Thursday, July 31, 2014

Volunteer in Focus: Graeme Szynal

No football club can survive without its volunteers, and this week we catch up with one of our longer serving volunteers in Graeme Szynal.


Role: Website technician/resident nerd!

Height: 183cm

Weight: Too much!

Date of Birth: July 1980

Which NRL team did you follow as a kid? The Mighty Magpies of course! Jason Taylor and Andrew Leeds were my idols growing up.

Which junior club did you play for? Camden Rams

What is your earliest football memory? Waving my Magpies flag waiting to go across the rail line at Leumeah on my way to Orana Park (Now THAT is going back a way!)

What advice would you give to young players? Enjoy being part of the greatest game of all and remember all the mates you make.

What sport would you play if not rugby league? I still play touch footy

What is the best advice you have received? Your life is a story - make it one others would want to read (That's really good! I should steal that one)

What was your first job? Bartender

Which three people would you invite to dinner and why? Craig Lowndes for his legendary exploits at Bathurst, Mark Taylor for his status as former Australian cricket test captain, and Heidi Klum for ... (CENSOR!!! CENSOR!!!)

What is your greatest fear? Snakes!

What's the worst thing on your Ipod? Trouble by Taylor Swift

What's your most embarrassing moment? I got caught in a traffic jam and needed to go badly... and I couldn't go behind a tree...

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Rnd 18 - Ron Massey Cup - Team List

Western Suburbs will take on Mounties at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday, 2 August.

Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Phil Sung

WESTS
 – 1. SAM AIGA 2. TALA MAPASONE 3. SHAWN CRAIG 4. NU AKERIPA 5. JEROME MOSE 6. VIERU MAPASONE 7. JACK MADDEN 8. SHANE LALOGAFAU 9. DAYNE CRAIG 10. TUNUI MAURANGI 11. TOM MORRISON 12. RUSTY BRISTOW 13. LUKE WILLIAMS 15. RONNIE PALUMBO 17. FRED TEVAGO 18. SONI PAASI 19. MASON TALOLUA COACH: LEO EPIFANIA

MOUNTIES - 1. JOEY BOND 2. THEO LEATO 3. FRANCIS VAIOTU 4. DAVE CAHALANE 5. UILA APE ESERA 6. MATT PLACE 7. BRETT LAHEY 8. UITI BAKER 9. BRAEDEN BATISTE 10. RODNEY COATES 11. BRADY CHESHIRE 12. KURT HORTON 13. ADAM TANGATA 14. JASON GREEN 15. GRANT LAHEY 16. MITCHELL BEGGS 17. JACOB MAYER 18. FRED PAKUTOA 19. DAYNE VETTE WELSH 20. LOUIS VAIOTU COACH: CHRIS HUTCHISON

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Rnd 17 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

Wentworthville secured a much needed two points with a gutsy 34-24 victory over Western Suburbs last weekend at Ringrose Park.

Wests struck first after four minutes, a Jack Madden bomb batted back by Shawn Craig into the hands of Nu Akeripa, whose miraculous flick pass landed on the chest of the man who started it all with the kick. Dayne Craig split the uprights perfectly for a 6-0 lead for the visitors.

It took just shy of ten minutes for Wests to strike again, another Jack Madden bomb finding success, this time to the left, as the ball spilt free, Jerome Mose handing off to Rusty Bristow. Craig had no problems with the touchline conversion, with Wests leading 12-0 after 14 minutes.

Wenty found their voice to respond at the quarter mark, Saia Tanginoa the beneficiary of a series of decoys and angled runs. Brendan Waters shanked the kick, leaving Wentworthville eight points adrift.

Wentworthville took advantage of a penalty to score again seven minutes later, Nicholas Walker going over after a series of decoy runners scrambled the Wests defence. Waters missed left again, leaving the score at 12-8 Wests.

Wentworthville continued to build momentum, but a poor pass off a half break gave Wests a chance to set up, Luke Williams selling the dummy of all dummies to touch down after Wenty’s markers split on the goal line. With Dayne Craig taking a breather, Jack Madden hooked the coversion, Wests taking their 16-8 lead to the interval.

