Sydney Subbies 2025
- Thread starter Lindommer
- Start date
Div 5 Mid-Season Wrap Up
Been a bloody good year of rugby so far. The injection and resurgence of some clubs has been great to see and really lifted the overall quality of the comp this year. Keen to see how things shake out as the race for finals heats up!
1. Redfield
After a tough couple of rebuilding years caused by retirements and injuries, the traditionally strong club is back with a bang with youth being the driving force behind their success. Undefeated in both grades so far, they use their fitness to go over late in games and so far no one has an answer for them yet. Their only weakness is a lack of size in the forward pack but so far this hasn't proved to be much of a issue. Favourites in both grades and a prime candidate for div 3 next year.
2. Hawkesbury Valley
Their first grade side has been relatively unchanged for a number of years and it shows in the skill and experience they bring to the table each week. Unbeaten and hardly tested in this grade it seems like you can all but pencil in a grand final clash between them and Redfield. The quality of their second grade has also been pretty good as well, they hit hard and have had some great wins so far this year.
3. Western Raptors
Always pretty good each year, both first and second grade have big boppers that run hard and are had to handle at this level. Been a bit under the radar compared to the top dogs but keep getting pretty good results. Player numbers at away games and some boys losing their heads look to be a big challenge that may keep them from seriously contending but we'll see.
4. Sydney Harlequins
Have come out a bit flat this year compared to their former div 3 counterparts in Hawkesbury Valley. Seem to lack a bit of top end talent to take them to the next level in first grade. Their good structure has seemed to work well in second grade and could definitely be a side that challenges at the pointy end with some good talent in that side.
5. Renegades
Good building year for them, first grade is well structured and have been developing nicely however a lack of consistency in the lineups each week is seeming to hold them back from being serious contenders this year against the top sides. Second grade is in a bit of a tough patch with just the one win, looks like the lack of combinations has been a real killer in games this year.
6. Maccabi/Sydney Convicts
Despite a couple wins it looks like Maccabi is finding it a bit tough in this division. They are well structured but lack size and talent which sees them get rolled. Should get a couple more wins but can't see them making finals. Convicts despite only the two wins have been very unlucky with a lot of close losses, if they can flip some of those results around they could make a run to finals
7. Canterbury
Very tough year for them in first grade, they look well off the pace against most sides and will do well to pick up a win all year. Second grade has big bodies as expected and are definitely poised to make finals after a slow start to the year however I don't think they'll have the discipline to win this year as the second grade comp is much stronger than last year.
8. Epping
What a fall from grace, the rumours of a tough preseason must have been true as they are struggling in both grades this year. First grade may win a couple more games but won't make finals. Second grade will be lucky to win a game. Desperate for a rebuild.
Been a bloody good year of rugby so far. The injection and resurgence of some clubs has been great to see and really lifted the overall quality of the comp this year. Keen to see how things shake out as the race for finals heats up!
1. Redfield
After a tough couple of rebuilding years caused by retirements and injuries, the traditionally strong club is back with a bang with youth being the driving force behind their success. Undefeated in both grades so far, they use their fitness to go over late in games and so far no one has an answer for them yet. Their only weakness is a lack of size in the forward pack but so far this hasn't proved to be much of a issue. Favourites in both grades and a prime candidate for div 3 next year.
2. Hawkesbury Valley
Their first grade side has been relatively unchanged for a number of years and it shows in the skill and experience they bring to the table each week. Unbeaten and hardly tested in this grade it seems like you can all but pencil in a grand final clash between them and Redfield. The quality of their second grade has also been pretty good as well, they hit hard and have had some great wins so far this year.
3. Western Raptors
Always pretty good each year, both first and second grade have big boppers that run hard and are had to handle at this level. Been a bit under the radar compared to the top dogs but keep getting pretty good results. Player numbers at away games and some boys losing their heads look to be a big challenge that may keep them from seriously contending but we'll see.
4. Sydney Harlequins
Have come out a bit flat this year compared to their former div 3 counterparts in Hawkesbury Valley. Seem to lack a bit of top end talent to take them to the next level in first grade. Their good structure has seemed to work well in second grade and could definitely be a side that challenges at the pointy end with some good talent in that side.
