The Northern Sydney Bears Boys 16s were the association’s first ever junior representative side to compete at the NSW State Championships.
In February, Northern Sydney Oztag (NSO) were represented at the Junior State Cup for the very first time – the inaugural team competing in the Boys 16s division.
With no current Junior competition in Northern Sydney, this group of boys have been competing in the Senior Men’s division, of which they prove to consistently hold their own.
When representative interest surfaced, NSO were quick to get the ball rolling – knowing well, the talent among this Northern Sydney Bears side.
As coach, Tim Beitsch loved watching the group gel and recognise their potential with every game.
“It was a great experience seeing the team come together and realise they could be competitive against some of the best teams in NSW,” he said.
In the lead up to the tournament, the team focused on strengthening their defence in the middle – knowing their attack would take shape off the back of good “D” sets.
“We tried to make other teams beat us rather than allow easy tries through the centre of the field… We knew our attack would look after itself,” Beitsch said.
“It was good to see some of the more fancied teams get frustrated by our defence and tenacity,” he said.
Heading to Coffs Harbour, the team had a goal – to be competitive in every game and win at least one. So, watching the boys achieve just that made their coach extremely proud.
“A lot of the boys had played with other teams with little or no success in the past, which meant any victory would mean the tournament was a success,” Beitsch said.
“Having our first win and watching the boys enjoy the tournament together as a team – on and off the field made me most proud,” he said.
Not only did the team stay together for the duration of the tournament, but many of them are mates outside of Oztag – which Beitsch believes played a big part in how they gelled on the field.
“A lot of the boys have played league together for years and go to school with each other which meant they have strong bonds… This transferred to the way they played together – good support play and good communication in defence,” he said.
NSO Association Coordinator, Luke Manahan said he was thrilled to send their first Junior representative team to State Cup.
“It was incredible to see the boys rep the orange, blue and white… they did us very proud,” he said.
Manahan hopes to introduce a Northern Sydney Junior competition in 2023 and plans to develop the Juniors at both a local and representative level moving forward.
“There is a demand for Juniors in the area, so I’d love to see the competition kick off with good competitive numbers,” Manahan said.
“From there I would hope to see more teams represented at State Cup… Further to that we could have a strong Northern Suburbs Region at Nationals with Northern Beaches Oztag on the rise,” he said.
Northern Sydney Oztag’s Senior Winter comp kicks off April 24 at Forsyth Park, Neutral Bay. The competition will be played on Monday nights, for both Men’s and Mixed divisions. For more details or to register, head to NSO website or Facebook page.
The Baulkham Hills Girls 16s made history at the 2023 NSW Junior State Cup in February, as the first junior team to win seven consecutive State Championships.
The Baulkham Hills Girls 16s have won back-to-back state championships since Under 10s in 2017.
It is no easy feat winning seven consecutive titles, however, take a group of young, tenacious players who are committed to each other, and you will create one of the most entertaining teams to watch.
Coach, Ben Ellis could not be prouder of his team – putting this incredible achievement down to their unwavering determination and work ethic.
“I’ve never met a group of girls collectively who have a willingness to train like they do,” Ellis said.
“Early on we had a group of girls that weren’t as skillful as a lot of teams we’d come up against, so we identified that for us to be successful we had to outwork everyone… Then we could just slowly chip away at increasing their skill sets,” he said.
Of the 16 players in the 2023 State Cup team, there are four girls who have been a part of all seven championships – Waiaria Ellis, Nadelle Harrison, Aaliyah Soufan and Georgia Bezzina, with many others having played in five or six.
Over the years, Ellis has always stressed the importance of a healthy team culture and is confident that the one they’ve created is the biggest reason for their success.
“We always keep reiterating to the girls that comps are not won on the field, they’re won off it,” he said.
“We just try and create an environment where all the girls get along and enjoy each other’s company… From there I feel playing the game is easy,”
“I think the Whanau (Family) environment we’ve tried to create has really helped,” he said.
From a young age the girls adopted a rugby league-like game style that quickly separated them from other teams.
“When we took over, we were just there as parents of a team that needed a coach – we didn’t have much experience ourselves in the game of Oztag so we could only really coach them with what we knew,” Ellis said.
“We just started coaching them like footy… We wanted our girls to play a style of Oztag that replicated rugby league,” he said.
Watching this bunch of girls develop over the years into the players they are today has been extremely special for Ellis.
“It’s the reason we coach… To hopefully have an impact on the girls whether it’s big or small,” he said.
“You don’t really have a lot of time to reflect on it, but to think we’ve had some of these girls from 9 years old… when honestly it was like watching paint dry – running around in each other’s pockets, no passing, just one out runs… To now, not needing any structure, playing free flowing tag, running plays, it’s honestly awesome to watch,”
“The best thing about it though, is watching them grow from little girls, into awesome young ladies – I think that tops everything,” he said.
