by benj | Nov 14, 2025 | Latest News
Held last month at the James Hardie Centre of Excellence in Parramatta, the inaugural Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championships signalled a major step forward for school-level Oztag. The event brought together high-calibre male and female athletes from across New South Wales for a day of elite competition and school pride.
Talent on Display
From the opening whistle, the level of competition reflected the calibre of athletes selected. Players representing their schools, many of whom have worn the Australian Schoolboys jersey or hold current NRL and NRLW contracts, demonstrated why this invitational is poised to become the pinnacle of school Oztag competition.
Felipe Fakauho and Dwayne Jennings, 2025 Australian Schoolboy teammates.
Schools represented included:
Boys:
Illawarra Sports High School
Central Coast Sports College
Westfields Sports High School
All Saints College Maitland
Patrician Brothers Blacktown
Matraville Sports High School
Cronulla High School
The Hills Sports High School
Girls:
St Catherines School
Illawarra Sports High School
Central Coast Sports College
Westfields Sports High School
All Saints College Maitland
Matraville Sports High School
The Hills Sports High School
Cronulla High School
The depth of talent on display was remarkable, with numerous players already representing Australian Schoolboys or holding NRL and NRLW development and playing contracts. This elite concentration of skill reinforces the prestigious nature of the Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational, setting it apart as one of the most competitive and respected youth tournaments in the country.
Standout players included (brackets denote NRL or NRLW contracts and/or representative level):
- Westfields Sports High School: Liam Martin (Parramatta), Jerome Cosgrove (Wests), Sala Tamati (Parramatta), Iszak Isdale (Wests), Hayden Bell (Parramatta), Lenny Satler (Parramatta)
- All Saints College Maitland: Riley Rostrom (Knights), Chase Butler (Knights), Charlie Jones (Dragons), Benji Thompson (Knights), Xavier Atkinson (Knights), Cody Field (Dragons), Rico Elers (Knights)
- Central Coast Sports College: Dwayne Jennings (Souths, Australian Schoolboys), Carter Mareko (Roosters, NSW U17s), Sienna Thomas (Roosters)
- Illawarra Sports High School: Api Amone (Dragons), Noah Fitzgerald (Dragons), Mason Andrews (Dragons, NSW U17s), Mace Schofield (Panthers), Hunter Fangupo (Dragons), Seluki Halangahu (Dragons), Ella Churchill (Dragons)
- Matraville Sports High School: Tristan Ross (Roosters), Ravai Tulevu (Roosters), Felipe Fakauho (Roosters, Australian Schoolboys)
- Patrician Brothers Blacktown: Amos Viiga (Penrith), Charlie Xuereb (Penrith), Steven Whalan (Penrith), Cobi McCloskey (Parramatta), Caleb Zarah (Roosters), Bailey Louge (Raiders)
Patrician Brothers Blacktown and Illawarra Sports High representatives.
Championship Results
The Inaugural Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championships concluded with thrilling grand finals that reflected the quality and competitiveness of the event.
Girls Opens
Champs: Westfields Sports High School
Runners Up: Central Coast Sports College
In an incredible finish, the Girls Final went into extra time, with Westfields Sports High edging out Central Coast Sports College in a golden-point victory to claim the inaugural title.
Boys Opens
Champs: Illawarra Sports High School
Runners Up: Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown
The Boys Final was a high-intensity contest, with Illawarra Sports High securing a 6–2 win over Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown, showcasing their class and composure across the park.
Building the Future of School Oztag
The success of this tournament reinforces the vision behind the Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championship, to create an elite pathway for student-athletes and establish a platform where the best schools from across Australia and New Zealand can compete annually.
In 2026, invitations will be extended to leading Queensland schools, following the success of the Queensland Oztag All Schools competition, as well as to the New Zealand School Champions and other invited international schools.
The future of the Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championships will see the event evolve into the premier test of school-level Oztag excellence, bringing together elite programs and the most talented young players across the region.
Looking Ahead
Several leading education institutions such as Newington College, St Joseph’s College (Joeys) and others opted not to participate in this year and missed a prime opportunity to test their sporting credentials on a level playing field. Organisers are confident of their involvement in future Championships which will further elevate the competition’s prestige as international schools are invited to play.