5. Renegades
Good building year for them, first grade is well structured and have been developing nicely however a lack of consistency in the lineups each week is seeming to hold them back from being serious contenders this year against the top sides. Second grade is in a bit of a tough patch with just the one win, looks like the lack of combinations has been a real killer in games this year.
6. Maccabi/Sydney Convicts
Despite a couple wins it looks like Maccabi is finding it a bit tough in this division. They are well structured but lack size and talent which sees them get rolled. Should get a couple more wins but can't see them making finals. Convicts despite only the two wins have been very unlucky with a lot of close losses, if they can flip some of those results around they could make a run to finals
7. Canterbury
Very tough year for them in first grade, they look well off the pace against most sides and will do well to pick up a win all year. Second grade has big bodies as expected and are definitely poised to make finals after a slow start to the year however I don't think they'll have the discipline to win this year as the second grade comp is much stronger than last year.
8. Epping
What a fall from grace, the rumours of a tough preseason must have been true as they are struggling in both grades this year. First grade may win a couple more games but won't make finals. Second grade will be lucky to win a game. Desperate for a rebuild.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Can't argue with much of that. Different players each week is killing the flow!
Hopefully the break allows us to reset and start getting the little things right.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
The fascinating bit here is R13 - Valley host Redfield for double points. That will decide the minor premiership I think...
EddieJones1985
Bob McCowan (2)
Div two this week
Forest Vs Shammies
Is this the week that a big scalp is taken? Forest on the improve after a big win last week. Forest 14-10
Pats Vs Briars
Is this one for double points? Could spell major issues for the loser and the winner will be right back in contention. Briars 32-17
Uni Vs Irish
UNSW gave Irish a thumping last outing but Irish will bounce back this time around. Uni looked shaky against Briars, I think Irish can go close but will fall short. Uni 28-17
Forest Vs Shammies
Is this the week that a big scalp is taken? Forest on the improve after a big win last week. Forest 14-10
Pats Vs Briars
Is this one for double points? Could spell major issues for the loser and the winner will be right back in contention. Briars 32-17
Uni Vs Irish
UNSW gave Irish a thumping last outing but Irish will bounce back this time around. Uni looked shaky against Briars, I think Irish can go close but will fall short. Uni 28-17
parkfootyenthusiast2
Ted Fahey (11)
Div 3, Round 8:
Knox @ Beecroft: Knox makes another trip to Headen Park after the first game was moved there. I think come finals time Knox can give Beecroft a red hot go but I don't see it happening this week. Knox missing some key players in their pack still and Beecroft dominated in that area last time out behind big Meehan at 8. Give me Beecroft by 14. I like Knox in 2s and Colts handily though.
LCOI @ Hornsby: Should be a cracking game. Both disappointed last week, LCOI at home vs Knox and Hornsby at home vs Hills, but they're pretty evenly matched and will be frothing for a chance at a W. This one could be for double points also - and will go a LONG way to determining 4th place at the end of the year as a result. I think LCOI is a classier outfit overall, but I'm going to take Hornsby in an upset at home in a tight one. Hornsby by 3. LCOI in 2s and Colts by a bunch.
Blacktown @ Hills: Blacktown needed a week to cool off after their outing against Beecroft two weeks ago where they lost their heads and their coach got dismissed. Things will go from bad to worse for them though. Hills is a good, physical side with a fair bit of flash out wide also. They'll be too big, too fast and too structured in this one. Hopefully it's 80 minutes of competitive but well behaved footy... but we'll see. Hills by 30. Hills will dust them in 2s also. Unrelated to both clubs but Colleagues II vs Barker should be a good one, Old Barker by 10.
Yours,
PFE2
Knox @ Beecroft: Knox makes another trip to Headen Park after the first game was moved there. I think come finals time Knox can give Beecroft a red hot go but I don't see it happening this week. Knox missing some key players in their pack still and Beecroft dominated in that area last time out behind big Meehan at 8. Give me Beecroft by 14. I like Knox in 2s and Colts handily though.