Wenty finally gave up a penalty in general play, and Wests took full toll, Nu Akeripa passing around the corner for Shawn Craig to touch down after a strong set. Vieru Mapesone struck the upright and, with just six minutes elapsed in the second stanza, Wests led 20-8.

Wenty were desperate to stay in touch and, after a fortunate penalty, they struck back, a face ball allowing Josiah Tomasi to muscle his way over the line. A change of kicker brought no better fortune for the home side, as Matthew Mundine pulled the conversion wide, Wenty again adrift by eight after 53 minutes.

Wentworthville struck again shortly after with a Mundine bomb finding free space, Mitchell Stanfield cleaning up and offloaded for Ben Fritz, who touched down in the corner despite Wests protests over what looked to be a clear shepherd from the old school textbook. Mundine nailed the conversion, Wests clinging to a 20-18 lead heading into the final 20 minutes.

Wests were unable to halt the home side’s momentum on this occasion, and off a Wests error, Brendan Waters danced his way to the line before showing great strength to find the line. Mundine converted from alongside the posts and Wenty finally found the lead, 24-20, with 17 minutes remaining.

Wests were incensed by a knock-on call from a Wenty bomb, and the home side made the most of their set, Saia Tanginoa crossing for his second off a long ball on the overlap to make the score 28-20, Matt Mundine unsuccessful with the conversion attempt.

The Ringrose crowd sprung to life after Wenty’s compressed defence forced Wests to go wide early, Nu Akeripa going on a bullocking 70 metre burst downfield, a subsequent penalty allowing Tala Mapesone to go over in the corner. Craig’s kick went wide, leaving Wenty up by four with as many minutes to play.

Wenty, though, sealed the deal, with a long ball sending Ben Fritz over, prevailing 34-24 after Mundine slotted the two pointer.


WENTWORTHVILLE 34 (Saia Tanginoa 2, Ben Fritz 2, Nicholas Walker, Josiah Tomasi, Brendan Waters tries; Brendan Waters 0 from 2, Matthew Mundine 3 from 5) defeated WESTERN SUBURBS 24 (Jack Madden, Rusty Bristow, Luke Williams, Shawn Craig, Tala Mapesone tries; Dayne Craig 2 from 3, Jack Madden 0 from 1, Vieru Mapesone 0 from 1)

Penalties: Wests 3 Wentworthville 5

Halftime: Wests 16 Wentworthville 8


WESTERN SUBURBS

25. Daniel Abou-Sleiman
2. Tala Mapasone
3. Shawn Craig
1. Sam Aiga
5. Jerome Mose
4. Nu Akeripa
7. Jack Madden
22. Sonny Bristow
9. Dayne Craig
10. Tunui Maurangi
11. Tom Morrison
13. Luke Williams
12. Rusty Bristow

6. Vieru Mapasone
8. Shane Lalogafau
18. Soni Paasi
19. Mason Talolua


WENTWORTHVILLE

1. Nicholas Walker
2. Ben Fritz
3. Cecil Mackenzie
14. Jake Butler-Fleming
5. Saia Tanginoa
16. Matthew Mundine
7. Brendan Waters
8. Takai Moeakiola
9. Lionel O’mally
20. Walter Vaeau
11. Nick Kassis
12. Fetongi Tuinauvui
13. Mitchell Stanfield

10. Justin Lemalu
15. William Bugden
19. Josiah Tomasi
23. KJ Mackenzie

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Support Simon Dwyer

Rugby League fans are invited to support a special fundraising event for Simon Dwyer, who suffered a career-ending injury in 2011.

To be held at Wests Campbelltown on Friday 1 August, the event will raise funds for Simon who’s career was cut short after suffering a serious injury against the Bulldogs at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in 2011.





Tickets to the event are available for $120 through www.proticket.com.au or by calling 02 4915 2345, with guests being asked to arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Wests Tigers Head Coach Mick Potter and the Club’s NRL side will be in attendance on the night, along with special guests Beau Ryan and Brad Fittler.

