21 photos from the 2013 Fibros v Silvertails

Manly Warringah's NRL side travelled to Campbelltown Stadium for the first time in 15 years on Monday night. To mark the occasion we thought we'd share 21 photos from the night. Thanks to Melba Studios

Junior Rep Awards

Thanks to everyone who made our presentation night for our Magpie Junior Representatives such a success. Everyone who played for the Magpies in 2013 did so with much pride and we all hope to see you working your way up the Magpies grades and into the Wests Tigers.


Our Major Award winners were:

Harold Matthews
Coaches Award - Lenny Sauni
Best & Fairest - Ray Stone

SG Ball
Coaches Award - Tom Harris
Best & Fairest - Chris Ve'e

Rnd 17 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

Western Suburbs produced a Melbourne-esque display of clinical and professional football in blasting away Asquith by 74-0 last weekend at Storey Park.

Wests signalled their intentions early with a bomb from their very first set, Amanono Tovio getting the slightest of touches to be denied a try by referee Jeff Hartup in one of just two handling errors in the first half for the boys from Campbelltown.

Wests continued to attack with determination and confidence and after eight minutes, Dayne Craig opened the scoring with a strong barge from dummy half after dummying to Dean Rysko. David Atuau slotted the conversion from plum in front, Wests up 6-0.

Asquith tried some enterprising football to hit back, but a knock on from a tricky pass gave Wests possession after 14 minutes, and Wests made it count with Dayne Craig throwing a faceball for a barnstorming Adrian Ha’angana to touch down. Atuau’s conversion put Wests ahead by a dozen.

Wests found success in bombing Asquith’s wingers and, three minutes later, Sam Aiga muscled his way through off a repeat seat. Atuau’s conversion saw Wests up 18-0 after as many minutes.

Five minutes later, Wests spun the ball wide to the left and the crowd had their stopwatches out as Fusi Toutai exploded through the line, with local radio commentators asking if it was Usain Bolt on the wing. David Atuau converted to keep pace with the clock after 24 minutes.

Another five minutes elapsed before another Wests try, with Soni Paasi on hand to pick up the scraps after Jerome Mose threw a wild ball in field in desperation off a last tackle Waters bomb. David Atuau split the posts for an even 30.

Wests were almost in again three minutes later, however this time the pass drifted forward and in to touch. However, Trent Jennings took exception to a challenge from Josh Nicholls, with players from both sides rushing in to defend their team mates. At the end of it, referee Jeff Hartup placed Jennings on report, cautioned Asquith’s Brad Nicholls and dispatched Fusi Toutai to the sin bin.

Being down a man didn’t stop the Wests juggernaut though, with a last tackle raid inside the Asquith 20 finding Amanono Tovio, who scooted over to touch down. Jack Hawkins pushed Tovio in the back in frustration after Tovio touched down, which Jerome Mose took exception to. Referee Hartup was again busy as he placed Paul Segala on report while sending both Hawkins and Mose for ten minutes. David Atuau pushed the conversion attempt wide, Western Suburbs going to the interval up 34-0.

Wests were awarded a penalty for a high tackle four minutes into the second stanza, and immediately took advantage, with Dayne Craig drifting across field before straightening up to catch Asquith’s defence still sliding. David Atuau converted to leave Wests 40-0 up on 45 minutes.

Four minutes later Wests were in again after using their hands on the last, the ball ending up in the hands of Fusi Toutai, who found Trent Jennings backing up. Atuau nailed the two for 46-0.

Three minutes later Wests hit the half century in style, with a try that had even hardened Asquith fans applauding. A shaky Nathan Waters bomb was marked by Amanono Tovio, from whom the ball then went to Jerome Mose, Soni Paasi and David Atuau. Atuau hoisted a second bomb, marked by Mose, who offloaded for Amanono Tovio to raise the Magpies bat. Atuau pulled the conversion across the face, Wests hitting the half century with just under half an hour remaining.

It took Wests three minutes to score again, Shane Lalogafau showing incredible strength to beat five Asquith defenders. Atuau added the extras.

Nine minutes passed before Wests hit 60, with Sonny Bristow the beneficiary of a wonderful offload from Soni Paasi to Amanono Tovio. Atuau was successful with the conversion for a 62-0 lead after 63 minutes.

Wests registered two tries in the next six minutes through Chris Standing and a second to Sonny Bristow to push the lead out to 74-0 with nine minutes to go, but Asquith’s cover defence showed plenty of desperation to hold Wests at bay for the last nine minutes of the match.

Wests coach Leo Epifania said his side’s discipline in attack was just as pleasing as the shut out as Wests played what was in front of them rather than what they wanted to be in front of them. Although a long way behind on the scoreboard, Asquith showed some impressive moves in the backline.

Wests laid the platform for their win in the pack, with Sonny Bristow, Inno Innoesio and Soni Paasi all relentless, while for Asquith, Jack Hawkins, Aaron Groome and Luke Jay tried hard to steer their side around the park.