LCOI @ Hornsby: Should be a cracking game. Both disappointed last week, LCOI at home vs Knox and Hornsby at home vs Hills, but they're pretty evenly matched and will be frothing for a chance at a W. This one could be for double points also - and will go a LONG way to determining 4th place at the end of the year as a result. I think LCOI is a classier outfit overall, but I'm going to take Hornsby in an upset at home in a tight one. Hornsby by 3. LCOI in 2s and Colts by a bunch.
Blacktown @ Hills: Blacktown needed a week to cool off after their outing against Beecroft two weeks ago where they lost their heads and their coach got dismissed. Things will go from bad to worse for them though. Hills is a good, physical side with a fair bit of flash out wide also. They'll be too big, too fast and too structured in this one. Hopefully it's 80 minutes of competitive but well behaved footy... but we'll see. Hills by 30. Hills will dust them in 2s also. Unrelated to both clubs but Colleagues II vs Barker should be a good one, Old Barker by 10.
Yours,
PFE2
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Div 5 Round 8
Renegades v Redfield - should be a good game of rugby if the rain stays away. Our forward pack vs their backs, basically
Back the boys!
Epping v Maccabi - Home side looking to build some consistency and their numbers are coming back I believe. Close game tho!
Harlequins v HVRU - both sides with a few years together as a unit. Think Valley's cohesion and experience might just be a step above at this point.
Raptors v Canterbury - It is third vs eighth so expecting it to go this way but will depend on Raptors' numbers again. Could Berries sneak the upset?
Renegades v Redfield - should be a good game of rugby if the rain stays away. Our forward pack vs their backs, basically
Back the boys!Epping v Maccabi - Home side looking to build some consistency and their numbers are coming back I believe. Close game tho!
Harlequins v HVRU - both sides with a few years together as a unit. Think Valley's cohesion and experience might just be a step above at this point.
Raptors v Canterbury - It is third vs eighth so expecting it to go this way but will depend on Raptors' numbers again. Could Berries sneak the upset?
Odyssey_Park the 2nd
Ted Fahey (11)
It’s all over the place as not everyone has played all the games but it does highlight the silliness of a 4 team final series in the 6 team divisions with sides currently in the 4 with 1-2 wins.
The whole final series is a mess in these divisions
Let it sing
Peter Burge (5)
Throwing it out there with no tips for Div 1 thus far -
Colleagues v Mosman - Going to go with the Moswood men whom have played some exciting footy so far in 2025 on the back of some good recruitment. Colleagues also a fair shout but Mosman to take the spoils in a tight one. Whales by 7
Blueys v Drummoyne - A traditional good match up of recent years that could see the scoreboard tick over heavily in favour of the Mountain men who will be wanting to return to normal operations after going down to the Whales in their last match at home. If Wessels returns from his full moon party expect this match by plenty. Blueys by 28.
Hunters Hill v Lindfield - Some great battles over the years between two clubs that like taking chunks out of each other. Heart says Lindfield but Head says Hunters Hill will be too good and win this one by 15. A classy team leading the pack in Kentwell but Lindfield will empty the tank.
Waverley v Newport - An interesting one. If played at Porters the match could be anything with a vocal Newport crowd. At Bondi and this could turn ugly. Waverley to romp home on the back of their bomb squad 21+
Colleagues v Mosman - Going to go with the Moswood men whom have played some exciting footy so far in 2025 on the back of some good recruitment. Colleagues also a fair shout but Mosman to take the spoils in a tight one. Whales by 7
Blueys v Drummoyne - A traditional good match up of recent years that could see the scoreboard tick over heavily in favour of the Mountain men who will be wanting to return to normal operations after going down to the Whales in their last match at home. If Wessels returns from his full moon party expect this match by plenty. Blueys by 28.
Hunters Hill v Lindfield - Some great battles over the years between two clubs that like taking chunks out of each other. Heart says Lindfield but Head says Hunters Hill will be too good and win this one by 15. A classy team leading the pack in Kentwell but Lindfield will empty the tank.