The night will feature an auction hosted by Joel Caine, a musical performance by Taylor Henderson, along with comedian Paul Martell.

Members of the public can also support Simon by attending Wests Tigers’ Round 21 match against the Melbourne Storm on Monday 4 August with $5 from every adult ticket, and $5 from every family pass going to Simon.

Donations can also be made via the following bank account:

Account Name: Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Pty Ltd - Roar for a Cause

BSB: 112-879

Account Number: 4484-31917

Code: Simon

Player in Focus: Anthony "Rusty" Bristow

It's player profile time, and this week it's the turn of our bustling Anthony "Rusty" Bristow.


Position: Centre/2nd Row

Height: 185cm

Weight: 102kg

Date of Birth: 10 November 1989

Which NRL team did you follow as a kid? Auckland/New Zealand Warriors

Which junior club did you play for? Manurewa (South Auckland)

What is your earliest football memory? Getting clotheslined by a girl! (She just wanted a hug man...)

What advice would you give to young players? Stay at school (Smart boy)

Which sport would you play if not rugby league? Golf

What is the best advice you have received? Don't give up on your dreams

What was your first job? Forklift Driver

Which three people would you invite to dinner? Nu Akeripa, Fred Tevaga and Shane Lalogafau, because they don't have any food at their places! (Best. Answer. Ever!)

What is your greatest fear? Losing loved ones.

What is the worst thing on your Ipod? Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus (Oh dear god...)

What is your most embarrassing moment? Getting my shorts pulled down while I was playing!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Rnd 17 - Ron Massey Cup - Team List

Western Suburbs will take on the Wentworthville Magpies at Ringrose Park on Sunday, 27 July.

Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Scot Murray

WENTY
 - 1. NICHOLAS WALKER 2. BEN FRITZ 3. CECIL MACKENZIE 4. JON PEPA 5. SAIA TANGINOA 16. MATTHEW MUNDINE 7. BRENDAN WATERS 8. TAKAI MOEAKIOLA 9. LIONEL O’MALLY 10. JUSTIN LEMALU 11. NICK KASSIS 12. FETONGI TUINAUVUI 13. MITCHELL STANFIELD © 14. JAKE BUTLER-FLEMING 15. WILLIAM BUGDEN 17. DANNY BARAKAT 19. JOSIAH TOMASI 23. K.J MACKENZIE COACH: CHRIS YATES
WESTS – 1. SAM AIGA 2. TALA MAPASONE 3. SHAWN CRAIG 4. NU AKERIPA 5. JEROME MOSE 6. VIERU MAPASONE 16. JACOB FOLENT 8. SHANE LALOGAFAU 9. DAYNE CRAIG 10. TUNUI MAURANGI 11. TOM MORRISON 12. RUSTY BRISTOW 13. LUKE WILLIAMS 15. RONNIE PALUMBO 17. FRED TEVAGO 19. MASON TALOLUA 20. DWAYNE LEMAFA COACH: LEO EPIFANIA

Western Suburbs Golf Day - 25 September

We have tentatively booked Camden Lakeside Golf Course, corner Raby Road and Camden Valley Way, for
Thursday 25 September 2014. 

Various packages are available for individuals, groups of four and hole sponsorships.

To book, please send e mail admin@westsmagpies.com.au 


The more the merrier!!

Monday, July 21, 2014

Rnd 16 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

In a match which defied words, Western Suburbs defeated Burwood-North Ryde 46-28 last Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.

Burwood finally opened the scoring after 22 minutes, as Kava Utoikamanu bustled his way through the Magpies defence, who were guilty of allowing a string of offloads. Barry Nathan slotted the conversion straight down the middle, putting Burwood ahead 6-0.

Burwood struck again from the kick-off, continuing their offloading game, Ajay Vaivaka somehow managing to wrestle down through four Magpie defenders. The much simpler conversion for Barry Nathan was just as easily potted, with the game taking an about face as Burwood led 12-0 after 27 minutes.

Wests could not hold on in the tackles, and Burwood nearly went over again, only to be held up. Two tackles later, though, Joe Flint stepped his way through to score adjacent to the posts and, courtesy of Barry Nathan’s kick, Burwood were now sailing at 18-0 with eight minutes to the interval.

