Players from across the Wests Tigers Pathways system came together on Tuesday at Leichhardt Oval for the annual Wests Tigers Challenge — a key event in the club’s development calendar.
Junior representative teams from Wests Tigers' three catchment areas, Wests Tigers Macarthur, Group 6 Juniors, and Balmain District, competed in a full day of matches across four age groups (Under 13s to Under 16s), celebrating the depth of emerging talent across the club’s footprint.
Wests Tigers Pathways Manager – Balmain, Bronson Harrison, said the event was a significant opportunity to unite the club’s junior leagues and showcase the next generation of Wests Tigers talent.
2025 WESTS TIGERS CHALLENGE - VIDEO RECAP
“The Wests Tigers Challenge is about bringing all of our intra-clubs together,” Harrison said.
“We’ve got our Group 6, Wests Tigers Macarthur, and our Balmain districts, they’re all our junior leagues combined together to become the Wests Tigers.”
Each age group took part in round-robin style games, with the Under 16s match also serving as a trial fixture for selection into the White Cubs squad, the representative team set to travel to Queensland in September to face the Gold Coast Titans.
“We put on an annual event and they play in the 13s, 14s, 15s, and then we have our White Cubs trial, which is our 16s,” Harrison explained. “It gives them a place to benchmark and see where they’re at amongst the group.”
A $5 entry fee on the day helped raise funds for the upcoming Cubs tour, with a strong show of support from families, volunteers, and club staff across all levels of the organisation.
Held on the hallowed turf of Leichhardt Oval, the event offered a unique experience for many of the young players, who relished the opportunity to play at one of rugby league’s most iconic venues.
“All the kids would be looking forward to this annual event,” said Harrison. “To be able to play on Leichhardt Oval is such a massive opportunity… I think they revel in being able to play on a surface like that.”
Beyond the on-field competition, the Wests Tigers Challenge continues to play a vital role in strengthening community ties and reinforcing a unified identity across the club’s broad catchment area.
“It’s important for our catchment areas to understand who they are as the Wests Tigers,” said Harrison.
“They come together, get to meet each other, and see each other come through the grades and play against each other.
“It’s important for their development, but it’s also just important as a club to showcase what we have available.”
