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 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.
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.
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:
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?
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
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.
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.
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 forplayers, 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 toplay fair, show respect, and support each other, ensuring our game remains fun and welcoming for all.
Australian Oztag is now accepting applications for the Tagaroos Men’s 35s Head Coach ahead of the 2026 Tag World Cup.
Applicants must hold a Level 2 Coaching Accreditation, possess representative coaching experience at State or National level, and demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and player development skills. The successful candidate will work under the direction of the National Director of Coaching and Development, helping prepare Australia’s Men’s 35s to compete on the international stage.
All applications, including resumes and references, must be submitted by Friday, 24 October 2025.
For full selection criteria and application details, please click here.
For more than a decade, Melbourne City Oztag has been steadily carving out its place in Victoria’s sporting landscape. What began as one person’s passion to keep playing the game has grown into a thriving community, bringing together players of all ages and backgrounds who share a love for Oztag.
A Journey into Oztag
The story starts in Cairns back in 2003, when JC Carmody was encouraged by mates to try a non-contact version of rugby league after a motor vehicle accident left him unable to play contact sport. From there, Oztag quickly became more than just a pastime, it became a way to stay connected to sport and community.
After spending time playing in both Cairns and Townsville, the move south to Victoria in 2013 reignited that passion. Driving more than an hour from the Mornington Peninsula to the city every week to both play and referee in the Melbourne competition, JC soon found himself stepping into a bigger role. By 2014, he was venue coordinator, and just two years later, he became the Melbourne licensee.
Growing the Game in Victoria
Since then, Melbourne City Oztag has been built on dedication and persistence. With limited resources but plenty of drive, the competition has grown and sustained a loyal base of members, while also branching out to explore new opportunities for the game across the state.
There have been plenty of highlights along the way:
Nationals representation: The Melbourne Royals competed at Nationals in both 2018 and 2019.
State Cup debut: The Melbourne City Kings proudly took the field at the NSW State Cup in 2025.
Winter Oztag launch: In 2025, Melbourne hosted its first Winter competition. With four teams randomly selected each week, players of all levels got the chance to learn from each other and build connections. The format was unique, and the community feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Celebrating Milestones
The strength of Melbourne Oztag lies in its people. Season after season, players continue to return, creating a community built on loyalty and connection. In 2025, we celebrate:
Matt Heung playing his 12th consecutive season.
Michael Paterson playing his 10th consecutive season, while Jenika Stubelj and Mike Bialecki reach 10 cumulative seasons each.
Team Mustag Sally, entering their 9th consecutive season, with the same core group that first joined in 2017.
Looking Ahead
From humble beginnings to a competition that continues to grow, Melbourne City Oztag is proof of what dedication and passion can achieve. The goal now is to expand Oztag even further across Victoria, giving more people the chance to experience the community, competition, and fun that the sport brings.
Follow Melbourne City Oztag Stay up to date with their competitions, news, and community highlights:
The wait is over. The 2025 International Tag Series Finals games are now available to rewatch on our YouTube channel, Australian Oztag
Now you can experience it all over again. Relive the intensity of championship-deciding clashes across Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed divisions. See the last-minute tries, the emotional victories, and the standout performances. These games captured not only the skill of the athletes but also the cultural pride and passion that makes the International Tag Series one of the sport’s most unique events.
The livestreamed games delivered non-stop action from start to finish. The Girls 18s Grand Final between Australia and the Barbarians was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with Australia leading 3–2 before the Barbarians scored on the buzzer. Despite the last-second try from the Barbarians, Australia secured the win by finishing with more points overall.