Wests needed something, and a fabulous short ball behind the ruck by Sam Aiga sent Daniel Abou-Sleiman clear, Nuk Akeripa backing up to touch down under the uprights. Dayne Craig added the extras to cut Burwood’s lead back to a dozen with five until the break.

Wests sought to play Burwood at their own game, and gave the ball some air, but it was Dayne Craig getting out of dummy half and going 40 metres to score without a hand laid on him. Craig converted his own try, and Wests were back within six and looking dangerous just three out from halftime.

Wests locked it up in an incredible finish to the half, as Veiru Mapesone picked up from dummy half after a procession downfield on the back of a penalty to march through some soft Burwood defence. Dayne Craig converted with the siren in the background, knotting the scores at 18 at oranges.

Burwood came out determined to continue their free-flowing style, Smaiu Latu taking the offloading, kicking and regathering before scooting 35 metres to score, Barry Nathan’s successful conversion attempt put Burwood back in front five minutes into the second half.

Burwood struck from the kick-off, Ajay Vaivaka again burrowing through the ruck. The strength of the wind prevented Nathan converting, Burwood up 28-18 ten into the second half.

A penalty for a shoulder charge allowed Western Suburbs to set up their attack in Burwood’s red zone, but it was a simple dummy half burrow from Dayne Craig which yielded points, Wests back to within four after Craig converted his own try.

Dayne Craig was tearing Burwood apart up the middle, and he sent Nu Akeripa clear through the ruck, Daniel Abou-Sleiman being returned the favour from the first half to touch down under the posts. Dayne Craig converted and, with 18 minutes remaining, Wests led for the first time by 30-28.

Wests were looking strong, but Luke Williams chose not to run, instead dummying and watching a ga the size of Sydney Heads open up for his first try. Dayne Craig vonerted, and Wests were ahead by eight, eleven minutes from time.

Burwood saw red after a penalty for a late tackle on Veiru Mapesone, but their anger didn’t translate to their defence, as Tala Mapesone was the beneficiary of a 5-1 overlap on the right wing. Dayne Craig pushed the kick wide, the score 40-28 in Wests favour with three to go.

Burwood allowed their frustrations to creep in, and a succession of penalties allowed Wests some field position, Veiru Mapesone going through to score off another 5-1 overlap. Ayne Craig converted from alongside the uprights, Wests running out 46-28 winners in a topsy turvy clash.


WESTERN SUBURBS 46 (Dayne Craig 2, Veiru Mapesone 2, Nu Akeripa, Daniel Abou-Sleiman, Luke Williams, Tala Mapesone tries; Dayne Craig 7 from 8) defeated BURWOOD-NORTH RYDE 28 (Ajay Vaivaka 2, Kava Utoikamanu, Joe Flint, Samiu Latu tries; Barry Nathan 4 from 5)

Penalties: Wests 11 Burwood 6

Halftime: Wests 18 Burwood 18


WESTERN SUBURBS

25. Daniel Abou-Sleiman
2. Tala Mapasone 
14. Shawn Craig
1. Sam Aiga 
5. Jerome Mose 
4. Nu Akeripa 
6. Jacob Folent 
22. Sonny Bristow
9. Dayne Craig 
10. Tunui Maurangi 
11. Tom Morrison 
13. Luke Williams 
3. Rusty Bristow 

7. Veiru Mapesone
8. Mason Talolua
17. Fred Tevago
19. Elimeleki Taumalolo


BURWOOD

1. Samiu Latu 
23. Rory Brownlie
4. Barry Nathan 
22. Scott Williams
25. Blake Dunscombe
6. David Atuau 
7. James Coote 
17. Brendan Tarrant 
9. Ajay Vaivaka 
15. Ilija Radan 
11. Kava Utoikamanu 
16. Kilifi Tia-Kilifi 
13. Joe Flint 

8. Tarek El Masri
10. James Livock
19. Sione Kite
20. Mitchell Devine

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Player in Focus: Sam Aiga

This week's player profile introduces us to Magpies fullback and fan favourite Sam Aiga.