In many ways, this event presents a rare and exciting opportunity, a stage where the powerhouse rugby league schools can finally go head-to-head with the elite rugby union programs. The Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational has the potential to answer the age-old question of who truly are the best student athletes in the country, a challenge that will only intensify as more schools take part in years to come.
“This event is about bringing the best together, school pride, elite talent, and the next generation of Oztag players,” said Luke Manahan, Chief Operating Officer of Australian Oztag. “We’ve seen what’s possible when some of the most talented young athletes in Australia take the field. Chris Cowan, Mark Andrews and I are committed to building this tournament into the benchmark for school Oztag.”
A Milestone Moment
Chris Cowan CEO of Australian Oztag and Chairman of the International Tag Federation noted that “the inaugural Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championships has laid the groundwork for what will become one of the most anticipated events on the Oztag calendar. With elite schools, representative players, and top-tier facilities, this event represents the future of school Oztag and the opportunity of schools to compete on an international stage.”
Continued Growth in the Sport of Oztag
Female participation now accounts for approximately 40% of all Oztag players across Australia, contributing to a record-breaking 230,000 participants nationwide in 2025.
This continued growth is reinforced by athletes such as Sienna Thomas, who was also a finalist for NSW Oztag’s Female Rising Star of the Year, and Ella Churchill, both of whom embody the high standard of skill and dedication now emerging through school-level competition.
Ella Churchill and Sienna Thomas contracted NRLW players.
Events like the Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational not only highlight the depth of talent among both male and female athletes but also strengthen Oztag’s pathway from grassroots to elite representation. Australian Oztag looks forward to seeing this tournament continue to drive participation and growth, not only across Australia but internationally, as more schools and nations join in the years ahead.
by benj | Nov 11, 2025 | Latest News
Last weekend, more than 150 teams from across Australia descended on C.ex Coffs International Stadium for the 2025 Senior Australian Championships, a showcase of elite skill, fierce rivalries, and championship moments that will be remembered for years to come.
Across three days, players battled for national titles in perfect Coffs Harbour conditions, with thrilling finals capping off one of the most competitive tournaments to date.
Five Straight for Central Coast
The Central Coast Men’s Opens cemented their dynasty, claiming a fifth consecutive Australian Championship after a hard-fought win over the East Coast Dolphins.
Captain Brenno Martin delivered when it mattered most, setting up two tries and scoring the match-winner in the dying moments to seal the title. It is just another chapter written in the GOAT’s Oztag career.
Post-game, Martin reflected on the victory:
“That was the toughest game yet. The boys worked so hard for this one, and it’s something special to win five in a row.”
Tigers Reign in Women’s Opens
In the Women’s Opens, the Western Sydney Tigers stood tall after a dominant campaign, crowned Australian Champions following a powerful performance in the grand final.
Led by Wallaroos star Waiaria Baba-Ellis, the Tigers struck early, with Ellis’ trademark speed and footwork seeing her score the opening try and inspire her side to the top of the mountain.
Storm Domination Across Divisions
The Southern Storm once again proved why they’re considered one of the powerhouse clubs of Australian Oztag, delivering titles across multiple divisions.
Their Mixed Opens team secured a fourth consecutive Australian Championship, a run that surely cements them as the greatest Mixed Opens side of all time.
Storm’s dominance didn’t stop there as they also swept every 20s division:
- Mixed 20s clinched a three-peat
- Men’s 20s went back-to-back
- Women’s 20s claimed their first-ever title
With that young core quickly transitioning into senior ranks, the Storm are building a foundation that could define the next generation of Oztag success.
New Faces on the National Stage
A special mention to Central West Oztag, who competed for the first time at the Senior Australian Championships, entering teams in both Mixed Opens and Mixed 20s.
Their inclusion marks another milestone for the sport’s regional growth, proof that the Oztag community continues to expand beyond metropolitan hubs.
Club Champions
Congratulations to the Central Coast, crowned Club Champions after a thrilling weekend of results.
They claimed the title with 81 points, narrowly edging out Southern Storm (79) and East Coast Dolphins (72).
Points are awarded based on teams reaching semi-finals, runner-up finishes, and championship wins across divisions.
