Walking away with nine weeks’ worth of invaluable playing experience under their belts, the Western Suburbs Magpies Harold Matthews Cup (U17) and SG Ball Cup (U19) squads conclude their 2026 campaigns.
Despite not claiming as many wins as they would have hoped, Pathways Coordinator, Brad Speechley is nonetheless pleased with the development of the players involved.
“It was a successful season, not because of results, but because of what we learnt.
He adds that despite the turbulence, the playing group remained united and determined throughout the season.
“Results didn’t go the way they wanted, but [I’m impressed by] how connected they were right through it. Positive, upbeat energy the whole time.”
It’s a promising sign from a young crop of players, many of whom are new to the representative rugby league scene.
Speechley adds that performance benchmarks extend far beyond the win column, particularly for players in junior development systems.
“Although we weren’t getting the results, we could see a constant improvement and development across players from both teams.”
Harold Matthews Head Coach, Pat Richards is on the same wavelength of measuring success at the junior level.
“You can learn more in those losses so hopefully they can use that in a good way.
“We’re into the first real year of rep footy… they’ve learned a lot about how to prepare for games and how to prepare for training,” he explained.
Richards also noted that amongst his talented playing group, there were a few individuals who stood tall every week.
“Kingston Finau has really impressed with his performances.
“The way he carries the footy, the way he defends and the way he’s learned about different things in attack and defence.”
“Iszak Isdale… his attention to detail and training has been first class. He’s just a competitor.”
The pair of athletic outside backs could be in the running to play up an age group next season, eligible for selection in the SG Ball Cup squad.
Earning the opportunity to work with the next generation of elite talent and backed by a team of support, Richards says his first season at the helm was a memorable one.
“The West Tigers Pathway system has been great to work in. I’ve had a lot of support and really enjoyed the experience.”
SG Ball Head Coach, Nathan Lakeman says his Harold Matthews counterpart had a productive season in his new role.
“It was good watching Pat and working alongside him. I think he learnt a lot. He realises that a lot goes in to being a head coach,” he said.
Lakeman also describes how the world of junior elite rugby league is growing rapidly in quality and, subsequently, expectations.
“The junior reps are only getting stronger, the competition is getting stronger - the expectation on clubs, kids, players, coaches at this level.”
Despite the increase in expectation on the younger players, Lakeman notes that they are largely able to meet the level required in both training and performance. In particular, he mentions centre, Boston Lauvao as a standout talent and prop forward, Alex Futialo, who captained the Magpies in their last game of the SG Ball season to a triumph over the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland.
Also noting the exponential growth rate of junior systems, Speechley discusses the significance of instilling professional habits into the playing group during their development process.
“We need to do the work of developing them and giving them alignment all the way up, so that progression is clear,” he explained.
Once they get to those levels, they know the Wests Tigers way and what needs to be done.
Brad Speechley Pathways Coordinator
With the 2026 seasons coming to a close, Speechley is appreciative of the hard work from the coaching staff across the Magpies sides.
“They were happy to do what’s best by the Club, but they also were strong on their beliefs.
“We worked together to come up with the best solution.”
Following his first season of coaching the Harold Matthews Cup squad, Richards is confident that his players are better off for the experience and ready to take their game to the next level.
“We would have loved to win a few more games, but we learnt a lot in those losses that will stand those guys in good stead for the next journey.”
“Hopefully we see these guys stay with the Club and go up the grades.”