Position: Fullback or wing

Height: 182cm

Weight: 102kg

Date of Birth: No comment! (Sam just doesn't want to grow up I reckon...)

Which NRL team did you follow as a kid? North Queensland

Which junior club did you play for? Marist Saints (Auckland) and Cabramatta

What is your earliest football memory? Winning a best defender award, but I don't remember which year, and scoring the winning try in a grand final for Wentworthville in the 2010 Bundy Cup

What advice would you give to young players? NEVER GIVE UP!

Which sport would you play if not league? Rugby union or touch

What is the best advice you've ever received? NEVER GIVE UP! (Cheat...)

What was your first job? Labourer

Which three people would you invite to dinner? The missus, because she's the boss (Smart boy), and The Rock (Oh not this again...) because he's the man!

What is your greatest fear? Getting a fasi off my dad!! (I had no idea what this means, but thanks to google, he means getting a hiding)

What's the worst thing on your Ipod? Nothing! I love all music! (I'm just going to assume it's Justin Beiber...)

What is your most embarrassing moment? Too many!

Rnd 16 - Ron Massey Cup - Team List

Western Suburbs will take on Burwood-North Ryde United at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, 19 July.
Kick-off: 11.45am 
Referee: Phillip Sung 
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Steele Sports Radio (Link available viawww.steelesports.com.au)

WESTS
 – 1. SAM AIGA 2. TALA MAPASONE 3. RUSTY BRISTOW 4. NU AKERIPA 5. JEROME MOSE 6. JACOB FOLENT 16. RONNIE PALUMBO 8. MASON TALOLUA 9. DAYNE CRAIG 10. TUNUI MAURANGI 11. TOM MORRISON 12. SHANE LALOGAFAU 13. LUKE WILLIAMS 17. FRED TEVAGO 18. FRANCIS LAULU 19. ELIMELEKI TUAMALOLO 20. DWAYNE LEMAFA COACH: LEO EPIFANIA
UNITED – 1. SAMIU LATU 2. TUINIUA PAIAAUA 3. MITCH STEVENS 4. BARRY NATHAN 5. JORDAN TONGAHAI 6. TUILOMA ATUAU 7. JAMES COOTE 8. TAREK EL MASRI 9. AJAY VAIVAKA 10. JAMES LIVOCK 11. KAVA UTOIKAMANU 12. ANDREW EMELIO © 13. JOE FLINT 15. ILIJA RADAN 16. KILIFI TIA-KILIFI 17. BRENDAN TARRANT 18. JOE MATAELE 20. MITCH DEVINE COACH: NYKE AARON ZAMMIT & ANDREW EMELIO

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Expressions of Interest: 2014 Golf Day

Western Suburbs is currently gauging interest for the 2014 Magpies Golf Day.

The club is currently looking at dates in late August and early September, but would like to get an idea of the level of interest from our supporters first.

As always, individual, team and hole sponsorship packages will be available.

To register your interest, simply email admin@westsmagpies.com.au or call 9601 2002.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Rnd 15 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

Defence went out the window as Blacktown held on to defeat a gallant Western Suburbs side 44-36 at a blustery and chilly HE Laybutt Reserve last Saturday.

Blacktown took full advantage of the first penalty of the game, a short ball sending Michael Worrincy over the line. Pat Weisner’s conversion attempt was straight, Blacktown leading 6-0 in just the third minute.

Blacktown added their second eleven minutes later as a Wests grubber popped up for the Workers, an offload finding a flying Sakeo Dibeci who motored 60 metres to touch down, leaving Blacktown ahead 12-0 after Weisner’s conversion.

The crowd was left confused after the referee sent Luke Williams to the sin bin, but Blacktown quickly regathered their composure, Joshua Grant burrowing over from dummy half. Pat Weisner threaded the needle for an 18-0 lead after 22 minutes.

Wests needed to score quickly and did so, a series of long passes to the left finding Rusty Bristow, who pushed through three tackles to touch down inside the cornerpost. Dayne Craig pulled the kick wide, Blacktown ahead 18-4 after 32 minutes.

