RED AND BLACK REPORT 2025: EDITION NO.1
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s elite and lower-grade competitions.
A host of Canterbury products were in action in the opening round of the NSWRL’s junior competitions, the SG Ball Cup (men’s under-19s), Harold Matthews Cup (men’s under-17s) and Tarsha Gale Cup (women’s under-19s).
The 2025 season is now underway 🤩 📝#JuniorReps
— NSW Rugby League (@NSWRL) February 1, 2025
SG BALL CUP
Hornby Panthers’ Sosaia Alatini, Linwood Keas’ Genesis Ah Kam Sherlock and Northern Bulldogs’ Bronson Reuben endured a tough road trip courtesy of Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ 40-22 loss to Canberra Raiders.
Papanui Tigers junior Ezekiel Paulo had the wood on his St Thomas’ teammates, Meihana Pauling (Halswell Hornets) and Isaiah Savea (Hornby Panthers), featuring in the second-row as Manly Sea Eagles defeated the Warriors 28-14 at home.
Fullback Pauling scored a first-half try in a beaten effort, while Savea lined up at hooker for the Shannon Rushworth-coached Warriors.
Hornby Panthers’ Jackson Stewart enjoyed an outstanding introduction to SG Ball as a centre in Sydney Roosters’ 56-12 demolition of North Sydney Bears.
Another Hornby product, Ezekiel Faga-Ieti, came off the bench in Newcastle Knights’ 36-12 defeat to Parramatta Eels.
Seven games done with one to come on Sunday in the opening round of the UNE SG Ball Cup 🏆
ROUND ONE RESULTS: https://t.co/hnQLJrIy6X#JuniorReps #SGBallCup pic.twitter.com/qL6c85rgtq
— NSW Rugby League (@NSWRL) February 1, 2025
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP
Sydenham Swans junior Evander Tafua, the first player to sign for Canterbury-Bankstown following its partnership with Canterbury Rugby League becoming official in 2023, debuted for the Bulldogs off the bench in a 22-18 victory over the Raiders in Canberra.
Riccarton Knights product Jairo Senio got a Harold Matts introduction via the interchange as Sydney Roosters were run down 28-26 by the Bears.
The Warriors began their title defence with a 28-10 victory over Manly – and there was a strong Canterbury influence.
Hornby Panthers’ Bishop Neal scored the Warriors’ first and last tries, while Celebration Lions’ Amasio Tiatia grabbed a crucial four-pointer early in the second half off the bench.
Aoraki product and Hornby Panthers player Dougal Grant partnered Neal in the second-row, Celebration Lions’ Calieb Fidow was on the wing and Sydenham Swans’ Kenny Lafituanai contributed from the interchange. Riccarton Knights’ Christiano Elia was the 18th player.
That’s all for Saturday’s action in the UNE Harold Matthews Cup, with one game left tomorrow as the Sea Eagles take on the defending champions 👊
ROUND ONE RESULTS: https://t.co/QYitxvq5Ju#JuniorReps #HaroldMatthewsCup pic.twitter.com/3hxxWn2tW8
— NSW Rugby League (@NSWRL) February 1, 2025
TARSHA GALE CUP
Hornby Panthers’ Kyra-Lee Westland and Linwood Keas’ Dejah Tuilau debuted in the Tarsha Gale Cup as part of Penrith Panthers’ 18-10 win over Cronulla Sharks.
Westland and Tuilau were both Canterbury age-group reps who shone in the CRL Bartercard Women’s Premiership in 2024.
Photo Credit: Penrith Panthers