Wests will take on Windsor on Wednesday at the Windsor Sports Complex, kick-off 7-30pm, in a deferred game from round 13 which shapes as crucial for the finals aspirations of both teams.

Next weekend, Wests head to Hurstville to do battle with Kingsgrove, while Asquith will look to bounce back at McCredie Park against Guildford.

WESTERN SUBURBS 74 (Dayne Craig 2, Amanono Tovio 2, Sonny Bristow 2, Adrian Ha’angana, Sam Aiga, Fusi Toutai, Soni Paasi, Trent Jennings, Shane Lalogafau, Chris Standing tries; David Atuau 11 from 13) def ASQUITH 0

Penalties: Wests 6 Asquith 9

Halftime: Wests 34 Asquith 0

Western Suburbs

1. Sam Aiga
2. Fusi Toutai
3. Jerome Mose
4. Trent Jennings
5. Amanono Tovio
15. David Atuau
7. Nathan Waters
11 Dean Rysko
9. Dayne Craig
10. Mason Talolua
20. Adrian Haangana
12. Tom Morrison
18. Inno Innoesio

8. Soni Paasi
13. Sonny Bristow
14. Shane Lalogafau
16. Chris Standing

Asquith

21. Sione Ala
2. Brad Horder
3. Josh Nicholls
15. Luke McDonald
23. Michael Pearsall
6. Jack Hawkins
7. Aaron Groome
16. Desai Gupwell
9. Luke Jay
10. Mark Meredith
24. Arthur Meredith
12. Joel Latham
13. Ryan Wheeler

17. Justin Eves
18. Ben Kirkland
19. Josh Portlock
25. Paul Sagala

Magpie Snap Shots

The Western Suburbs Magpies photographers and their cameras have been out and about and here we'd like to share a few of the pictures that were taken.

Fusi Toutai

Ex Magpie and top bloke Rhys Prichard with Magpie Life Member Bluey Schafer

 Sam Aiga

Soni Passi

Trent Jennings

Magpie Muscle!

 The Magpies wonderful cheer squad. 

The boys of 2013!

Remember none of this season could occur if it wasn't for the generous support of 

Wests Ashfield Leagues Club. Become a member today!

Wests & Saints to play at the SCG Again!!!

In a stunning celebration of one of Rugby League’s most revered moments, St George Illawarra and Wests Tigers will play a Saturday afternoon match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on August 24 marking 50 years to the minute of the start of the 1963 Grand Final.

The round 24 clash was scheduled to be played at WIN Jubilee Oval but has now been transferred to the historic ground. It will be the second time this season that Wests Tigers and the Dragons have played against each other at the SCG, the first being in round 6 with the Dragons taking the two points that day.

Wests Tigers celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1963 Grand Final as part of the round six match day entertainment with players from both Wests and St George in attendance.

The 1963 decider is etched in Rugby League folklore. The iconic John O’Gready ‘Gladiators’ image of Wests captain Arthur Summons and Dragons captain Norm Provan covered in mud and embracing after the match provides a celebrated symbol of the game’s gladiatorial spirit and mateship that today is the centrepiece of the Telstra Premiership Trophy.

NRL CEO, Mr Dave Smith, said the Round 24 SCG clash would feature a spectacular tribute to one of the game’s most revered moments.

“This match will be a fantastic celebration for the whole game and one that every Rugby League fan will be invited to share in,” Mr Smith said.

“The Gladiators image is such a special symbol of our game and to be able to mark that moment in our history exactly 50 years to the day at the same venue will be a wonderful event.

“I would especially like to thank the Dragons for allowing us to move this game to the SCG so we can provide a fitting tribute to this iconic moment in the game’s history.”

Dragons Chief Operating Officer, Mr Michael McDonald, said: “The 50th anniversary of the 1963 Grand Final is significant and the opportunity to have the Dragons playing Wests Tigers on the same day, time and venue with all three grades is unique and something that the NRL are keen to appropriately celebrate.

“Relocating games from our traditional venues is not something the Dragons Board takes lightly and in considering all the circumstances and the opportunities around this marquee game, relocating to the SCG for this match was in the best interests of the Dragons and the game as a whole.

“We are working closely with the NRL and SCG Trust to ensure that our Red V Members and Partners who will be impacted by this change have their benefits transferred appropriately and we will communicate accordingly as soon as possible.”

The Round 24 clash will be a highlight of a host of blockbuster encounters in the run to the finals with just two points currently separating teams placed fifth through to 11th on the Telstra Premiership table.

Grant Mayer appointed Wests Tigers CEO

Western Suburbs Magpies are pleased to hear that the Wests Tigers have today announced the appointment of Grant Mayer as the Club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

The Board last night endorsed the appointment after reflecting on the high level of dedicated service provided by Mayer as Chief Operating Officer over the past two months, which has provided the Club with some significant challenges.

“We felt it was important to be decisive to demonstrate to our players, staff, sponsors and the game’s administrators that Wests Tigers are in strong hands and are ready to face the future. This was a unanimous decision by the Board,’’ Club Chairman Mike Bailey said.