A Magpie penalty 20 seconds from the siren saw Tom Morrison surprise everyone by tapping and running hard, but he showed enough strength to get through five players and touch down. Dayne Craig was again unsuccessful with the kick, leaving Blacktown ahead 18-8 at the break.

Only five minutes had elapsed when Wests recorded their third consecutive try, Shane Lalogafau going through a gaping hole off a great short ball. Dayne Craig found his radar, and the Blacktown lead was down to four.

Blacktown quickly hit back, a clearing kick from the Workers getting caught in the stiff wind and being put down by Wests, a quick passing interchange seeing Sakeo Dibeci racing away for his second. Pat Weisner needed the assistance of the woodwork to put away the simple conversion, the Workers back out to a 24-14 lead.

The Workers wasted no time getting their extended lead back on the next set, as offload after offload eventually allowed Charlie Latulipe to score out wide. Pat Weisner pushed the kick wide, Wests looking at climbing the mountain all over again at 28-14.

Defence was quickly becoming a dirty word, as Wests hit back quickly, Jacob Folent pushing over from dummy half. The kick from Dayne Craig split the posts down the middle, and Wests were back to 28-20 after 58 minutes.

Blacktown decided to give the ball some air and they tired the Magpie defence out and burst the line, Charlie Latulipe going in for his second. Pat Weisner pushed the kick wide, Backtown ahead by 12 heading into the final quarter of the game.

Wests took advantage of a penalty to set up in the Blacktown end and some great offloads allowed Shawn Craig to put Tala Mapesone over. Dayne Craig’s kick didn’t have the legs into the wind, Blacktown ahead 32-24 with 15 minutes remaining.

Consecutive penalties allowed Wests to march straight back downfield, and Dayne Craig moved as fast the gale which was enveloping HE Laybutt reserve to go in under the sticks. Craig converted his own try, setting up a grandstand finish with 12 minutes remaining, as Blacktown led 32-30.

Wests were making good inroads against the Blacktown defence, but none more than Nu Akeripa, who seemingly beat the entire Workers lineup in a weaving 50 metre charge to the line. Dayne Craig converted from in front and, for the first time of the day, Wests led 36-32 with six minutes remaining.

Blacktown weren’t done, and a towering bomb from Pat Weisner was put down by Sam Aiga, Jerry Key on hand to score alongside the posts for the Workers. Weisner took his time with the simple conversion attempt to return Blacktown to a two point lead with as many minutes on the clock.

Wests needed the ball back, and Sam Aiga’s efforts to pluck a grubber were unsuccessful, Sakeo Dibeci sealing the game with his hat trick. Weisner added the extras, Blacktown running out 44-36 winners.


BLACKTOWN 44 (Sakeo Dibeci 3, Charlie Lautlipe 2, Michael Worrincy, Joshua Grant, Jerry Key tries; Pat Weisner 6 from 8) defeated WESTERN SUBURBS 36 (Rusty Bristow, Tom Morrison, Shane Lalogafau, Jacob Folent, Tala Mapesone, Dayne Craig, Nu Akeripa tries: Dayne Craig 4 from 7)

Penalties: Wests 11 Blacktown 7

Halftime: Wests 8 Blacktown 18


WESTERN SUBURBS

1. Sam Aiga
2. Tala Mapesone
7. Shawn Craig
3. Rusty Bristow
5. Jayden Wheelhouse
4. Nu Akeripa
6. Jacob Folent
19. Elemeleki Taumololo
9. Dayne Craig
10. Tunui Maurangi
8. Shane Lalogafau
11. Tom Morrison
13. Luke Williams

12. Cruse Iosefa
16. Ronnie Palumbo
17. Fred Tevaga
20. Dwyane Lemafa



BLACKTOWN

1. John Taaga
25. Daniel Cassone
2. Charlie Latulipe
4. Byron Fruen
5. Sakeo Dibeci
6. Gus Jasmin
7. Pat Weisner
8. Jake Shearer
9. Joshua Grant
10. Lupati Eni
11. Micheal Worrincy
12. Iszak Taalili
13. Jerry Key

3. Sione Fakafua
14. Jad Mahmoud
15. John Leapai
17. Jordan Strickland

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Player in Focus: Fred Tevaga

It's back to the players after a fortnight off, and this week we caught up with cult hero among the supporters, Fred "Tarago" Tevaga.



