Ryde-Eastwood Hawks and the Wests Tigers have a longstanding partnership aimed at fostering rugby league talent from grassroots to professional levels. This collaboration provides emerging players with a clear pathway to advance their careers within the sport. 

A notable example of this pathway’s success is Tim Johannssen. After joining the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks in early 2024, Johannssen’s impressive performances led to his promotion to the Western Suburbs Magpies in the NSW Cup. His dedication and skill culminated in an NRL debut with the Wests Tigers in August 2024. 

The coaching staff also exemplify this collaborative spirit. Jarred Farlow, previously the head coach of the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks in the Ron Massey Cup, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Magpies’ NSW Cup team in 2025. 

On February 1, 2025, the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks and the Wests Tigers held an opposed training session to strengthen their partnership further. This session provided players with valuable experience and showcased the depth of talent within both clubs. Such collaborative efforts are instrumental in preparing athletes for the rigors of professional rugby league and ensuring a seamless transition through the ranks.

The continued cooperation between the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks and the Wests Tigers underscores their commitment to developing rugby league talent and providing structured opportunities for players to progress from local competitions to the NRL.

Tayla Micallef, NSWRL

Wentworthville Magpies will meet Minor Premiers St Marys Saints in next week’s Major Semi-Final for a spot in the 2024 Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup Grand Final, after an impressive 22-12 win over Mounties at St Marys Leagues Stadium today.

In the Elimination Final, the Glebe Dirty Reds have ended the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks’ season with a convincing 32-12 win.

Elimination Final: (4th) Glebe Dirty Reds 32 def. (5th) Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 12

With the scores locked at 12-all at half time the game was for the taking, however a strong second-half performance from Glebe proved to be the difference.

Glebe got out to an early 12-point lead scoring three tries in the first half of the opening 40, with winger Adam Batty crossing for a double and centre Iverson Fuatimau going over for his ninth try of the season.

With the Dirty Reds looking to have full control in the first half, the Hawks found some momentum before half time, scoring two tries in four minutes. Tries to forward Bruce Ward and utility Matthew Curl, and halfback Zane Camroux successfully converting both tries saw the score levelled at the break (12-all).

Glebe hit back in the second half with two tries to Joseph Whitikama Temara Taipari, and Vito Tevaga followed, but a successful penalty goal extended their lead out to 14 points.

With both teams making a handful of errors, each team struggled to build any momentum until the 75th minute where Glebe found the line once more through Joseph Whitikama Temara Taipari, who crossed for a double (32-12).

A late try to Hawks second-rower Tyler Cassel on full-time closed the score to 32-16.

The Glebe Dirty Reds will progress through to the Minor Semi-Final where they will face Mounties next week at Ringrose Park.

RESULT: Glebe Dirty Reds 32 (Adam Batty 2, Joseph Whitikama Temara Taipari, 2, Iverson Fuatimau, Vito Tevaga tries; Joseph Whitikama Temara Taipari 4 goals) def. Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 12(Bruce Ward, Matthew Curl, Tyler Cassel tries; Zane C

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Tayla Micallef, NSWRL

Ryde-Eastwood Hawks will meet Minor Premiers Wentworthville United in next week’s Major Semi Final for a spot in the 2024 Sydney Shield Grand Final after defeating Mounties 44-30 at St Marys Leagues Stadium today.

Penrith Brothers will come head-to-head with Mounties in Week Two of the finals after defeating the 2023 runners up St Marys Saints 58-32 at St Marys Stadium on Saturday morning.

Qualifying Final: (2nd) Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 44 def. (3rd) Mounties 30

The Hawks were on song in the opening half, scoring five tries to Mounties’ one to take their lead out to 30-6.

The opening try saw fullback Ryan Garner cross in the sixth minute followed by Neville Verevakabau in the 16th (12-0).

Holding all the momentum in the first half, Hawks continued to pile the points on through utility Ryan Joynes and wingers Raymond Mikaele and Josh Rizk – Rizk crossing for his ninth try of the season (30-0).

Mounties opened their scoring right on half time through forward Mosese Pope who crashed over the line (30-6).

Mounties started the second half the way they finished the first, scoring three quick tries in the opening six minutes of the half. Tries to winger Isaac Williams, second-rower Kaylem Falaniko and halfback Jack Stig saw Mounties only trailing by six.

The scores were levelled in the 56th minute through hooker Filemu Logai-Lusiano who broke past defence, racing down the field before throwing a dummy to race past the fullback and score (30-all).

Off the back of a handful of errors to Mounties, Hawks scored two tries and kicked a penalty goal to run away with a 44-30 win.

RESULT: Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 44(Neville Verevakabau 2, Ryan Garner 2, Ryan Joynes, Josh Rizk, Ryamond Mikaele tries; Jacob Wright 8 goals) def. Mounties 30 (Mosese Pope, Isaac Williams, Kaylem Flaniko, Jake Sitg, Filemu Logai-Lusiano tries; Kaylem Falaniko 5 goals)

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As the Ryde Eastwood Hawks secured prime positions on their respective ladders, both Ron Massey (5th) and Sydney Shield (2nd) are ready for a deep finals run.

With the finals kicking off Saturday 24th August 2024, the Hawks know that there is no room for complacency. The intensity of the competition will only increase, and every match will be a battle. However, both teams thrive under pressure. Their experience in tight contests throughout the season has prepared them for the challenges ahead.

One of the key areas the Hawks will need to focus on is maintaining their defensive solidity. While their attacking prowess is undeniable, it will be their ability to keep opposition teams at bay that could be the difference in the high-stakes environment of finals football.

The road to the finals is never easy, but the Hawks are ready to take flight. With their eyes firmly on the prize, they are set to make a serious impact in the postseason. The journey has been long, but the destination is now in sight. All that remains is to see how far they can soar.

Finals Week 1

Saturday 24th August 2024, St Marys Leagues Stadium

Ron Massey – 1pm

Ryde Eastwood (5) v Glebe Dirty Reds (4th) – Elimination Semi Final  (NSWRLTV)

Sydney Shield – 3pm

Ryde Eastwood (2) v Mounties (3) – Qualifying Semi Final (NSWRLTV)