“Our operations benefitted from his past experience immediately he was elevated following the departure of Stephen Humphreys. We were very fortunate to have Grant on board since last year, giving him time to become involved with issues affecting Wests Tigers before taking on this key role.

“Grant deserves congratulations from the Board and all involved with the Club as he continues to develop initiatives he has been developing over the past couple of months to put Wests Tigers on a stronger footing to strengthen its player profiles and sponsorship deals for improved results in the future.”

Wests Tigers Deputy Chairman and Balmain Tigers Director Nick Di Girolamo strongly endorsed Mayer’s appointment.

“Grant is passionate about this Club and he has consistently shown strong leadership at all levels of our operations,” Di Girolamo said.

“He has been openly and strongly communicative with the Board. Grant has worked very well with the chairman and myself and I look forward to working him with the future.”

Mayer joined Wests Tigers in the role of General Manager of Commercial Operations last October after holding a similar position for three years at AFL Club, GWS Giants.

His extensive background in sports administration saw him work for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for six years as an Events and Operations Manager.

Mayer then spent three years as Chief Executive Officer at the Manly Sea Eagles as well as a 10 month stint at French Rugby League Club, the Catalan Dragons.

During this time, Mayer crossed paths with current Wests Tigers NRL Coach Mick Potter who joined the Catalans Club late in the 2006 season.

Mayer said he was extremely honoured to be appointed to the CEO position.

“I am in a very fortunate position to have made a career out of something I love. I believe in the Wests Tigers and am confident that the Club is now moving in the right direction,’’ Mayer said.

“I am working overtime to ensure that we re-sign some of the game’s best young talent. I also want to ensure that Wests Tigers train and play out of the best facilities possible and that we continue to foster strong relationships with our corporate and membership base. These people are our lifeblood.

“There are some very exciting times ahead for Wests Tigers and I look forward to working with Chairman Mike Bailey, Deputy Chairman Nick Di Girolamo, and the Board to ensure we achieve the best possible results for this Club.”

Grant Mayer career details

Chief Executive Officer

Wests Tigers (Appointed July 25, 2013)

Chief Operating Officer

Wests Tigers (June 2013-July 2013)

General Manager – Commercial Operations

Wests Tigers (October 2012-June 2013)

General Manager- Commercial Operations

GWS Giants (October 2009- August 2012)

Chief Executive Officer

Manly Sea Eagles (June 2006- June 2009)

Chief Executive Officer

Catalan Dragons (August 2005- June 2006)

Events & Operations Manager

Bulldogs (January 1999- May 2005)

Business Development Manager

Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation (January 1994- January 1998)

Great value tickets for Manly clash

Wests Tigers take on the high-flying Manly Sea Eagles this Monday at Campbelltown Sports Stadium with plenty at stake for both sides.

Wests Tigers duo Robbie Farah and Liam Fulton will bring up significant milestones, with 200 and 150 NRL games respectively as they look to keep in striking distance of the top eight.

Manly will be looking to cement a spot in the top four, however the Wests Tigers will be desperate to send Benji Marshall out of Campbelltown Sports Stadium a winner.

Purchase any Adult General Admission ticket and receive a free child pass (Under 16 years) and help cheer on the Wests Tigers in a must-win clash.

This great value deal is available for both pre-sale and on match day, with tickets available for purchase online, through all PROticket agencies and at the gate.

There is a limit of one free child ticket per paying Adult. The game is one not to be missed, click here to purchase your ticket.

Alternatively, spend $50 or more at Gearzone Macarthur Square this Thursday (July 25) between 5pm and 6:30pm and receive a FREE General Admission ticket to Monday's game*. Eddy Pettybourne, Masada Iosefa, Matt Bell and Ben Murdoch-Masila will be making an in-store appearance during that time.

Meet young guns Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma along with Eddy Pettybourne this Saturday (July 27) at Westfield Liverpool between 11am and 12:30pm and have access to another great ticketing offer. With any Wests Tigers jersey purchase, receive a free General Admission ticket to Monday's game*!

Don't miss out on a great night of footy at Campbelltown Sports Stadium!
*Please note that these tickets do not include a free child pass.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKET TO WESTS TIGERS VS MANLY


WESTS Tigers fans are urged to farewell five-eighth Benji Marshall (pictured) from Campbelltown Sports Stadium at the round 20 clash with Manly Sea Eagles this Monday, July 29 at 7pm. 
 
The New Zealand international requested a leave from his contract with the Tigers, which was active until 2015, for a possible transfer to rugby union.

Marshall farewelled the joint home ground of Leichhardt Oval after the Tigers 24-14 loss to the Warriors last Friday night.

This Monday's game against the fourth-placed Sea Eagles will be Marshall's last at Campbelltown, where he made his debut against the Newcastle Knights in round 20 of the 2003 season.

Marshall played fullback during Tigers' 52-12 thrashing of the Knights.

 Match Day Information
Wests Tigers are pleased to provide Members and supporters with the match day information for the clash against the Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Monday, July 29.