Position: Front row, second row, centre (That's a hella centre!)

Height: 6'1 (You have to be difficult.... according to my calculator, that's 185cm)

Weight: 114kg

Date of Birth: 9 November 1990

Which NRL team did you follow as a kid? Brisbane

Which junior club did you play for? Ingleburn Bulldogs

What is your earliest football memory? Playing in junior league and getting bumped off by a girl (Just. Wow.)

What advice would you give to young players? Eat hard, train harder

Which sport would you play if not rugby league? NFL or bodybuilding?

What is the best advice you have received? If the bar ain't bending, you're only pretending!

What was your first job? Labourer

Which three people would you invite to dinner? The Rock (Oh for the love of...), Ronnie Coleman, Mike Tyson (I'm not picking up the bill on that one...)

What is your greatest fear? Growing up!

What's the worst thing on your Ipod? Spice Girls

What is your most embarrassing moment? I have none!

Rnd 15 - Ron Massey Cup - Team List

Western Suburbs will take on the Blacktown Workers at HE Laybutt Sporting Complex on Saturday, 12 July.

Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Lawrence McDonell

WORKERS
 – 1. JOHN TAAGA 2. CHARLIE LATULIPE 3. SIONE FAKAFUA 4. BYRON FRUEN 5. SAKEO DIBECI 6. GUS JASMIN 7. PAT WEISNER 8. JAKE SHEARER 9. JOSHUA GRANT 10. LUPATI ENI 11. MICHEAL WORRINCY 12. ISZAK TAALILI 13. JERRY KEY 14. JAD MAHMOUD 15. JOHN LEAPAI 16. CLINTON STRICKLAND 17. JORDAN STRICKLAND COACH: ADAM TUITE
WESTS - 1. SAM AIGA 2. BRENTON COWAN 3. RUSTY BRISTOW 4. NU AKERIPA 5. JEROME MOSE 6. JACOB FOLENT 16. RONNIE PALUMBO 8. SHANE LALOGAFAU 9. DAYNE CRAIG 10. TUNUI MAURANGI 11. TOM MORRISON 12. ANDREW VELA 13. LUKE WILLIAMS 17. FRED TEVAGO 18. FRANCIS LAULU 19. ELIMELEKI TUAMALOLO 20. DWAYNE LEMAFA COACH: LEO EPIFANIA

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Coach In Focus: Leo Epifania

Club stalwarts are few and far between in the modern age of contracts and mid season transfers. However, at Wests, there are but three certainties in life: death, taxes and Leo Epifania. We caught up with the Magpie's Ron Massey Cup coach this week while the boys have the weekend off.





What role do you have at Wests?  Head Coach (And plenty of other stuff I can guarantee you!)

How did you arrive at Wests as coach?  After a coaching stint in the UK , I took on the Jersey Flegg team in 2005 and came through the ranks

Who did you play for when you were younger and what position? I played AFL until I was 17, then moved to the Enfield Federals when they were in the Wests Junior RL, before going on to Wests Magpies in first grade, where I started as a lock before moving to fullback. 


What is your earliest football memory? My earliest memory is playing AFL under 8's and peeing behind the goalposts during a match (Don McKinnon was stealing moves!!) and my best memory is my first grade debut at Lidcombe Oval v Manly 


What is your occupation? Coach!


What would you be doing if not working at Wests? Working with another club


What is the best advice you have received? Trust your gut


What advice would you give to young players? Don't take anything for granted


What was your first job? Elevator technician


Which three people would you invite to dinner and why? Angelina Jole / Jennifer Lopez / Delta Goodrem (We're censoring the reason...)


What is your greatest fear? To be fearful


What is your most embarrassing moment? I can't recall any (He's tough our Leo!)