We’re ready for kick-off on the opening weekend of the 2023 season, with quality games on offer across all grades. The inclusion of several ex-NRL stars in the Mojo Homes Cup adds interest to this year’s major local competition.
In the Bar TV Match of the Round, last year’s runners-up, Wests, hosts Dapto at Parrish Park. The Devils have picked up an NRL Premiership winner this season, with former Cronulla Shark Sosaia Feki signing on for 2023.
Feki played 148 NRL games across seven seasons at the Sharks before moving to the Super League, where he struggled with injuries in his time with the Castleford Tigers.
Read More>>Devils aiming to go one step further
Dapto has also been active in the player market, locking up three big names, with Brad Takairangi, Pita Godinet, and Aaron Gray signing for 2023.
The Canaries are also boosted by the retention of established first graders such as halfback and 2022 captain Troy Pieper and second-rower Justin Faughlin, as well as the return of Josh Vaartjes, a front-rower who was a part of their 2016 premiership win.
Read More>>Wallace holds high hopes
Defending premiers, Collegians will be a good test for a new-look Corrimal after some key off-season signings by the Cougars. Collies are aiming for three titles in a row after coming up trumps in the last two completed seasons in the MOJO Homes Illawarra Cup, in 2019 and 2022.
New head coach Peter Hooper has some big shoes to fill, taking over from Nathan Fien, who won three titles in four seasons at the helm and is now an assistant coach to Wayne Bennett at the NRL Dolphins. However, Hooper is familiar with the Club, having been involved with the Under 18s programs for several seasons, and says his team is ready for the challenges ahead.
Read More>>Collies chasing three-peat
The Cougars suffered an early blow losing former Newcastle Knights and NSW Blues half-back Jarrod Mullen to a season-ending shoulder injury in a preseason trial.
They’ve since managed to bolster their halves stocks signing Kieran Wyld and Leroy Murray. Wyld is playing in France in the Elite 1 competition for Saint Gaudens and will join the Cougars after completing his side’s finals campaign. Murray is an exciting young five-eighth who recently competed for the Rabbitohs in SG Ball over the summer.
Read More>>The Cougars are coming
Minor Premiers Thirroul heads up the Freeway to take on a confident De La Salle, who finished fourth in their debut season in 2022.
The Butchers have retained much of their core playing group from last season and picked up some new and returning players for their 2023 campaign.
New faces to the Club include half and past competition winner Jarrod Boyle and hooker Brad Dietz, who has spent time in the NRL with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Jye Patterson and Josh Martin have also returned to the Club, with versatile back Hayden Crossland set to skipper the team this year.
Read More>> Butchers out to prove they’re a cut above
De La Salle has added several players to their squad this season, including fullback Tyla Tamou, who was a part of the minor-premiership winning Newtown Jets team in last year’s NSW Cup, and five-eighth Jack A Williams, a local junior who has spent time with the Parramatta Eels NRL squad.
Read More>>De La better for debut season
Elsewhere, in Harrigan Shield defending premiers, Northern Suburbs get their title defence underway against Corrimal. A combined Wests/Mt Kembla outfit plays Windang at Mt Kembla Park, Avondale host Figtree Crushers at Dandaloo, while last year’s runners-up Berkeley has the bye.
Words | Russ Haylock