Times
4:30pm: Gates open
4:45pm: Holden Cup: Wests Tigers v Manly
7:00pm: NRL: Wests Tigers v Manly

Tickets
You can buy tickets by calling 1300 12 10 12 or at our Gearzone stores located at Concord Oval and Macarthur Square Campbelltown.
You can bring a Child (Under 16 years) for FREE with any Adult General Admission ticket purchased. Limit of one child per paying Adult.
BUY MATCH TICKETS HERE

Merchandise
Supporters will be able to purchase Wests Tigers merchandise at the following locations.
- Merchandise Van at the Lumeah Rd entrance
- Merchandise marquee at the Pembroke Rd entrance

10% OFF ALL MERCHANDISE
Wests Tigers will be offering 10% off all Merchandise at this Monday night's game. The sale will start once gates open and will be available at both locations mentioned above. Don't miss out on your chance to pick up the latest gear at a discounted price!

Entertainment
There will be a Hyundai junior relay semi-final, BINGO buggy, face-painting and a host of other entertainment.

Supporters Bus
The Supporters bus will leave:
Rozelle (Old Balmain Leagues) at 2:35
Wests Ashfield Arrive- 3:00pm / Depart 3:10
Arrive at Campbelltown Sports Stadium - 4:30pm
Prices – From Rozelle $35 (non members) $30 (Members)/ From Wests Ashfield $30 (Non Members), $25 (Member). The bus will only run if we have enough numbers, to book a seat call (02)8741 3300.

Post-match function
Campbelltown Leagues Club will host a post-match function following the Wests Tigers clash with Manly.

Match Day sponsor
The match day sponsor is Wests Campbelltown.

Meet the Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers fans have the chance to meet their heroes this week in the lead up to the big clash with Manly at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

This is the first time Manly have played in Campbelltown since 1998 and Wests Tigers are celebrating by meeting our fans on Thursday and Saturday this week.

Fans are able to meet Tim Simona, David Nofoaluma, Eddy Pettybourne, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Matt Bell at Wests Tigers Gear Zone Macarthur Square on Thursday night.

You'll receive a FREE ticket to the Manly clash if you spend $50 or more during the player appearance, which begins at 5pm and will go until 6.30pm.

You can also win a free ticket on Saturday when Wests Tigers players appear at Westfield Liverpool League Zone between 11am and 12.30pm.

Grab yourself a Wests Tigers jersey and you'll be off to the big game, completely free of charge.
Eddy Pettybourne, Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma will be backing up again!

Make sure you don't miss out, get down to meet the stars of the Wests Tigers, grab yourself some merchandise and get a FREE ticket to the last Campbelltown Sports Stadium game of the year!

http://www.weststigers.com.au 

Last Wests v Manly NRL game at Campbelltown

How long has it been since Manly played a first grade premiership match at Campbelltown Sports Stadium?
By the time Monday rolls around for the clash between Wests Tigers and Manly, it will be 5511 days or 15 years, 1 month and 2 days, since the Sea Eagles played a first grade game at Campbelltown.

Or for those who like more facts and figures, the 5511 days can be converted into:
- 476, 150, 400 seconds
- 7,935, 840 minutes
- 132, 264 hours
- 787 weeks (rounded down)

The last time was on Saturday, June 27, 1998, where a crowd of 7712 fans saw Manly beat Western Suburbs Magpies 45-30. The referee was Tim Mander.

The Magpies were captained by Steve Georgallis, the current Wests Tigers NRL Assistant Coach, with Tommy Raudonikis the Wests coach.

Manly were led by captain Geoff Toovey, the current Sea Eagles Coach. The Sea Eagles were coached by Bob Fulton.

Since the formation of the Wests Tigers in 2000, the two clubs have clashed at Leichhardt Oval, Telstra Stadium (now ANZ Stadium), Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, and Allianz Stadium, but have never met in an NRL match at Campbelltown.

Wests Tigers also never played Northern Eagles in a premiership match at Campbelltown.
Here is a look back at the June 27, 1998, match.

Western Suburbs Magpies
1 Ken McGuinness,
2 Darryl Fisher,
3 Aseri Laing,
4 Kevin McGuinness,
5 Jared Mills,
6 Damian Kennedy,
7 Brett Hodgson,
8 Harvey Howard,
9 Ciriaco Mescia,
10 Darren Fritz,
11 Lincoln Raudonikis,
12 Scott Coxon
13 Steve Georgallis (c);

Bench:
14 Brenton Pomery,
15 Chris Yates
16 Adrian Rainey,
17 Travis Baker
Coach: Tom Raudonikis

Manly
1 Craig Hancock,
2 Alf Duncan,
3 John Hopoate,
4 Terry Hill,
5 Albert Torrens,
6 Luke Phillips,
7 Geoff Toovey (c),
8 Neil Tierney,
9 Jim Serdaris
10 Anthony Colella,
11 Steve Menzies,
12 Daniel Gartner,
13 Nik Kosef

Bench:
14 Craig Field,
15 Cliff Lyons,
16 Joe Taylor,
17 Adam Peters
Coach: Bob Fulton



Result:
Manly 45 (Nik Kosef 2, Luke Phillips 2, Alf Duncan, Craig Field, John Hopoate, Steve Menzies tries; Phillips 6/8 goals, Phillips field goal) d Western Suburbs 30 (Travis Baker 2, Damian Kennedy, Ciriaco Mescia, Kevin McGuinnes tries; Brett Hodgson 5/6 goals).

