Welcome to the Goose Step!
We are back trying to give a bit of love to our Juniors and we have a red hot crack at showing off some of the good exponents to our junior game
With the junior finals action kicking off this Sunday, 10:00am at Lark Hill Sportsplex, Port Kennedy, lets have a look at the competition.
Girls League Tag – 10:00am
Minor Premiers – Fremantle Roosters
Major Semi Final – Roosters vs Tigers Orange
Elimination Semi Final – Lions vs Titans
And Girls League Tag is back and it was back with a vengance this year. 7 teams from 6 different clubs shows the interest that the female game has, but its the defending premiers the Fremantle Roosters that topped the table. But they didn’t have it all their own way with Alkimos Tigers Orange and the South Perth Lions beating them this year. But they’ll go into this Major semi final with plenty of running, as deserved favourites. Promise Iongi is one to watch, as she can ball play, and scythe through the line with ease and make defenders look silly. For the Tigers, their numbers were astronomical this year, so they made two sides, and while White played their hearts out, it was Orange that really shined this season. Lexi Muncaster in particular has stood out as a devastating try scorer, who is scoring trys at will with speed and acceleration.
In the Elimination Final, the South Perth Lions will be firm favourites against the new kids on the block, the Kwinana Titans. The evolution of the Lions over the past couple years has been amazing to watch, as they become a cohesive team who can challenge anyone on their day. Harper McKay has been a standout this season, with footwork, pace and work ethic leading the way for the Lions. For the Titans, they will rely on a core group of select players to really take it to the Lions, with ex-Shark Azalea Maree Te Moananui an out an out superstar on her day, and one the Lions will really need to watch out for.
U13 Boys – 11:00am
Minor Premiers – Willagee Bears
Major Semi Final – Bears vs Sharks
Elimination Semi Final – Rabbitohs vs Titans
I feel like I have written this before. But the main question is can anyone stop the march of the Willagee Bears. While not the biggest team, their ball movement, defensive speed and understanding of the game is years ahead of their rivals. Led by Devryn Kingi, who is strong, fast and has great football IQ, they will take a tonne of beating. They went undefeated, and have a difference of +350. The Rockingham Sharks come into this game with a tonne of confidence though. In their last clash, they only went down by 6, in the closest scare the Bears have had this year, and they will rearing to go after a big win last weekend as well. Tremayne Ryan at Fullback has been immense, showing a clean pair of heels to race off to score many tries this year. Discipline will be key for both teams.
In the Elimination game, the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs and the Kwinana Titans face off, in what could be one of the games of the day. Both teams are separated by a point on the table, and shared the spoils in their matchup 1 game a piece, with both sides winning at home in convincing fashion. With both teams showing a slightly different style, Ellenbrook are a devastating attacking side, with weapons all over the field, while Kwinana hit teams down the middle third and look to defend you out of the game. Abel Ryan for the Bunnies is as dangerous as they come, especially when returning the ball from fullback, while for the Titans, Neketai Harimate is as dangerous a spine player you will see. Comfortable at lock, in the halves or at the back, he is a devastating ball runner, who can beat you with speed or power.
U14s Girls – 12:10am
Minor Premiers – Willagee Bears
Major Semi Final – Bears vs Roosters
Elimination Semi Final – Rabbitohs vs Titans
Well the U14 Girls was a great competition where all the teams were alive heading into the final round. And with the Giants just missing out, the Bears will be missing one of their big competitors. While the Roosters did beat the Bears this year, the Giants gave them trouble in all their matchups and they will be happy to see them off. But the Willagee Bears have showed that speed is hard to match. Led by Harper Ngarotata-Day, who is arguably the best player in the competition at 13 years of age, they can score from anywhere on the field. But the Roosters won’t be cowed. Having already beaten the Bears this year, there is no fear there, and they have some real quality in their lineup. And its another youngster who is the key watch. Kylah Jetta, at 12 years old, has all the ability in the world, with speed to burn and the size to go with it.
In the Elimination Final, the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs and Kwinana Titans clash again, after running into each other last week. The Titans had to win last weekend, but a margin to even be here and did it emphatically so will be very keen. But you wouldn’t be ruling the Rabbitohs out. A proven female powerhouse, they will rally around their team, and Rita Wilson is a player to watch. A smart back, who can play any position in the backline, she will take the game on at any opportunity. For the Titans, Kymani Mitchell-Ngawaka is a great player at hooker, going for sniping runs and delivering the ball with equal effectiveness. Should be a ripper of a game.
