The Parramatta Junior Rugby League Presentation Night was held at the Marconi Club last night and The Cumberland Throw was privileged to attend.

Hosted by the voice of Parra Juniors live match streaming coverage, Lewis Shepperd, the evening featured a Q&A with Parramatta Eels Legends Brett Kenny, Eric Grothe, Peter Wynn and Steve Ella. Eric Grothe also provided entertainment with an acoustic performance alongside one of his band mates from the Gurus.

It was an impressive event with 27 junior clubs celebrating their role in not only providing young people with the opportunity to play rugby league, but also being a vital resource for their respective communities.

Without doubt, the contribution of Parramatta Leagues Club to junior sport has to be both acknowledged and congratulated.

In 2023, Parra Leagues provided over $364,000 in funding to Parramatta Junior Rugby League Clubs. This money provides a significant reduction in yearly expenditures for clubs which then becomes lower fees for players.

Trivett Subaru continued their sponsorship of the Parramatta Junior Rugby League, and their club raffles have raised in excess of $94k over the past three years.

The Cumberland Throw would also like to congratulate Parramatta Junior Rugby League General Manager, Adam Fairley. In his first year in the role, Adam has launched a number of initiatives.

Those who follow the social media pages of the Parra Junior Rugby League would be aware of the work that has gone into raising the profile of junior rugby league and the clubs in the district.

As attendees watched some video highlights from the season, it was obvious how much the clubs value the coverage. Well done to Adam and his staff.

The award winners were as follows:

Phillip Carey Memorial Award (Male Player of the Year): Lachlan Metcalfe – Wentworthville United Magpies

Lachie is only 15 and played up in age for the Wenty Magpies. He also starred in the Eels Development squad in 2023.

Jan Bryen Award (Female Player of the Year): Chloe Sacilotto – Kellyville Bushrangers

Chloe will be part of the Eels 2024 Lisa Fiaola Cup squad.

Coach of the Year: Judy-May Peni – Wentworthville United Magpies & Craig Culnane – Hills Bulls

Very humble coaches whose priority is the young people that they guide

Referee of the Year: Bailey Clark

Watch for his name. This young bloke was a popular winner.

Try of the Year: Viliotu Masila – Merrylands Rams

Many of you would have already seen footage of his length of the field try from the kick off. It went viral with over 15 million views.

Try of the Finals: Matthew Kenna – Baulkham Hills Brumbies

Plenty of pace shown by the young bloke as he chased a kick to score a finals try.

Club Championship: Wentworthville United Magpies

The powerhouse club enjoyed a huge season. A host of finals appearances and titles in 2023.

Junior Incentive Shield:  All Saints Toongabbie Tigers

The little club that could. They have revitalised on the back of the terrific people involved at the club, and due to their leading work in female rugby league programs.

Modified Incentive Shield: Cabramatta

Another club bouncing back with unique programs. This acknowledges their success across the younger aged modified footy grades.

Club of the Year: Guildford Owls

This is a prestigious award as it is voted on by the other clubs. Their acceptance speech acknowledged that they used the example set by other clubs in looking to be the best that they could be.

Secretary of the Year: John Burns – Wentworthville United Magpies

It’s a massive job to be secretary of such a big club. Congrats to John.

 

Finally, junior rugby league, indeed all junior sport, relies on volunteers.

Each club selected their volunteer of the year and they were also honoured on the night.

All Saints Toongabbie: Donna Hadley

Austral City Bears: Eva Nasser

Baulkham Hills Brumbies: Cathy Barakat

Cabramatta: Najib Albassit

Canley Vale Kookas: Faith Taulu

Canley Heights Dragons: Leanne Bryce

CVD Cobras: David Nurthen

Fairfield Maulers: Danny Aoun

Fairfield Pats: Anthony Williams

Greystanes Devils: Nick Peel

Guildford Owls: Charbel Sahyoun

 Hills District Bulls: Aimee Gonzalez

Kellyville Bushrangers: Deb McClean

Lalor Park Kookas: Emma Tuigamala

Marconi Mustangs: Carly Shipley

Merrylands Rams: Kevin Semaan

Mounties: Narelle Curry

North West Hurricanes:  Jason Caruana

OLQP Bulldogs: Sarah Barden

Parramatta City Titans: Paul Doumit

Parramatta Junior Eels: Amy Knott

Rouse Hill Rhinos: Paul Fuda

Seven Hills Kangaroos: Rachel Tausia

South West Shark: Sue Hogan

Wentworthville United Magpies: Mark Francis

Winston Hills Hawks: Matthew Hall

Winston Hills Tigers: Graham Starr

I couldn’t publish this report without making mention of a comment from Brett Kenny.

All of the legends were in fine form during the Q & A, with amusing anecdotes and digs at each other.

However, when Bert was asked about the Panthers three-peat and his own experience, the mercurial five-eighth brought the house down with these comments:

“It got a bit boring…After the third, well there’s another game we won …and another two tries.”

Classic!

Eels forever!

Sixties