Magpies Mad Monday Sale

Western Suburbs Magpies will be selling merchandise at Wests Tigers vs. Manly "Fibros v Silvertails Clash" at Campbelltown Stadium on Monday the 29th July 2013. 

T shirts TWO for $25.00 - Usually $30.00 each!!!

Beanie n scarf set, different designs $35.00.  

Key rings. Stubby holders, beer n coffee mugs. 

Coach jacket $60. 00

Gladiator footballs $40.00.  

Spray jackets $40.00 - limited sizes. 

Also 250 club tickets on sale - Help the Magpies for your chance to win $10, 000.00 cash prize.

Magpies Wednesday Night Match

The Western Suburbs Magpies will play the Windsor Wolves on Wednesday night on July the 31st at 7:30PM at Windsor Sports Ground.

This match is a Round 13 catch up as the original round was rained out. 

Come along and cheer on the boys!

Rnd 16 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

Western Suburbs climbed Mt Everest several times in outlasting Burwood-North Ryde 22-12 last weekend at Lidcombe Oval.

The Magpies showed grit and determination in overcoming a mounting penalty count and injuries to back up with the two points after their big win over The Entrance, their victory over Burwood making it three on the trot.

Burwood opened the scoring for the afternoon after ten minutes on the back of a booming 40-20 kick, with Burwood captain Joe Uluibau showing some light feet to get outside his opposite number to touch down in the corner. Kurt Aldridge slotted the touchline conversion in blustery conditions to give Burwood a 6-0 lead.

Both forward packs fought for supremacy which led to a number of penalties in a 15 minute period.  The black and whites hit back in the 25th minute through Michael Stevens who threw a collection of dummies, all of which were bought by the Burwood defence. Stevens was unsuccessful in converting his own try, the Magpies back to within two points.

The following set saw tempers boil over after a penalty was awarded to Wests for a high tackle.  Referee McDonnell played a feature role for the rest of the first half, with another seven penalties punctuating the final 15 minutes before the break.  With half time fast approaching, Magpies second rower Tom Morrison was sent to the sin bin for an infringement in a tackle.

Burwood failed to capitalise on their opportunities with Morrison off the field, with a forward pass and a kick out on the full denying the black and pinks good field position in the final minutes. Wests Magpies down 6-4 at the break.

The opening set of the second stanza saw Burwood register their second 40-20 kick of the afternoon. BNRU’s chance to score was shut down by an intercept attempt by Amanono Tovio.

The game ebbed and flowed but in the 55th minute Burwood second rower Joe Mataele used his bulk to barge over the line. Kurt Aldridge added the extras to put Burwood out by eight with 24 minutes on the clock.

From the following set, Burwood spilt the ball before giving up a penalty for a stripping offence.

Wests needed no invitation to hit straight back, with centre Jerome Mose registering his first try for 2013 after a lovely run around move created the overlap. Michael Stevens put the ball straight between the posts and Burwood’s eight point lead was reduced to just two points.

Burwood had a chance two minutes later to get their eight point advantage back, but the bomb was marked by Amanono Tovio.

The Magpies took advantage of a quick restart to march up field before being halted right on the try line. The opposition player was then penalised for holding the Magpie player down. The crowd expressed their disbelief when Burwood were allowed to keep 13 on the field.

From the ensuing penalty another sweeping backline move saw Amanono Tovio touch down to put the Magpies in front. Michael Stevens slotted the conversion from touch, Wests leading 16-12 with 14 minutes on the clock.

Burwood threw everything at Wests in the final quarter hour but the Magpies defence stood firm. In the final couple of minutes Nathan Waters caught Burwood off guard by grubbering across the field.  The ever present Michael Steven grabbed the match winning try by scoring his second of the day.  His fine conversion put the Magpies out of reach 22-12.

Magpies coach Leo Epifania was pleased with the effort, saying that, despite the lack of execution at times, he was happy with the grit shown by his players in somehow finding a way to win after last week’s emotion-charged victory over The Entrance.

For Burwood, their big pack was ably led by Jordan Tuivaii, Ali Musri and Joe Mataele, while for Wests, the backs led the way, with Michael Stevens, Fusi Toutai and Jerome Mose standing tall.

Next week, Burwood will take on Guildford at TG Milner, desperately needing a win to keep their top four hopes alive, while Wests travel to Storey Park, Asquith for a 3pm kick off on Saturday 17 July 2013.  

Wests are buoyed by three consecutive wins which gives the boys from Campbelltown a genuine chance at finals football.