2025 Senior Australian Championships Winners
Women’s Divisions
Opens – Tigers
20s – Storm
27s – Central Coast
37s – Wolves
47s – Central Coast
Mixed Divisions
Opens – Storm
20s – Storm
Seniors – Vipers
Men’s Divisions
Opens – Central Coast
20s – Storm
30s – Warriors
35s – Steelers
40s – Central Coast
45s – Patriots
50s – Dolphins
55s – Dolphins
60s – Steelers
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
With the 2026 Tag World Cup approaching, performances from this year’s Championships will play a major role in Australian Tagaroos team selections.
Selectors have closely assessed standout athletes across all divisions, with teams to be announced mid-December.
Stay tuned to Australian Oztag’s social media channels for all World Cup selection news, highlights, and exclusive interviews.
Fans can also watch full match replays and highlights on our Youtube Channel which will be posted in the coming days. Make sure to subscribe for all the latest content.
Thank You
A massive thank you to all players, coaches, referees, and volunteers for making the 2025 Senior Australian Championships another unforgettable event.
Your passion and sportsmanship continue to drive the game forward.
by benj | Nov 5, 2025 | Latest News
The 2025 Senior Australian Championships return to C.ex Coffs International Stadium from November 7–9, bringing together over 150 elite representative teams from across the country. Across three huge days of action, the nation’s best players will battle for national glory in one of the most anticipated events on the Oztag calendar.
Dynasties, Rivalries & History on the Line
Legacies are on the line in Coffs Harbour with powerhouse regions arriving ready to defend legacies, settle rivalries, and rewrite history.
In the Men’s Opens, the Central Coast will chase a remarkable fifth consecutive national title. A run that would cement them as arguably the greatest Men’s Opens side ever assembled.
In the Mixed Opens, the Southern Storm continue to build a dynasty of their own, looking to secure four straight championships. Their depth is on full display across the tournament, with their Mixed 20s hunting a three-peat and Men’s 20s aiming to go back-to-back, underlining the Storm as one of the premier forces in the modern era of senior Oztag.
Expect blockbuster match-ups, fierce regional rivalries, and elite talent on every field.
Watch Live on Kayo Freebies
Fans unable to make it to Coffs can catch Field 1 games live on Kayo Freebies across the weekend, including all Finals Day action on Sunday.
Full schedule & coverage links will be posted across our social platforms.
Road to the 2026 Tag World Cup
With the Tag World Cup approaching, performances at the Senior Championships will play a key role in shaping Australian Tagaroos squad considerations.
For full details on World Cup eligibility, rules, policies, guidelines and dispensations, click below:
World Cup Selection & Eligibility Information
Tournament Support & Services
We are pleased to have key partners on-site all weekend:
• IB Images — Official event photography & team photos
• Hoys Physiotherapy — On-ground physio support for player treatment and recovery
See You in Coffs
With high stakes, historic runs on the line, and the nation’s best converging on one stage, the 2025 Senior Australian Championships promise another unforgettable weekend of elite Oztag.
Who will rise, who will repeat, and who will write their name into history?
We’ll find out this November in Coffs Harbour.
by benj | Oct 27, 2025 | Latest News
The 2025 Junior Australian Championships delivered one of the most exciting weekends of junior Oztag to date, with standout performances, historic repeat victories, and an unprecedented number of finals going to drop-off.
Western Sydney Tiger Cubs Crowned Club Champions
Congratulations to the Western Sydney Tiger Cubs, who claimed the prestigious Club Champions title after a dominant campaign across multiple age divisions. Their consistency, depth, and skill across the tournament once again showcased the strength of the Western Sydney region at junior level.
Notable Performances and Historic Wins
It was a weekend filled with remarkable storylines and elite-level competition.
Among the highlights:
Central Coast Boys 17s proved that lightning can strike twice, famously claiming that “the first time was so nice, they had to do it twice” going back-to-back champions in their division.
The Southern Storm continued their dominance, with the Boys 16s completing an incredible three-peat, cementing the club’s reputation as one of the true powerhouses of Australian Oztag.
