Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC) have capped off a fantastic 2023 season in the local competition.

This season saw 710 players, from the Under 6’s through to A Grade, making up 49 teams in the Penrith and District Junior Rugby League Competition. 5 female teams (Under 11’s, Under 13’s, Under 15/1’s, Under 15/2’s and Under 17’s) and 44 male teams represented the Emus.

With the club’s success on the field brought with it many highlights this year.

“I’m proud of the club this season. We had 8 teams playing in their grand finals. This consisted of the Under 9/3’s, Under 10/3’s, Under 12/1’s, Under 14/2’s, Under 15/1’s, Under 15/2’s, Under 17 Girls and A Grade” said Stephen Chester, President of Emu Plains JRLFC.

“A Grade and the Under 15/2’s would go on to win and be crowned premiers. There was also growth within the club, with the number of teams growing from 43 in 2022 to 49 in 2023” he added.

Stephen described A Grade’s grand final as one he enjoyed and a great way for them to end the season, “Watching A Grade win the 2023 grand final 32 – 26 against the Windsor Wolves was special”.

The club’s efforts on the field would see two of their standout players named in New South Wales squads. Matilda Vella was chosen to represent the Under 16’s for New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC), whilst Talmage Brown for the Under 15’s New South Wales Combined High Schools (NSWCHS) teams.

The 2024 Under 17’s Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews Summer Squad also included Emu Plains JRLFC members with Asa Visesio, Kees Muller, Taj Jelacic, Zackary Fitzgerald, Hayden Gill and Talmage Brown.

“Congratulations to our Emu players on being selected in their representative teams” Stephen explained.

With the season now over, attention turns towards the presentations later this month. Senior Presentation takes place on Saturday 21st October at The Log Cabin and Junior Presentation the following week on Saturday 28th October at Leonay Oval.