WESTERN SUBURBS 22 (Michael Stevens 2, Amanono Tovio, Jerome Mose tries; Michael Stevens 3 from 4) def BURWOOD NORTH-RYDE 12 (Joe Uluibau, Joe Mataele tries; Kurt Aldridge 2 from 2)
Penalties: Wests 7 Burwood 9. Halftime score: Burwood 6 Wests 4.

WESTERN SUBURBS 1. Sam Aiga 17. Fusi Toutai 2. Jerome Mose 4. Trent Jennings 5. Amanono Tovio 6. Michael Stevens 7. Nathan Waters 8. Dean Rysko (C) 9. Dayne Craig 10. Mason Talolua 11. Shane Lalogafau 12. Tom Morrison 18. Sonny Bristow   13. Todd Makejev 14. Matiasi Toutai 15. David Atuau 22. Soni Paasi  

BURWOOD NORTH-RYDE 1. Hamilton Hughes 2. Matt Evans 3. Joe Uluibau (C) 4. Joe Rokoqo 5. Jordan Tongahai 6. Josh Phillips 7. Ryan Millard 8. Jordan Tuivaii 9. Kurt Aldridge 10. Ali Musri 11. Joe Mataele 12. Tim Winitana 13. Tupati Eni   14. Daniel Fepuleai 15. Sione Fakahua 16. Elias Sukkar 17. Tarek El Masri

Record Breaking Origin Series

Last night’s 2013 Holden State of Origin Series decider has become the highest rating Rugby League game of all time with 4.232 million Australian viewers tuning in through the Nine, WIN and NBN networks.

 

With QLD beating NSW 12-10 to win an unprecedented eighth consecutive Origin Series in front of a record crowd of 83,813 at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium:

- the 2013 Series became the highest rating in history with a cumulative total audience of 11.966 million viewers watching over the three games (11.897 million in 2012)*;

- the Series recorded the biggest attendance in the event’s history with 215,883 fans across the three games (203,309 set in 2004);

- the Game III audience (4.232 million) surpassed the 2005 Telstra Premiership Grand Final (4.102 million) as the highest rating Rugby League match of all time;

- Game III was the highest rating Origin match in history (previous best: 2012 Origin Game III, 4.063 million).

The match peaked at 3.103 million viewers across the Five-City Metro last night and achieved the highest regional rating ever for any Origin game with 1.533m viewers (previous highest: 2013 Game 1 - 1.466m).

An average of 1.165 million viewers watched the game in Sydney on Channel Nine, with a peak of 1.292 million; while in Brisbane, there was an average audience of 865,000, peaking at 952,000.

In Melbourne, where the game was the highest rating Origin match of all time in the Victorian capital, there was an average audience of 464,000, peaking at 576,000 viewers.

In Adelaide, the game averaged 95,000 viewers and peaked at 129.000; while in in Perth, an average audience of 110,000 watched the game live on GEM, with the audience peaking at 154,000.

*Figures based on overnight data since the inception of OzTAM in 2001

ARLC

18/07/2013 3:30:00 PM

A Message from Benji Marshall

Wests Tigers player Benji Marshall has today released a message to Members and fans exclusive to Wests Tigers TV.

Benji speaks about his decision to leave the club, the reasons behind it, and how he will never play for another NRL club.

View the video at www.weststigers.com.au

Rnd 15 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

A strong opening ten minutes laid the platform for Wests to trounce premiership heavyweights The Entrance 40-16 last weekend at EDSACC Oval.

In a performance Magpies coach Leo Epifania said was his most satisfying victory as a coach, Wests recorded seven tries to three against a Tigers side which had no answer to the relentless Magpies onslaught.

Although the opening ten minutes failed to yield any points, the attitude and energy shown by Wests early on had The Entrance reeling.

However, on ten minutes, the Tigers opened the scoring completely against the run of play, with a perfect inside angle run from Alan Munro resulting in four points. Jake Fitzpatrick added the extras and The Entrance led 6-0.

The Entrance were in again eight minutes later, with Troy Woodley darting in behind the Magpies line to touch down under the posts. Fitzpatrick converted for 12-0 after 22 minutes.

Wests were determined not to let their early good work go to waste, and Michael Stevens threw the first of several face balls at The Entrance line on 25 minutes for a barnstorming Soni Passi to touch down next to the posts. Sam Aiga slotted the goal; Wests back to within six points with thirteen minutes to the break.

Three consecutive sets allowed Wests to build some pressure and, just three minutes after their first try, the black and whites were in for their second, with Nathan Waters holding up the pass for Sam Aiga who slid through the Tigers defence to touch down. With eight minutes to the break, Michael Stevens levelled the scores.

The Magpies were playing like world beaters and, yet again, took just three minutes to add to their tally, with a backline move seeing decoy runners coming from everywhere, the ball landing in the hands of Amanono Tovio, who scored in the corner. Michael Stevens pushed the conversion attempt wide and Wests took their deserved 16-12 lead into the interval.

