The 2023 Junior National Champions have been crowned following a spectacular three days of Oztag in Coffs Harbour.
The Junior Australian Championships kicked off on Friday 14 October which saw 198 teams across 18 divisions determined to take home the National title.
The intensity, skill-level and sportsmanship on show made for an awesome atmosphere for everybody in attendance.
Sunday’s Finals proved to be one of the most entertaining displays of Junior Oztag in recent years. With numerous sudden-death clashes sent into extra-time, it showcased just how exceptional our junior talent is across the country.
The Tigers Girls 15s and Girls 16’s secured their spot in the history books as they won their sixth consecutive national title.
The Orcas Girls 13s made it four in a row, while the Tigers Boys 11s also continued their winning streak (three in a row).
Australian Oztag are pleased to announce the 2023 Junior Region Champions – on an ground-breaking 152 points, the West Sydney Tigercubs.
Now back-to-back champions, the Tigercubs proved to dominate Finals day – qualifying for semis in all 18 divisions.
Of these, 13 teams advanced to the Grand Final and a remarkable 12 took home gold – cementing them as the region to beat.
In second place was Central Coast, on 84 points and Stingrays trailed closely in third on 78 points.
The West Sydney Tigercubs will receive a $2000 prize for taking out the Championship title – $1000 for their region and $1000 for their chosen charity.
Below are the 2023 Junior Australian Championships Grand Final results. Congratulations to all crowned Champions.
Boys 9s: Wolverines defeated Tigers 3 – 0
Girls 9s: Tigers defeated ACT 4 – 3
Boys 10s: Tigers defeated Central Coast 6 – 2
Girls 10s: Stingrays defeated Central Coast 6 – 3
Boys 11s: Tigers defeated Central Coast 5 – 0
Girls 11s: Wolverines defeated Central Coast 7 – 4
Day two of the 2023 Junior Australian Championships saw players lay it all on the line to secure their position in Sunday’s Finals.
In pristine conditions, games were taken to a whole new level of brilliance as players proved determined to leave nothing in the tank.
The quality of Oztag on display and the number of close games throughout the tournament, suggests that we are in store for some thrilling Finals tomorrow.
The West Sydney Tigers remain frontrunners for the Region Championship, with 8 teams currently seated first in their respective division. The East Coast Orcas now trail in second.
The following teams still sit undefeated heading into Sunday’s Finals:
BOYS 9s
Tigers
GIRLS 9s
ACT
BOYS 10s
Orcas
Central Coast
GIRLS 10s
Wolverines
Central Coast
Tigers
BOYS 11s
Tigers
Central Coast
GIRLS 11s
Central Coast
Wolverines
BOYS 12s
Tigers
Central Coast
GIRLS 12s
Tigers
BOYS 13s
Storm
GIRLS 13s
Orcas
BOYS 14s
Stingrays
GIRLS 14s
Wolverines
Tigers
BOYS 15s
Tigers
GIRLS 15s
Tigers
Steelers
Central Coast
BOYS 16s
Tigers
GIRLS 16s
Tigers
Central Coast
BOYS 17s
Orcas
GIRLS 17s
Central Coast
Keep up to date with all live results and fixtures via Sportfix.
The 2023 Junior Australian Championships has kicked off in Coffs Harbour, with the West Sydney Tigercubs leading the race for region champions.
It was an incredible first day of competition at C.ex Stadium as players took the field with energy to burn – determined to showcase their months of preparation.
The skill and sheer tenacity on display proved just that, and made for a spectacular atmosphere on day one.
NRL and NRLW legends, Josh Reynolds and Sam Bremner were amongst all the action today – taking photos, signing autographs and enjoying the level of talent across the park.
At the conclusion of Friday’s round games, West Sydney Tigers are leading the race for Region Champions, with 8 teams across the 18 divisions sitting at the top of their table. Central Coast and Steelers trail close behind.
The following teams currently sit undefeated, putting them in a promising position heading into day two.
BOYS 9s
Tigers
Steelers
GIRLS 9s
ACT
BOYS 10s
Orcas
Steelers
Tigers
Central Coast
GIRLS 10s
Wolverines
Central Coast
BOYS 11s
Tigers
Central Coast
Stingrays
GIRLS 11s
Central Coast
Wolverines
BOYS 12s
Tigers
Steelers
Central Coast
Stingrays
GIRLS 12s
Tigers
BOYS 13s
Storm
ACT
GIRLS 13s
Orcas
Steelers
BOYS 14s
Steelers
Storm
Stingrays
GIRLS 14s
Wolverines
Tigers
BOYS 15s
Steelers
Tigers
GIRLS 15s
Tigers
Steelers
Sonics
Central Coast
BOYS 16s
Tigers
Central Coast
GIRLS 16s
Warriors
Tigers
Mariners
Central Coast
BOYS 17s
Central Coast
Storm
Orcas
GIRLS 17s
Central Coast
Keep up to date with all live results and fixtures via Sportfix.