U14s Boys – 1:20pm
Minor Premiers – Kwinana Titans
Major Semi Final – Titans vs Bulldogs
Elimination Semi Final – Tigers vs Rabbitohs
Its another competition where its catch us if you can, with the Kwinana Titans winning all their games, and a draw being the closest they gone to being defeated. And the team that has closely challenged them all year, the Sharks, missed the finals in a competition which featured a massive 10 teams. And while they have some serious class all over the paddock, it would be remiss to say it doesn’t centre around their devastating fullback and captain, Zane Murray. Incredibly fast, smart and ability to read the game before it happens, he will be desperate to put his imprint on the game. Facing them are last years upsetters in the Bulldogs, who are a defensive side more than anything. With great size and speed across the field, they tend to beat you with their physicality and did a great job in last years decider of nullifying the flyers from the Titans. With Esei Fatanitavake at lock, they have a true forward leader who enjoys mixing it in the middle of the field, with enough pace to do a hard mark out wide.
In the Elimination game are the erratic but dangerous Alkimos Tigers, who are facing up against the underdog Ellenbrook Rabbitohs. The Tigers have come from the clouds this year, with great speed and size making them an awkward matchup for any team. Harley Rihia in particular has impressed, with the front rower showing the speed is not limited to backs as he has rampaged his way to an incredible try scoring season. For the Rabbitohs, they will be happy to be underestimated. With an simple style of play, and no nonsense attitude, they test everyone they take on in the middle, and make you earn the right to play with them. Daniel OReilly at the back has been in devastating form, with his brash style and free wheeling play something to watch.
U15s Boys- 2:30pm
Minor Premiers – Willagee Bears
Major Semi Final – Bears vs Tigers
Elimination Semi Final – Bulldogs vs Sharks
In the U15 Boys, the the Bears and Tigers have been eyeing each other off all year, with both teams on top of the ladder, and a miniscule 14 points differential seperating the sides. The Bears are the defending premiers, but they are not the same scary team they were 12 months ago when they completely dominated the grand final. But they still have serious pedigree. Their front row pairing of Daykota Tapu-Donaldson and Phoenix Piggott-Makiiti is as dominant a front row pair as this age group has seen. But the Tigers look like the most likely challengers. A powerful and skillful side, they have some great players led by their quickfire fullback Travarn Ackerman, who can hurt you from anywhere on the field.
In the Elimination game, the Bulldogs take on the Sharks in an awkward game for both teams. Needing to play 3 great games in a row to taste glory, discipline and game management will be crucial. And Bulldogs have that in spades. With probably the best spine in the competition with Fifita, Campbell and Kihi linking up, the absense of Hiko-Kita is a massive loss. The Sharks on the other hard look full tilt going into this one, with looking to unleash a powerful forward pack, headed by Te Kiri, Garnaut and Crockett who can make life difficult for any side on both sides of the ball.
U17s Boys- 3:40pm
Minor Premiers – Rockingham Sharks
Major Semi Final – Sharks vs Rabbitohs
Elimination Semi Final – Tigers vs Roosters
This is an interesting finals series. The Sharks have been the best side all year and deserve favoritism, but after that we have 3 teams who haven’t really come out and owned the contenders position. All talented, it has been shoving all season amongst those sides to be the main challenger to the Sharks for the title. The Sharks are devastating points machine. Strong offensively all over the field, they dare teams to come with them in an attacking clinic. Hurihanganui has scored 16 tries for them, playing all over the field as he shows his utility worth. But the Rabbitohs won’t lie down wondering in this one. Knowing the electric Roosters or powerful Tigers await the loser, this would be a big opportunity to get straight through and avoid them. The Rabbitohs are anchored by a powerful and strong pack, with Cedar, Turner and Tsakalos all having outstanding seasons.
And in our last Elimination Game of the weekend, the powerful and erratic Tigers take on the electric Roosters in what should be a great watch. The Tigers are a conundrum. Possessing great flair and brilliance, their ball control and discipline has let them down at times this year. When they get it right it is downright amazing though. James Aleni has been a tower up front for them, while little known Cordell Shenje has been turning heads with his performances. For the Fremantle Roosters, they have had similar problems. Electric when they are on, getting their full side on the field amongst availability and injury has been a task. But ex-Bears Tamati Tawhitapou and Legend Koro-Hikawera are absolute class and if they are on form, the Roosters will take a tonne of stopping.
Get down to the games to watch some great rugby league action!
