Pathways Wrap: Round 2

Coach’s Comment: Coach – Scott Clark

The result was certainly not what we were looking for against the Roosters. The team showed good courage and resilience to come back from an early 10-0 deficit and showed that when they control the ball, they are a capable of playing good footy.

It was good to see the team improve in areas that we had worked on in training last week. Consistency with the ball and cutting out a few defensive lapses is something the team will need to work on this week at training.

Tarsha Gale Cup (U19s):

Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters

Coach’s Comment: Adel Hage

Disappointing performance and one that has the players all hurting. As a coach I take full responsibility for a result like that. I’m proud of how the players have moved on quickly and we will look to work hard and get back on track next week.

Harold Matthews Cup (U17s):

Balmain Tigers v Sydney Roosters

Coach’s Comment: Tony Bazouni

Round 2 saw us come up against a formidable opponent in the Sydney Roosters. We missed a few opportunities early on to get points on the board and allowed the opposition to capitalise on our mistakes.

Once again, we fought hard in the second half but couldn’t come away with the result. Zeke Edmed was a standout with his energy and purpose in all effort areas.

SG Ball Cup (U/19s):

Balmain Tigers v Sydney Roosters

Comments: Bronson Harrison, Pathways Football Manager - Balmain

Balmain’s SG Ball squad was left licking its wounds following a hard-fought 13-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters. The boys had the game in the balance locked at 12-12 and missed a couple of opportunities with one try disallowed and another held up.

The Roosters got down the other end of the field and had two shots at field goal deflected, which led to a third and match-winning one-pointer in the final minutes. Standout performers were Jared Haywood, Kian Edmed and Levi Gwynne. 

Harold Matthews Cup (U17s):

Western Suburbs Magpies v Melbourne Storm

Coach’s Comments: Stephen Isdale

We spoke about starting fast and turning Melbourne’s big forward pack around and making it difficult for them coming out of yardage. I thought we did that well which took us to a good halftime lead.

We started the second on the back foot with Storm scoring a few early tries. The boys showed a lot of resilience by not panicking and trusting the process and we got back on top and came away with a good win. 

I was particularly happy with our forwards who set the game up with their physicality.  A big game from Aston Large who scored three tries with great support play.

SG Ball Cup (U19s)

Western Suburbs Magpies v Melbourne Storm

Coach’s Comment: Joey Saukuru

Unlucky to come away with the draw but it’s better than a loss.

I felt we were the better team but with a few unlucky calls and a couple of ill-disciplined moments we let the Storm back into the game. But full credit to our boys who hung in there until the very end with a never-give-up attitude.

Andrew Johns Cup (U16s)

Macarthur Wests Tigers v North Coast Bulldogs

Coach Comments: Harrison Fox

Our boys enjoyed a strong outing against the bulldogs. We weren’t satisfied with our performance last week and really wanted to showcase our style of football.

I thought we were strong in defence and capitalised on our attacking opportunities. A player who deserves special praise on his performance at the weekend was Kye Penfold.

Laurie Daley Cup (U18s)

Macarthur Wests Tigers v North Coast Bulldogs

Comment: Shannon Gallant - Pathways & Junior Recruitment Manager 

We had a big focus on starting strong this week, after going down 10 points early last week. That focus paid off with the squad taking an early lead and never looked back..

Saint Fuatimau and Archie Duncombe were a couple of standout players with Saint scoring a hat trick and Archie crossing for a double for the second week running.