Australian Oztag also noted the most Final Fives on a Sunday in recent history, underlining the competitive balance and depth of talent across all divisions. Several grand finals went right down to the wire, decided only in extra time through golden-point drop-offs a testament to the intensity and evenness of competition. The most notable were:
Boys 14s: Illawarra Steelers def. Tiger Cubs
Girls 15s: Southern Storm def. Illawarra Steelers
Girls 17s: Central Coast def. Sutherland Stingrays
2025 Junior Australian Championships Winners
Girls Divisions
17s – Central Coast
16s – Stingrays
15s – Storm
14s – Tigers
13s – Central Coast
12s – Wolverines
11s – Steelers
10s – ACT
9s – Tigers
Boys Divisions
17s – Central Coast
16s – Storm
15s – Storm
14s – Steelers
13s – Tigers
12s – Central Coast
11s – Tigers
10s – Orcas
9s – Wolverines
Talent on Display
The level of talent at this year’s championships was nothing short of exceptional. With so many standout individual performances across multiple age groups, Australian Tagaroos selectors will have their work cut out in the coming weeks as they prepare to name representative teams.
Selections for the Australian Tagaroos will be announced mid-December, so stay tuned to our social channels for updates.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Junior Australian Championships once again highlighted the passion, skill, and growth of junior Oztag across the country. With powerhouse regions like Western Sydney, Southern Storm, and Central Coast setting the benchmark, the future of Australian Oztag is brighter than ever.
We look forward to seeing everyone back in action at the Senior Australian Championships in just a few weeks’ time.
by benj | Oct 16, 2025 | Latest News
The 2025 Junior Australian Championships are set to kick off this weekend, running from November 17–19 at the home of Oztag, C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour. With over 220 teams and more than 3,500 players from across NSW, QLD, and the ACT, the stage is set for another massive weekend of junior Oztag.
From the moment teams arrive, they’ll be met with excitement and energy that only Junior Nationals can deliver. Players, families, and supporters will line the fields, creating a festival-like environment as teams chase national glory across three big days of competition.
Friday and Saturday will see pool games in full swing before finals kick off on Sunday, with matches on Field 2 to be streamed live on Kayo Freebies.
There’s plenty of talent to keep an eye on:
- U16s Boys Storm are hunting a three-peat after back-to-back titles, but Wolverines will be looking to turn the tables after narrowly going down 4–3 in last year’s final.
- U15s Girls Orcas remain a team to watch, having not lost an Australian Championships since their Under 11s debut in 2021.
This year, several teams from the Tiger Cubs will wear rainbow laces in support of The Steele Foundation and DonateLife, highlighting the importance of organ donation awareness. Keep an eye out for these teams throughout the weekend as they play for more than just the scoreboard.
There’s added significance this year, with performances being closely watched by Tagaroos selectors. Standout players will have the chance to earn selection in the Under 16s and Under 18s Tagaroos squads, set to compete at the ITF 5th Tag World Cup in October next year.
Official Oztag supplier OES will be based at the southern end of the stadium with tournament merchandise, while ibimages will be on site for team photos and action shots. Players and teams can book directly through their page.
A special thanks to nib and GSA for their continued support of Australian Oztag and grassroots sport nationwide.
Follow Australian Oztag on social media for live updates, highlight reels, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the weekend. All live scores will be available on Assemble, with the latest content shared across our platforms.
It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of Oztag at Coffs Harbour, where new champions will rise, memories will be made, and the future stars of our sport will take centre stage.
by benj | Oct 15, 2025 | Latest News
Australian Oztag is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment across Junior and Senior Nationals.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, abuse, and violence directed at players, referees, officials, or spectators.
Any individual found engaging in abusive or violent behaviour may face immediate removal from the venue and further disciplinary action, including suspension from future events.
To support this initiative:
- Clear Respect signage will appear at all tournaments and association venues.
- Tournament agreements will reinforce our no-abuse, no-violence standard.
- A new complaints form will be made available for reporting incidents directly to tournament management.
This initiative aims to create a safe and enjoyable environment for players, referees, coaches, and spectators, promoting positive behavior both on and off the field. Abuse of any kind, verbal, physical, or online has no place in our sport.
We call on everyone in the Oztag community to play fair, show respect, and support each other, ensuring our game remains fun and welcoming for all.
Respect the Game. Respect Everyone.
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