Wests took, yes, just three minutes after half time to notch up their fourth try of the afternoon, with David Atuau burrowing over from dummy half. Michael Stevens converted the try to push the score out to 22-12.

Although cool on the sidelines, the temperature on the field was beyond boiling point, and a penalty to Wests for a shoulder charge resulted in Troy Adams giving the referee his two cents worth, Matt Noyen having no hesitation giving Adams ten minutes on the sideline.

Wests took advantage of a 12 man Tigers side by scoring as many points in the following ten minutes, with Michael Stevens capitalising on a big backline move before Stevens set up Tom Morrison with a glorious ball. Stevens converted both tries and when The Entrance regained their full compliment with 25 minutes to play, Wests had jumped out to a 34-12 lead.

Adams set about immediately atoning for his dismissal, coming up with a strong covering tackle which forced a loose pass from Wests on halfway. From the ensuing scrum, journeyman Arana Taumata slipped a short ball to Jamen McLeod, the Tigers custodian racing 55 metres to touch down. Jake Fitzpatrick missed the tough conversion, Wests ahead 34-16 with 20 minutes on the clock.

The boggy conditions on EDSACC took their toll on the attacking nature of the game, with both sides locked in a forward battle which was brutal, testing and an absolute delight for fans of gladiatorial football.

With ten minutes to go, the Magpies were set for a big backline shift to the left, but the ball went to forward Inno Inosesio, whose short kick rebounded like a pinball before landing in the in-goal, Inosesio on hand to score off his own kick. Michael Stevens added the extras to leave Wests 40-16 in front with nine minutes to play.

Sam Aiga had an opportunity to add to the Magpies score, but his penalty goal attempt sailed wide with seven minutes on the clock, although, by that stage, the match was well and truly decided.

For The Entrance, Troy Woodley led the way, with able support from Sinbad Kali and Alan Munro. For Wests, Tom Morrison was everywhere in defence, Mason Talolua was everywhere generally, and Nathan Waters held the ball on a string.

Combined with other results, the win puts Wests within one game of equal eighth spot, while The Entrance maintain their top four spot with two games in hand.

Next weekend, Wests host Burwood at Lidcombe Oval, while The Entrance head to TG Milner Field to take on Guildford.

WESTERN SUBURBS 40 (Soni Passi, Sam Aiga, Amanono Tovio, David Atuau, Michael Stevens, Tom Morrison, Inno Inosesio tries; Michael Steve 5 from 6, Sam Aiga 1 from 2) def THE ENTRANCE 16 (Alan Munro, Troy Woodley, Jamen McLeod tries; Jake Fitzpatrick 2 from 3)

Penalties: The Entrance 7 Wests 9

Halftime: Wests 16 The Entrance 12

WESTERN SUBURBS

1. Sam Aiga
2. Jerome Mose
4. Josh Davis
3. Limoni Kamuta
5. Amanono Tovio
6. Michael Stevens
7. Nathan Waters
8. Dean Rysko
9. Dayne Craig
10. Mason Talolua
16. Dave Harris
12. Tom Morrison
18. Inno Inosesio

11. Sonny Bristow
15. David Atuau
20. Todd Makejev
22. Soni Passi

THE ENTRANCE

1. Jamen McLeod
2. Scott Peachey
3. Rhys Pritchard
4. Brad Chatfield
5. Harley Ridge
6. Jake Fitzpatrick
7. Arana Taumata
17. Tim Nawaqatabu
9. Troy Woodley
10. Ryan Dalziel
18. Jay Heming
12. Alan Munro
13. Troy Adams

8. Sinbad Kali
14. Robbie Daniels
15. Jye Newton
16. Sebastian Vourlos

Poll: Where should Wests Tigers play in 2014?

Wests Tigers are asking supporters to cast their vote on where you would like the Club to play home games in Season 2014.
Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval will continue to be a part of the Wests Tigers future but we are asking which grounds out of Allianz Stadium and ANZ Stadium would you also like to see the Club play home matches at next year.

Just click on this link then use the poll to the right of the screen to cast your vote.
http://www.weststigers.com.au/default.aspx?s=news-display&id=79103

We also want you to ‘Have Your Say’ by posting a comment below and interact with fellow supporters on the official Club website.

“This is a proud Club that has very clear aspirations to be a Top 4 contender in each year we participate in the NRL,’’ said Wests Tigers Chief Operating Officer Grant Mayer.

“To do this, we must offer our players world standard training facilities, the best home grounds possible, the best equipment, the best medical facilities and the highest level of support and direction available.”

Inside Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers new Chief Operating Officer Grant Mayer recently took questions from Wests Tigers fans across the Wests Tigers Social Network and Wests Tigers Fan Forum.

Wests Tigers Digital has compiled a series of articles, which will provide in-depth answers from Mayer and give Wests Tigers Members and fans an industry leading insight into their Club.

The series will cover multiple facets of the Wests Tigers business including recruitment, retention, salary cap, finances, governance, strategy, coaching staff, membership, communications, game day experience and more.