2018 – Girls Under 11s2023 – Girls Under 16s
Ellis praised the efforts of parents and believes their commitment over the years has played a big part in the consistency of the team.
“We’ve had a core group of girls play a lot of these tournaments, and I think the commitment the parents make, to make sure everything runs smoothly is overshadowed,” he said.
“We ask a lot from the players as we prepare for these tournaments but we also ask a lot more from the parents… The financial burden is the biggest part,”
“As a parent myself I understand how much these tournaments cost, so without the help and commitment from all our parents over the years, we definitely couldn’t have been so consistent,” he said.
With daughter Waiaria in the team, the championship wins have been even more special for Ellis – sharing moments of success and watching her grow along the way.
“Yes, it’s been very special… To me though, what’s more special is watching her grow and develop as a player and person, with her friends, having fun and playing a sport they love,”
“Having a little bit of success along the way, and being able to share that with her and her teammates is the icing,” he said.
The 2023 Senior State Champions have been crowned following a spectacular weekend of Oztag in Coffs Harbour.
The Senior State Championships kicked off on Friday 17 March, which saw 179 teams brave the heat and lay it all on the line for the championship title.
Sunday’s Finals saw many qualifiers come down to the wire as teams took their game to the next level. Crowds grew louder and teams more determined as they itched closer to that gold medal.
In the Men’s 20s division, reigning champions, Baulkham Hills were knocked out in Semis following a 3-2 loss to Heathcote Engadine. However, it was Souths who bought it home – defeating Heathcote 5-4 in an exciting Grand Final showdown.
Central Coast Men’s 40s won gold for the fourth year in a row, while their talented Women’s 20s side made it a three-peat.
After taking home silver last year, Souths Men’s Opens came out firing – defeating reigning champions, Central Coast, 5-3 in a thrilling Semi Final before bringing it home with an 8-2 Grand Final victory over Penrith.
The nail-biter that was the Mixed Seniors Final saw South West Razorbacks take on Souths, with the Razorbacks coming out on top by one-point.
For the tenth consecutive year, finishing on 67 points, Central Coast Oztag have been crowned NSW Senior Club Champions.
In second place was Penrith on 62 points, and in third was Souths on 59.
Below are the 2023 NSW Senior State Cup Grand Final results. Congratulations to all Champions.
Women’s 20s
Central Coast defeated Cronulla 8-2
Women’s Opens
Penrith defeated Central Coast 2-0
Women’s 30s
Fairfield
Women’s 40s
Central Coast defeated Cronulla 3-1
Women’s 50s
Central Coast
Mixed 20s
Souths defeated Baulkham Hills 15-3
Mixed Opens
Penrith defeated Parramatta 9-3
Mixed Seniors
South West defeated Souths 2-1
Men’s 20s
Souths defeated Heathcote 6-5
Men’s Opens
Souths defeated Penrith 8-2
Men’s 30s
Homebush defeated Wollongong 6-2
Men’s 40s
Central Coast defeated Cronulla 5-0
Men’s 45s
Penrith defeated Sydney City 4-3
Men’s 50s
Cronulla defeated Souths 5-0
Men’s 55s
Lake Macquarie defeated Sydney City 6-2
Men’s 60s
Souths defeated Cronulla 2-0
For all tournament results, visit the Australian Oztag website or Sportfix.
The NSW Senior State Championships kicked off in Coffs Harbour today, with players from all across the state proving determined to lay it all on the line.
NSW Oztag were thrilled to kick off the first senior tournament of the year, and what better place than the beautiful Coffs Harbour.
Over 2,800 players were welcomed with scorching heat on day one of the tournament, rolling into C.ex Stadium and Geoff King Oval with tunnel vision to take home the championship title.
At the conclusion of day one, Central Coast are at the top of the leaderboard for Senior Club Champions; with Souths, Cronulla and Penrith trailing close behind on equal second.
The following teams currently sit undefeated heading into Day two of competition.
Mens 20s
St George
Baulkham Hills
Souths
Central Coast
Womens20s
Cronulla
Central Coast
ACT
Mixed 20s
Souths
Easts
Cronulla
Baulkham Hills
Mens Opens
Central Coast
Fairfield
Souths
Parramatta
Inner West
St George
Penrith 1
Heathcote Engadine
Womens Opens
Cronulla
Central Coast
ACT
Fairfield 1
Penrith 1
Mixed Opens
Souths
St George
Homebush
Port Stephens 1
Sydney City 2
Central Coast
Parramatta
Sydney City
Tamworth
Penrith 1
Lake Macquarie
South West 2
Men’s 30s
Penrith 1
Wollongong
Homebush
Sydney City 1
Senior Mixed
South West
Souths
Mens 40s
Central Coast
Inner West
Cronulla
Womens 40s
Fairfield (30s)
Central Coast
Mens 45s
Penrith
Mens 50s
Cronulla
Mens 60s
Lake Macquarie (55s)
Sydney City (55s)
Keep up to date with all live fixtures and results via our website or Sportfix.
