Riverstone Razorbacks back with the big boys
with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
The Riverstone Razorbacks have a proud and storied history in the local rugby league competition. Their origins trace back to 1915, placing them alongside other longstanding district clubs such as the Penrith Waratahs, who also began in 1915, local rivals the Windsor Wolves( 1909), and St Marys Rugby League Club, established in 1908 at the inception of the NSW Rugby League competition. It’ s a history the club holds dear— one that current secretary, coach, and former first-grade lock Sione Pousini knows all too well.
The region has long been a breeding ground for rugby league talent, particularly in the A Grade men’ s competition. For the past 30 or so years, however, Riverstone have competed in Division 2, proudly representing both their club and the Hawkesbury district in what is arguably the strongest rugby league nursery in the Penrith area.
100 games to Jordan Milner in 2025. Credit: Riverstone Razorbacks.
Sione has been with the club for 13 years, overseeing a strong run of form over the past decade. The Razorbacks have captured two second division premierships and reached several grand finals— many of them against fierce rivals Hawkesbury City, who claimed three consecutive titles from 2022 to 2024. Quietly but determinedly, Riverstone have been rebuilding their numbers, preparing a squad capable of stepping up to the Don Feltis Cup First Grade Division 1 men’ s competition.
The decision to return to Division 1 was largely inspired by the strength of the club’ s Under 19s, who went through last season undefeated to win the Division 2 title.
“ We wanted to give these boys a pathway to grow and develop— to play at the highest level possible for the club,” said Sione.
The club is now focused on developing its 17 and 19-year-old players, while bolstering the first-grade squad with seasoned additions like Luke Roughley, who has joined from St Pats. He joins a youthful side led by Geordi Morris and Nathan Presdee in 2025. This is a longterm project for the Razorbacks— a threeto-five-year plan to build a competitive force in Penrith’ s Division 1.
Returning to the top tier has been a valuable learning curve. With a smaller budget than some of their competitors, the Razorbacks are focused on consistency, growth, and competitiveness across the full season. The club’ s culture is strong, with everyone pitching in— supporting each other on game days, volunteering around the grounds and in the canteen.
“ It’ s been a big step up to Division 1,” said Sione,“ but we’ ve held our own. So far, we’ ve given opportunities to eight or nine C Grade players this season, and that’ s something we’ re proud of.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the club is working hard to strengthen its playing
150 games to Captain Geordi Morris in 2025. Credit: Riverstone Razorbacks.
stocks. They are grateful for the support of sponsors including Fitness For Real— the first-grade major sponsor for 2025— Daddy Burgers, and Vineyard Hotel, the club’ s overall major sponsor.
Marking their 110th year, the Razorbacks are committed to bridging the gap with their junior development pathways. However, they acknowledge that some smart recruitment of experienced players from outside the club will be crucial to lifting overall squad quality.
Retaining junior talent remains a challenge, especially with neighbouring clubs like Schofields, Windsor, North West Magpies, West City Tigers, Quakers Hill and St Pats all within a 7km radius, drawing from the same player pool.
The club hopes to retain around 70 per cent of its squad heading into next season and continues becoming more competitive at the top level.
Here’ s to future success— and another 110 years of Riverstone Razorbacks rugby league.
Western Wildcats making their mark in the Hawkesbury City Netball Association
with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin
The Hawkesbury City Netball Association, established in 1964, boasts a rich history of supporting netball for girls and women across the region. It was founded to give local players the chance to compete close to home, playing with and against their friends. Over the decades, the association has produced some incredible talent – none more renowned than Liz Ellis, who represented Australia in 122 Tests, captained the national team multiple times, and secured three World Championship gold medals along with two Commonwealth Games golds.
The district is home to 10 clubs, Western Wildcats is the newest addition and was launched on 1 September 2021.
Founded by Natalie Coyte, the club was created to provide more opportunities for players across all suburbs and schools in the Hawkesbury to engage in competitive netball. The club had an impressive debut in 2022, fielding 10 teams in its very first season – a remarkable feat for a brand-new club. Now in its fourth season, the Wildcats are once again fielding 10 teams for the 2025 competition. Natalie, who has been involved in netball since the age of five, played at a high level herself, including State League – now equivalent to Premier League – and has coached both representative and Premier League netball. Her goal is to continue fostering growth within the association and provide a supportive, inclusive club environment.
The Wildcats currently run NetSetGO
Wildcats Players of the Week. Credit: Western Wildcats. and field eight junior teams, along with graded women’ s teams. The senior women’ s squads are particularly competitive, with the A2 side reaching the grand final two years in a row.
In 2023, they narrowly lost to Colo Green in a thrilling 32 – 31 finish, having previously been beaten by a red-hot Colo team. Their consistent performance against one of the district’ s strongest clubs speaks volumes about the depth and quality of the Wildcats squad. The A2 team is also committed to mentoring emerging players, helping them develop and eventually step up to senior competition.
The club has attracted several Metro League players and boasts a strong representation of rep-level talent. With around 3,000 players across the district, the Wildcats currently have 120 members on their books.
Natalie, formerly with Pitt Town Oakville Netball Club, saw the opportunity to launch a new club following the disruptions of COVID-19, believing it was the right time to offer players more choice
Wildcats ready for action. Credit: Western Wildcats. and flexibility.
Initially planning to start with just two or three teams, the Wildcats’ rapid growth reflects their commitment to developing players – especially those aged 5 to 14. One of their B1 teams features a mix of younger athletes and seasoned players, creating a valuable mentoring environment where experience is passed down.
Off the court, the club recently held a successful bingo night and fundraiser, helping to support their end-of-season presentation and other club initiatives. With eight teams eligible for finals and seven currently in contention, the club is aiming for a strong finish to the season.
Natalie expressed her gratitude to the dedicated committee members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the club runs smoothly and continues to thrive. Looking ahead, the Wildcats hope to field an A1 side in 2026 and remain focused on developing their coaches and umpires internally.
Who knows – maybe you could become a Wildcat in 2026!
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 182 // JULY 2025 29