For all tournament action shots, visit IB Images. Log in using your Facebook or Google account.
Event log in:
Username: oztag
Password: 2023
AO look forward to what’s in store tomorrow, and wish all teams the best of luck as they lay it all on the line ahead of Sunday’s finals.
For things to do and places to eat after the final whistle sounds, check out Coffs Coast Ultimate Guide!
Australian Oztag are set to welcome 198 teams to the beautiful Coffs Coast for the highly anticipated Junior Australian Championships.
The 2023 Junior Australian Championships kicks off on Friday 14 October in Coffs Harbour, which will see teams from New South Wales and Queensland battle it out for the National title.
Set to welcome over 3,000 players to C.ex Stadium, Australian Oztag (AO) look forward to an action-packed weekend of Oztag, with many teams worth keeping an eye on!
The clinical West Tigers Girls 15s and Girls 16’s are determined to claim their sixth consecutive national title, while the Orcas Girls 13s will be gunning for their fourth.
Chasing three in a row is the West Tigers Boys 11s, Central Coast Boys 16s and Illawarra Girls 17s.
However, the stakes are raised even higher for the Under 14s through to 17s as they compete, not only for a national title, but for Australian selection ahead of the 2024 Big 4 Challenge.
The Under 16s Tagaroos squad will be selected from the Under 14s and 15s divisions.
The Under 18s Tagaroos squad will be selected from the Under 16s and 17s divisions.
This year will see the West Sydney Tigercubs chase back-to-back Region Championships, with last year’s runners up, Central Coast, determined to retrieve the title.
AO look forward to kicking off the most prestigious Junior tournament of the year, and wish everybody safe travels in the meantime.
Games will commence at 9.30am Friday with live fixtures and results via SportFix.
Teams are encouraged to book in for their official team photograph with IB Images via their online booking system, which will place them in the priority system for action shots.
The official tournament merchandise will be on sale at the Southern Grandstand (see opening times below). Get in quick to avoid missing out!
Australian Oztag are pleased to announce the recent inductions into the Australian Oztag Hall of Fame: Justin Brown, Karen Breaden and Ross Thomas.
Australian Oztag (AO) congratulate the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees – Justin Brown, Karen Breaden and Ross Thomas, who have been recognised for their outstanding service to the Australian Tagaroos and the game of Oztag.
In August, Justin, Karen and Ross all attended the 2023 ITF Tag World Cup in Ireland where their achievement was announced at the official Australian Tagaroos function.
HOF Inductees: Justin Brown (left), Karen Breaden (middle), Ross Thomas (right)
It was an incredible opportunity for the Australian Tagaroos squad to acknowledge and honour their many accolades over the years.
Justin Brown
Category: Player
Representative region: East Coast Dolphins
Years of Service: 18 years
Justin Brown first represented the Tagaroos in 2001 and has continued to play for Australia for 18 years. He has progressed from the Mens 30’s through to the Mens 50’s, recognised for his strong leadership and unwavering sportsmanship. He has also contributed to the sport in coaching local juniors and captain-coaching his local, state and national senior teams.
Karen Breaden
Category: Coach
Representative region: ACT Cougars
Years of Service: 16 years
Karen Breaden of the ACT Cougars region first represented the Tagaroos in 2003 and has continued to do so for 16 years as a Coach. She has been recognised for her thorough knowledge of the game and unwavering commitment to her players. Karen has become a true ambassador for the sport, embodying the spirit of dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership.
Ross Thomas
Category: Player
Representative region: Illawarra Steelers
Years of Service: 16 years
Ross Thomas of the Illawarra Steelers region first represented the Tagaroos in 2003 and has continued to represent his country for 16 years. As both a player and coach, Ross leads with commitment and passion. His humour, sportsmanship and genuine encouragement makes him a highly valued member of the Oztag community.
With only 20 people coming before them, it is a great achievement and one that is highly respected among the Oztag community.
Australian Tagaroos historian and long-serving Hall of Famer, Gary Kinkade commended the recipients on their achievement.
“Justin, Ross and Karen are so deserving of this honour due to their incredible and dedicated service to Australian Oztag and in particular the Australian Tagaroos,” Kinkade said.
“All three are true ambassadors of our great game and have represented the Tagaroos for 18, 16 and 16 years respectively,”
“They continue to assist, support and represent the game at the grass roots, National and International level,” Kinkade said.
Congratulations to Justin, Karen and Ross on their worthy induction into the Australian Oztag Hall of Fame.
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