Wests Tigers Digital is pleased to provide:

Part 1: Recruitment, Retention and Salary Cap

Part 2: Coaching Staff

Win $10,000 by entering the Magpies 250 Club

Western Suburbs Magpies are running a 250 club cash draw.  Only 250 tickets will be sold at a cost of $100-00 each.

PRIZE - $10,000-00 CASH.

To be drawn at 7pm on Wednesday 7 September 2013 at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club.

The winner does not have to be present to claim the prize.

The winner will be contacted by telephone and advertised at www.westsmagpies.com.au

Tickets can be purchased from Wests Magpies office, The Whitlam Leisure Centre, 90A Memorial Avenue Liverpool.  If you wish to take a book or two to sell, please ring Steve on 0423 454 661 or 9601 2002 and leave a message.

Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club Limited

ACN 003 390 467.  ABN 86 b737 410 058

Rnd 14 - Ron Massey Cup - Match Review

A jubilant and vocal crowd was on hand to see Western Suburbs Magpies triumph over Blacktown Workers by 34 - 16 last Sunday at Campbelltown.

Wests took just ten minutes to open the afternoon’s scoring, with a clever last tackle move down a very short right side allowing Amanono Tovio to touch down. Five eight Eddie Paea added the extras from the sideline in very windy conditions.

Blacktown started to play an expansive game which saw Josh Frasier score in the corner after a sweeping backline movement. Kurt Horton was unsuccessful in converting the try. Wests up by two at the quarter mark. 

Both sides looked set to try and tough it out through an intense forward battle which gave the backs room to move. After another touch line raid, powerful centre three quarter Josh Davis dived over in the left hand corner. Eddie Paea pushed the conversion attempt wide, Wests leading 10 - 4 after 25 minutes.

Blacktown’s halves got the visitors deep into Magpie territory and on the last tackle; a grubber kick was put in behind the black and white defence. The ball rolled into the in goal area and Lota Fialli, showing good speed for a big man, was first to the ball. Kurt Horton slotted the goal and both teams were locked on ten points with as many minutes to the interval.

The forward battle was worth the price of admission and right on half time Adrian Ha’angana took the ball at pace and at the end of a strong run, he crossed the try line with five defenders holding onto him. Eddie Paea added the extras, the Magpies going to half time leading 16 - 10.

Blacktown was quick to register the first points of the second stanza, with Lota Fialli going over in almost identical fashion to Adrian Ha’angana. Kurt Horton levelled the scores from adjacent to the posts.

The flow of the game started to turn to the black and whites and Sam Aiga took full advantage after a receiving a short ball from Nathan Waters. Aiga crossed the line before advancing the ball closer to the goal posts. Eddie Paea’s conversion put Wests up 22 - 16 after 55 minutes.

Blacktown threw everything at the boys, but the Magpies defence held firm. When given another chance to attack, Dayne Craig ran from dummy half before off - loading a fantastic ball to Josh Davis who sprinted some 60 metres to score under the black dot. Paea converted from directly in front to put Wests up by a dozen.

Sam Aiga nearly wrapped the game up three minutes later but was tackled inches from the try line. The crowd thought he had scored but he was called for a double movement. 

In the closing stages of the game Blacktown continued to show great determination but could not crack the Wests Magpies line. The home team was rewarded two minutes from full time after another fine Dayne Craig pass found a flying Eddie Paea on his inside. Paea crossed near the posts before converting his own try, the Magpies running out 34-16 victors.

Blacktown will host Guildford next weekend at H E Laybutt Complex on Saturday, while Wests will make the trip up the F3 to face off against The Entrance on Sunday.

Leos best three– Dayne Craig, Adrian Ha’angana and Dean Rysko.

WESTERN SUBURBS 34 (Josh Davis 2, Sam Aiga, Adrian Ha’angana, Eddie Paea, Amanono Tovio tries; Eddie Paea 5 from 6) defeated BLACKTOWN 16 (Lota Fialli 2, Josh Frasier tries; Kurt Horton 2 from 3)

Penalties: Wests 3 Blacktown 6

Halftime score: Wests 16 Blacktown 10.


WESTERN SUBURBS

1. Sam Aiga
2. Tuiniua Paiaaua
18. Josh Davis
4. Tala Mapesone
5. Amanono Tovio
6. Eddie Paea
7. Nathan Waters
8. Dean Rysko
9. Dayne Craig
3. Jerome Mose
11. Mason Talolua
12. Tom Morrison
20. Adrian Haangana

10. Frederick Tevago
13. Sonny Bristow
15. David Atuau
16. Limoni Kamuta


BLACKTOWN

1. Scott Buckley
2. Leslie Ngalaufe
3. Akeripa Tia Kilifi
14. Josh Frasier
5. Sako Dibeci
12. Kurt Horton
20. Harris Moleasi
8. Latu Fifita
9. Jake Attard
16. Willie Lafolafo
10. Chad Grant
11. Jake Shearer
13. Hamilton Valepua

15. Eddie To'o
17. David Andjelic
18. Lota Fialli
22. Paul Lolesio