It was a big weekend for the Wests Tigers junior representative system as Camden’s Kirkham Oval hosted four games across the Club’s male representative sides.
First up were the Macarthur Wests Tigers against the Western Rams in both the Laurie Daley and Andrew Johns Cup, before the Western Suburb Magpies hosted Wests Tigers Pathways stablemates, Balmain Tigers in UNE Harold Matthews and UNE SG Ball Cup.
The round delivered standout performances across the grades, including an SG ball debut double by James Lanyon for the Magpies, a hat-trick for Vincent Di Giorgio in the Laurie Daley Cup and another from Josh Ratu in the Harold Matthews Cup.
Andrew Johns Cup: Macarthur Wests Tigers 22 – 0 Western Rams
Kicking off the day was Adam Whitelaw’s side with a well-earned 22-0 win over the Western Rams, continuing their undefeated run and strengthening their position at the top of the Southern pool in the Andrew Johns Cup.
The scoring was opened by prop, Siupeli Akau’ola crashing over in the eighth minute, while Zedric Vaiau delivered a first half try and a solid defensive effort, ultimately earning Bar TV Fans Player of the Day.
The Tigers headed to the sheds at half-time with a 12-0 lead.
Adam El Masri scored two tries on debut to kick start the second half, helping push the Tigers into a comfortable 22-0 lead, which was maintained by strong defensive work through the rest of the match.
Laurie Daley Cup: Macarthur Wests Tigers 66 – 6 Western Rams
The U18s side, who like their U16s counterparts, have had an unbeaten run so far in 2026, were eager to keep their winning record in check. Daniel Milford's side took on the Western Rams and secured a record-breaking win, the largest since the Laurie Daley Cup was introduced.
The Tigers immediately set the tone with a fifth minute try from Camden Rams junior, Vincent De Giorgio on the right edge, the first of a hat-trick from the wing. Laurie Daley Cup debutant, Josh Vella was sharp in front of goal and ended up with a try and 9 conversions, notching 22 points on the day.
The remaining tries were shared across Caleb Salanoa, Drake Ayers, Harry Bickhoff, Jermaine Fa’afiu, Kai O’Brien, Kye Penfold and Keynan Pes in a dominant display from the home side.
The Tigers finished the game with a 66-6 win, keeping their undefeated streak in check.
UNE Harold Matthews Cup: Western Suburbs Magpies 32 – 4 Balmain Tigers
The crowd had grown at Kirkham Oval for the third match of the day, where Pat Richard’s Western Suburbs came away victors over Andrew Kazzi’s Tigers.
In the opening two minutes, Iszak Isdale set up a Kingston Finau try, with the Magpies adding a second with Sam Francis scoring a spectacular try on the wing. A masterclass from Josh Ratu and a second try to Iszak Isdale solidified a 32-4 victory.
Despite the scoreline, the Tigers forward pack were strong and absorbed a lot of pressure on their own line throughout the match.
The win was much needed for the Magpies, who, despite some close results to open their campaign, notch their first win of the year keeping their season alive.
UNE SG Ball Cup: Western Suburbs Magpies 36 – 14 Balmain Tigers
Nathan Lakeman’s side followed on from their fellow Magpies with a win over Balmain.
In their last three showdowns, the team that opened the scoring had gone on to win the game, however this time the Magpies would need to come from behind to secure a result.
Balmain were quick out of the blocks with Jerry Leau and Ali Hicham Karnib opening the scoring, putting the Tigers into an 8-0 lead.
This was upended by a double from SG ball debutant, James Lanyon, with the Magpies taking a 10-8 lead into the break. Both sides were showing no sign of letting up, with a strong Tigers defence ensuring a close contest early in the second half.
The final half of the day saw Balmain apply pressure but fail capitalise on their good work. Tries for the Magpies from Peter Taai, Jhevon Lele, Boston Lauvao, Pheonix Godinet, and Siotame Havea Jr. helped Western Suburbs to eventaully secure a comfortable win, closing out a 36-14 victory.
