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)

Full story here.

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)

Wests Tigers

On this week’s episode of BTR we chat to Wests Tigers Player #291 Tim Johannssen, who made his NRL debut just last week against the Cowboys.

BTR is proudly sponsored by Pro Wrestling Australia and is available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 

This is a story about a young fella who walked away from rugby league, giving up on a childhood dream, who was then called back to give it another crack.

A young man of strong faith, Tim reveals how he wandered down a wayward path, making poor choices, and taking wrong turns. 

A strong and talented athlete, the Swiss-born 22-year-old had attracted plenty of interest from NRL scouts, but the hunger had gone.

Tim talks openly about his struggles, his faith, his family, and the tumultuous journey that landed him at Leichhardt for his NRL debut in Round 22.

It’s a captivating story about belief, self-knowledge, resilience, and hard work.

Via Wests Tigers / Player Media

We have a quick chat with Tim Johannssen following his NRL debut in Round 22 against the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval.

Debut Gallery:

Images supplied and owned by NRL.

Daily Telegraph

The Tigers have been forced into a late change for Thursday’s clash against the Cowboys, debuting a rookie who almost quit rugby league at the start of the year.

The Wests Tigers will debut young prop Tim Johannssen in Thursday night’s clash against the Cowboys.

Johannssen was ready to quit rugby league at the start of the year before joining the Ryde Eastwood Hawks as part of their Sydney Shield squad (fourth grade), and has quickly progressed to the Tigers NRL team. 

The 22-year-old was a part of the Bulldogs 2023 premiership winning Jersey Flegg team, before departing the club after their victory.

He will step in for Sione Fainu, who missed captain’s run on Wednesday morning.

Justin Olam also sat on the sideline for large parts of the session, but is expected to play.

If ruled out, Declan Casey is expected to fill in.