NSW Oztag look forward to tomorrow’s remaining round games, ahead of Sunday’s Finals.
For all tournament action shots, visit IB Images. Log in using your Facebook or Google account.
NSW Oztag are set to welcome 179 teams to Coffs Harbour this week ahead of the highly anticipated Senior State Cup tournament.
The 2023 Senior State Championships kicks off on Friday 17 March in Coffs Hsarbour, with teams determined to lay it all on the line for the championship title.
With games expected to be taken to another level of brilliance, there are several teams worth keeping an eye on this weekend.
Baulkham Hills Men’s 20s have the potential to go back-to-back this weekend, but the likes of Parramatta, Cronulla and Easts will make it no easy feat after there was only one-point differences in both Semi Finals at the 2022 Senior State Cup.
The Central Coast Women’s 20s, Souths Mixed Opens and Penrith Men’s 30s will all be gunning for a three-peat, while both Penrith Senior Mixed and Central Coast Men’s 40s will be striving to make it four in a row.
The question on everybody’s mind is whether Central Coast Men’s Opens can go back-to-back after putting an end to Homebush’s six-year reign? Or will hot contenders – Souths, St George and Penrith stand in their way?
Central Coast will be looking to continue their nine-year Club Championship dynasty – awarded to the most successful association across all divisions. However, two-time runners up, Souths and Cronulla will no doubt be looking to end this incredible streak.
NSW Oztag look forward to welcoming all teams and spectators to the beautiful Coffs Coast, for the highly anticipated Senior State Cup tournament.
“The weather looks good and the fields are in perfect condition, we’re ready to go… Good luck everyone,” Tournament Director, Bill Harrigan said.
Be sure to check out the Ultimate Guide for all the fun stuff to do and great places to eat while on the Coffs Coast!
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.
Games will commence at 9.30am on Friday. Keep up to date with the live fixtures and ladder via SportsFix or our website.
Livestream will be via the NSW Oztag Facebook page, with coverage kicking off at 8.30am on Sunday 19 March.
The 2023 NSW Junior State Championships 11s-17s came to a successful conclusion in Coffs Harbour following three days of quality Oztag.
The much-anticipated tournament kicked off on Friday 24 February and welcomed 288 teams to Coffs Harbour – well-prepared and determined to take out the Championship title.
A packed out C.ex Stadium saw spectators on the edge of their seats come Finals day, as numerous games resulted in a one-point difference or came down to exhilarating extra time drop offs.
Six-time gold medalists, Baulkham Hills Girls 16s continued their reign as State Cup Champions after defeating Central Coast by two in a competitive Grand Final showdown.
Souths Girls 13s secured their fifth consecutive championship, while the Central Coast Girls 14s made it four in a row.
The nail-biter that was the Boys 13s Grand Final between Cronulla and Nepean, finished in a 3-3 draw – sending them into extra time. Drop off went back and forth, before Cronulla secured the victory with a show-and-go through the middle.
For the Under 17s divisions, the stakes were raised – being their last Junior State Cup. The intensity and emotion evident as teams gave it their all right up until the full-time buzzer.
The Souths Girls 17s reclaimed the title, defeating 2022 champions, Wollongong in a nail-biting 3-2 clash, while Baulkham Hills Boys 17s went back-to-back, beating ACT 4-2 in what was a sensational game of Oztag.
Following a tight race between two strong associations, NSW Oztag are pleased to announce the Club Champions for 2023 – on 94 points, Baulkham Hills.
All 14 of their teams qualified for Quarter Finals, 13 made Semis and seven advanced to the Grand Final, of which five took home gold – a testament to the players, coaching staff and all involved with the club.
In second place and well-deserved was Souths on 91 points, and in third was 2022 Champions – Central Coast on 66.
Below are the 2023 NSW Junior State Cup Grand Final results. Congratulations to all Champions.
Boys 11s: Nepean defeated Baulkham Hills 5-3
Girls 11s: Central Coast defeated Sutherland 4-0
Boys 12s: Central Coast defeated Cronulla 5-2
Girls 12s: Nepean defeated Souths 3-2 in extra time
Boys 13s: Cronulla defeated Nepean 5-4 in extra time
Girls 13s: Souths defeated Nepean 5-2
Boys 14s: Baulkham Hills defeated Shellharbour 4-3
Girls 14s: Central Coast defeated Baulkham Hills 3-2
Boys 15s: Souths defeated Central Coast 4-2
Girls 15s: Baulkham Hills defeated Souths 4-1
Boys 16s: Souths defeated Nepean 6-3
Girls 16s: Baulkham Hills defeated Central Coast 5-2
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