Waverley v Newport - An interesting one. If played at Porters the match could be anything with a vocal Newport crowd. At Bondi and this could turn ugly. Waverley to romp home on the back of their bomb squad 21+
Odyssey_Park the 2nd
Ted Fahey (11)
Irish with 17 fresh subs and UNSW looking for a Halligans game…. Surely there’s a match there that could be made.
I know it’s hard for Irish to confirm numbers at the start of the year but now they have the chance to come over teams in the 2nd half of the year with fresh subs. Hope Subbies is watching for next year.
I know it’s hard for Irish to confirm numbers at the start of the year but now they have the chance to come over teams in the 2nd half of the year with fresh subs. Hope Subbies is watching for next year.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
On the flipside: Lions tour year! If a horde of men in green decide to follow the tour around it'll make hard going for their numbers - and their livers!
MasterSergeant
Stan Wickham (3)
MasterSergeant
Stan Wickham (3)
Not quite right… great to see competitive games across all Div 1 teams. It took Newport a while but they seem to have sorted their defensive issues… watching the score on Fusesport it could have gone either way against a good Waves side. Colleagues on a roll and what has happened to Lindfield?
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Renegades v Redfield - should be a good game of rugby if the rain stays away. Our forward pack vs their backs, basically
Epping v Maccabi - Home side looking to build some consistency and their numbers are coming back I believe. Close game tho!
Harlequins v HVRU - both sides with a few years together as a unit. Think Valley's cohesion and experience might just be a step above at this point.
Raptors v Canterbury - It is third vs eighth so expecting it to go this way but will depend on Raptors' numbers again. Could Berries sneak the upset?
3 from 4.
The Quins/Valley result was closer than I thought it might be.
We got blown away by Redfield's clinical backline and sheer top speed. They hit the edges at will and you can tell the time training together is vastly different between the two clubs. Once again we had a completely rejigged backline, and while they're good players, it makes defence hard.
Interesting day at Sommerville - Epping winning all 3 games handily and racking up 150+ doing it. A fair few names back on team sheets - 45 personnel on the day in total which is a good sign. Perhaps this might be a bit of a launching pad for the second half of the season?
Numberthree
Bob McCowan (2)
Not much respect around here for Petersham this year. UNSW have already been handed the title by some. But the shammies are quietly going about their business, that was an absolute shellacking of Forest yesterday.
Here To Do
Sydney Middleton (9)
Division 2 Club Championship
| Club | Points |
| UNSW | 1205 |
| Petersham | 1114 |
| Forest | 655 |
| Sydney Irish | 646 |
| Briars | 643 |
| St Patrick's | 633 |
Very close at the top and bottom of Div 2 CC - if it stays like this, is there any argument to be made about potential pro-reg? Could we see 2 Div 1 teams dropped if Uni & Shammies are still this close? Could get very tasty - could Drummoyne be dropped with no other changes for 2x 7 team Div 1 and Div 2?
Odyssey_Park the 2nd
Ted Fahey (11)
Surely they must be looking at bringing Hills back up next year to make at least 7 in Div 2 regardless off pro/reg.
Currently leading the Club Champs with 1 less team than everyone else and a full schedule of 3rd grade games booked in for the rest of the year show that numbers are strong.
Then promote Redfield and Valley into Div 3 and bring up Merrylands and Manly into Div 5. Colts running seperate. Combine Div 4 and 6.
Div 1- 8 teams 14 rounds
Div 2- 7 teams 14 rounds with bye
Div 3- 7 teams 14 rounds with bye
Div 4 (old Div 5)- 8 teams 14 rounds
Div 5- 12 team comp- 12 rounds- Split comp into 2 top half play for Div 5 bottom Div 6. 6 team finish series.
Radford cup- All colts sides below Div 2 assuming al Div 3 sides don’t get Colts.
Odyssey_Park the 2nd
Ted Fahey (11)
UNSW play Petersham at home in Rd 10 which I assume will be for double points which will go a long way to splitting the two clubs