 0 from 1) Defeated CABRAMATTA 24 (James Anthony 2, Pierce Sapsford, Brett Manning tries; Bobbie Goulding 4 from 4)

Penalties: Wests 5 Cabramatta 3

Halftime: Wests 12 Cabramatta 12

WESTERN SUBURBS

1. Sam Aiga
2. Jerome Mose
15. Ronnie Palumbo
4. Nu Akeripa
5. Brenton Cowan
6. Junior Vaivai
7. Andrew Sultana
8. Jarrad Szczudlo
9. Dayne Craig
12. Shane Lalogafau
11. Mason Taloula
3. Inno Inosesio
13. Sonny Bristow

10. Dwayne Lemafa
17. Luke Williams
18. Elimileki Taumalolo
19. Fred Tevago

CABRAMATTA

1. Shannon Gallant
2. Brett Manning
3. Pierce Sapsford
4. Vinnie Uelese
5. James Anthony
6. Dave Farkas
7. Bobbie Goulding
17. Tifa Iuta
9. Saxon Fischer-Gray
10. Adrian Ha’hangana
11. Brad Croad
12. Morris Highman
13. Henry Taufaao

8. Mitchell Simpson
14. Jamie Blewitt
15. Aaron Teariki
16. Henry Iuta