This weekend, the Macarthur Wests Tigers Laurie Daley and Andrew Johns Cup sides will take the field for their respective semi-finals after undefeated regular seasons.
Cultivated in south-west Sydney, the Macarthur Wests Tigers have proven to be a powerful force in both competitions, and the story is far from over.
Grounded in community, both squads are out to turn their stellar seasons into Grand Final glory.
But the success hasn’t come overnight. Laurie Daley Cup Head Coach, Daniel Milford describes how the culture built by the team is the foundation for winning games.
I think that success on the scoreboard has come organically through the focus on teamwork, camaraderie, culture,
Daniel Milford Head Coach, Macarthur Wests Tigers Laurie Daley Cup
He adds that there has been a focus on involving the players’ families, with their inclusion helping foster a positive culture amongst the playing group.
“You've still got to get the buy-in from the families. You can't just expect 17 and 18-year-olds are going to buy in, but then not expect families to be a part of that.”
Milford reveals that amidst the successes of the season, loved ones singing the team song with the playing group post-game in the sheds remains the best sight to behold.
“[The win] feels good, but not as good as seeing families in the sheds singing a song, not as good as seeing the smiles on the boys’ faces,” he described.
Andrew Johns Cup Head Coach, Adam Whitelaw is on a similar wavelength with his team, discussing his joys at seeing the playing group progress as a unit and involve themselves in the culture established by the Club.
“They’ve bought in to the family thing that we’re trying to build.
“We did a training session with the NRL squad, and you could see how tied in they were and how they had the brotherhood … they’ve embraced that brotherhood culture which the Club has,” he explained.
On top of the strong culture in the team, Whitelaw is pleased with the quality of rugby league talent in the squad, revealing how they’ve all been in competition for their spot in the lineup.
“I’ve definitely got a lot of depth moving into the finals, which is quite refreshing to have.
“I think I haven’t had the same team two weeks in a row,” he explained.
Milford has been impressed by the quality of his crop of players.
“The season’s been eye-opening from the perspective of the level of talent that we have across the age group.”
Instilling his defensive-minded philosophy into the collective, Milford has guided a skilful group of players to perform as a premiership force, with his team conceding an average of less than ten points per game and winning all five matches of their regular season.
“The try line is our home, and we don’t want to let intruders into our home, and we have to protect it by any means necessary.”
With both Macarthur Wests Tigers teams undefeated through the season, they’re aiming to conquer their semi-final opponents this weekend and book their spot in the Grand Final to be played at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium.
Ahead of the finals, Whitelaw is confident in his players’ ability to climb whatever mountain is in front of them.
“I don't care who we play. I think I've got the team that's going to beat them all.”
Following a strong regular season campaign, Milford is determined to take the next step and see his players claim the trophy.
“We've been undefeated, but at the end of the day, we lose in the finals, what have we really achieved?”
His Laurie Daley Cup squad will face the Newcastle-Maitland Region Knights in their semi-final this Saturday, whilst Whitelaw’s Andrew Johns Cup crew will battle with the North Coast Bulldogs on the same day for their spot in the big dance.
