The Balmain Tigers had a season of growth and resilience, as they strengthened their SG Ball Cup and Harold Matthews programs.
These sides represent important stepping stones for Wests Tigers Pathways talent in U17s and U19s rugby league.
Across both programs, there was a consistent theme: a group of players learning what it takes to compete at an elite level, supported by staff who are preparing them for long-term success on the field.
SG Ball Head Coach, Roy Asotasi said it was all about the team working on prioritising the fundamentals.
“At this age, it’s about learning that the game is best when we simplify, you need to have the discipline to execute the basics consistently at a high level without getting bored,” he said.
For both squads, it served as a valuable platform for developing the physical and mental standards required for representative football. The SG Ball side applied pressure on talented sides in their competition and were unlucky that the scoreboard often didn’t reflect that effort.
Harold Matthews Head Coach, Andrew Kazzi saw his group develop their resilience after a challenging start to the season, which led to a better understanding of the demands the competition posed across the campaign.
“They’ve built resilience, toughness and a real understanding of what it takes at this level. That’s what will separate them from achieving their true potential moving forward,” Kazzi said.
“The results don’t always tell the full story, the growth and progression across the season is what really stood out.
“Once they learned to stay consistent for the full 60 minutes, they started to find ways to win games.”
Behind both squads was a strong and evolving support network, with Balmain continuing to play a crucial role within the Wests Tigers Pathways system.
Balmain Tigers Pathways Coordinator, Matthew Olsen highlighted the importance of maintaining that connection.
“It’s really important Balmain has a footprint in the Wests Tigers system – it shows to our local juniors that there’s a genuine pathway to the top level,” Olsen said.
“My role was about making sure everything, on and off the field, met the standards of the Wests Tigers, and supporting both players and coaches wherever needed.”
For Kazzi, that alignment has been invaluable.
“There’s a strong system in place, high expectations, high standards, and it gives our players exactly what they need to progress,” he said.
The development wasn’t limited to players. With both SG Ball and Harold Matthews led by first-year head coaches, 2026 also marked a period of growth within the coaching ranks.
“From pre-season to the final round, you could really see how both coaching groups grew and the players responded to that,” Olsen said.
For Asotasi, stepping into a head coaching role brought new challenges and perspective.
“You’re managing 30 individuals, it’s not just footy, it’s making sure everyone is looked after,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate to lean on experienced people across the Club, that support has been huge in understanding the Pathway and my development as a coach.”
While development was the primary focus, several individuals emerged as standout contributors across both squads.
In SG Ball, captain Blake Van Drie set the tone despite an injury-interrupted campaign, while Isaac Perkins stepped up impressively in his absence.
“Isaac Perkins embraced the challenge of both playing up an age group and leadership. It was impressive to watch as a coach. Isaac was the youngest player in our squad who was relentless and a workhorse for our team,” Asotasi said.
Another key figure was Kayden Kanaan, whose professionalism stood out, particularly in his efforts to return from injury late in the season. Kayden Suffered from broken ribs early in the season and fought his way back regardless of where the Tigers were sitting on the ladder.
In Harold Matthews, leadership and consistency defined the performances of several players.
“Levi Ellis, Noah Vaotangi and Thomas Aroyan really led from the front — their leadership and consistency set the tone for the group,” Kazzi said.
More broadly, Kazzi noted the collective improvement across his squad.
“A number of boys took big steps in their development and leadership this year.”
With strong foundations now in place, attention turns to the next phase of the Pathway.
Many players will transition into the Wests Tigers CUBS system or continue through Balmain’s development programs, maintaining continuity within the broader Wests Tigers structure.
“These squads have been together for a few years now — and we’re starting to see the rewards of that continuity,” Olsen said.
For Kazzi, the future is bright.
“There’s a strong foundation now, I’m confident a lot of these boys will go on to succeed at higher levels.”
Asotasi closed on a similar tone, with a focus already shifting toward continual improvement and professionalism.
“The focus now is reflecting on what we did well and what we can improve. This will allow us to continue building towards next season,” he said.