In another dramatic clash the Men’s Opens quarterfinal, Samoa Australia faced Vietnam in a high-stakes match, and right on the buzzer, Samoa Australia completed a stunning coast-to-coast dive try in the corner, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
In the Women’s Opens semi-final between China and Vietnam, China entered as underdogs but came out strong, using smart ball movement, solid defence, and precise tries to secure a hard-fought win and a place in the Grand Final, proving themselves a team to watch.The Mixed 20s Grand Final saw Samoa Australia take on New Zealand, with Karnye Thompson scoring a spectacular corner try, taking the win.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@AusOztag
Don’t miss your chance to watch the Finals in full. Head to the Australian Oztag YouTube channel, subscribe for more replays, highlights, and future livestreams, and join the conversation by sharing your favourite match in the comments.
From August 7th to 10th, the C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour played host to the International Tag Series 2025, bringing together over 30 nations in a vibrant celebration of heritage, pride, and elite tag competition. Despite some inconsistent weather, nothing could dampen the energy or the camaraderie that defined the weekend.
A Tournament Like No Other
The ITS serves as a unique platform for players to represent their heritage, blending sport with cultural pride. This year, the tournament doubled as a critical development event for emerging nations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with no senior Tagaroo teams competing due to the earlier Trans Tasman competition. Junior Tagaroos featured in the boys and girls 16s and 18s divisions, getting their first taste of international competition and setting the stage for future glory.
Opening Ceremony Ignites the Crowd
The opening ceremony was a standout moment. A powerful showcase of heritage pride as each team marched onto the field, waving their flags with honour. The war cries and hakas from Samoa and Niue stirred the crowd, while the fierce face-off between Indigenous Australia and the New Zealand Stingrays gave goosebumps, setting the tone for an unforgettable tournament kickoff.
Fierce Competition and Memorable Matches
Competition over the weekend was fierce across multiple divisions. The Stingrays Men’s 20s and Mixed Seniors both captured titles in memorable fashion. Led by Tawana, the husband of the late Mele whose name was worn close to their hearts, the Stingrays fought with passion and heart. Tawana coached the Men’s 20s to victory and also played a pivotal role on the field securing the Mixed Seniors crown.
One of the tournament’s most thrilling moments came in the Mixed 20s Grand Final, where Samoa Australia clinched the win in the dying moments thanks to Karnye Thompson’s dramatic corner try. The Irish Exiles came into the tournament without a tournament win and ended up leaving with 3 medals across the Women’s 20s, Men’s 50s and their most dominat team Mixed Open’s. Their Mixed Opens team arguably one of the best teams all tournament emphasised by their convincing win over the Indigenous Australia side.
The China Women’s Opens made a strong statement as a dark horse heading into the World Cup, finishing undefeated and knocking off powerhouse teams including Australia Indigenous, Vietnam, and the Great Britain Exiles in the finals.
Great Britain emerged as the overall nations champions, a testament to their dominance as they featured heavily in finals across divisions.
Division Winners
Boys 16s: Australia
Boys 18s: Australia
Men’s 20s: New Zealand
Men’s Opens: Indigenous Australia
Men’s 30s: Indigenous Australia
Men’s 35s: Great Britain
Men’s 40s: Samoa Australia
Men’s 50s: Irish Exiles
Men’s 60s: Barbarians
Girls 16s: Australia
Girls 18s: Australia
Women’s 20s: Irish Exiles
Women’s Open: China
Women’s 27s: Great Britain
Women’s 37s: Indigenous Australia
Women’s 47s: Queensland Orchids
Mixed 20s: Samoa Australia
Mixed Opens: Irish Exiles
Mixed Seniors: New Zealand
Beyond the Field: Cultural Exchange and Legacy
The tournament was as much about cultural exchange as competition, with teams sharing traditions, war cries, and stories that enrich the ITS experience. The event attracted strong media coverage including NBN News and 7 Coast, amplifying the reach of this growing international event:
Looking forward, the ITS continues to be a vital stepping stone toward the 2026 Tag World Cup, helping emerging nations gain invaluable international experience and grow the sport worldwide.
Thank You
A huge thanks to all the teams, volunteers, officials, and partners who made the International Tag Series 2025 a success. Together, you’re building more than a tournament, you’re growing a global community united by heritage and the love of tag. If you are still missing the action, recap the tournament with all the photos here.
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