PORT Stephens’ big wet has wreaked havoc with local sporting fixtures but keeping an optimistic vibe are the Nelson Bay Marlins and Raymond Terrace Roosters in the Hunter Junior League.
With the big end-of-season matches less than a month away, both clubs remain in the finals mix in various boys and girls age groups and are on track for top four berths.
Nelson Bay
Pat Hay’s talented Under 15 Marlins show enormous potential and are strong contenders for this year’s Division One premiership title along with undefeated competition leaders Valentine.
The Red Devils have won all nine matches to date and are the team to beat for the 2025 trophy.
Matt Wallace’s well-drilled charges have racked up 264 points while conceding only 60 and have opened up a four point lead on second placed Nelson Bay with four rounds to be completed.
Valentine registered a 30-0 victory over their main rivals earlier in the season but are expected to face a much stronger and improved Marlins line-up during the finals series.
Classy halfback Zeke Hay has spearheaded the Nelson Bay campaign with skilful performances in the Number seven jumper.
The gifted playmaker has demonstrated his vision and ball skills in the Marlins’ seven victories over the Central Butcher Boys (16-10 and 18-8); Cessnock Goannas (14-8); Raymond Terrace Roosters (16-12); South Newcastle Lions (18-4); Singleton Greyhounds (22-12) and Wests Rosellas (24-18).
Hay, who is also a promising Hunter Western Hornets touch football representative, has nabbed six tries and booted 19 goals for a personal tally of 62 points – a testimony of his value to the Marlins team.
Other Nelson Bay players to leave their mark include rising forwards Wade Rolston, Bryce Richards, Lachlan Parker, Xavier Powell, Josh Perry, hooker Tim Munro, five eighth Archie Atkins, centres Sonny Johnston and Kade Lawson, winger Lawson Rowe, and utility aces Charlie Symonds and Brodey Butler.
The versatile Symonds produced smart displays at hooker earlier in the season before switching to fullback and establishing himself in the custodian role.
Butler is a power running second rower or centre with a turn of speed who has given the Marlins extra strike out wide.
Nelson Bay’s Under 14 girls tackle team currently lead the Division Three competition following a 22-10 win over West Maitland Roos last weekend at McKeachie’s Sportsground.
Emerging fullback Mia McDonald grabbed three of the Marlins’ four tries in a best on ground display.
The victory keeps the Marlins on top of the ladder on 18 points with eight wins from 11 matches – one ahead of second-placed rivals South Newcastle Lions on 17.
Chad Warrington’s Under 16 Marlins are ranked third in the Division Two competition on 14 points with seven wins from nine matches.
Pacesetters Lakes United Seagulls (18) and second placed Central Butcher Boys (16) are the Marlins’ main rivals in an intriguing series.
Raymond Terrace
The Raymond Terrace Roosters have also unveiled their depth of talent among the junior grades.
The Roosters Under 13s currently lead the Division Four competition on 16 points with six victories and two draws, and have only lost once during the 2025 season.
In an impressive team performance they trounced the Cessnock Goannas 40-16 last Saturday with an eight try rout at Mount View Park to consolidate top spot.
Sharp centre Jordan Coss (2), prop Isaac Renshaw, hooker Dillon Walsh, second rower Braithe Jenner, clever halfback Lachlan Mills and interchange players Noah Mifsud and Braeidyn Tippett crossed for Roosters’ tries with Mills potting four conversions.
West Maitland Roos (14 points), Kurri Bulldogs (12) and Cardiff Cougars (11) make up the top four.
The Roosters Under 13 Division One side has chalked up five victories and a draw and are placed one point outside the top four on 13 points behind competition leaders Wests (16), Cardiff and South Lakes (both on 15) and Valentine (14).
In the Hunter JRL Under 16 boys Division One series, the Raymond Terrace club are entrenched in third spot, with five victories and a draw, 13 points behind leaders Valentine (19) and the Aberdeen Tigers (16).
Promising five eighth Charlie Burey starred in the Roosters’ recent 38-6 win over Cessnock at Lakeside Sporting Complex – contributing 16 points with a try double and four goals.
Other tryscorers were centre Brock Bailey, winger Talon McLennan, second rower Johnathon-Lee Doyle, hooker Zac O’Neill and interchange Bailey Harrison.
The Roosters Under 15 Division Three side are placed third, with the Under 14 Division Two girls in fourth spot.
Mallabula Panthers remain in fifth spot in Under 14 Division Three while the Myall River Hawks share the competition lead in women’s tackle Under 14 Division Four with East Maitland Griffins on 12 points.
The Roosters have unearthed some exciting young prospects in the Under 12 Division One ranks with encouraging team efforts and a string of victories in the non-competitive format.
By Chris KARAS
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