The coaching staff at the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles have wasted little time in building a strong playing roster for next year’s Intrust Super Premiership season.
Following a partnership with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, the new Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles will play in the NSWRL intrust Super Premiership under Coach Pat Weisner in 2017. Contracted Manly Sea Eagles players not selected in the NRL team will be available to play for Blacktown.
The H.E. Laybutt Field at the Blacktown Workers Club is the home ground.
Here is the current list of players signed and contracted to Blacktown Workers with a description from Head Coach Pat Weisner.
New signings:
Sione Masima (pictured) - signed for 2017-18. Position: Second row. Previous Club: Cronulla
Pat Weisner says: "Sione has been training the house down since the start of the preseason and we are pleased to finally have his signature. The only thing stopping Sione playing in the NRL again is fitness and game time and at 23 years old there is no reason he cant play at that level again. He adds quality to all of our sessions and I can see his desire has returned. He will be a handful for the opposition this season".
Brendan Attwood - signed for 2017-18. Position: Lock/second row. Previous Club: Penrith
Pat Weisner says: “Brendan is a quality player who has been full-time at Penrith after coming through their junior system. He is probably the fittest player in our club and although he is only 22, he will be a senior player and leader in our group. He is another player who I'm sure will grab the attention of the Manly NRL club during the next 2 seasons."
Nick Kassis – signed for 2017. Representative: Lebanon International, Position: Forward: Previous Club: Wentworthville Magpies
Pat Weisner says: "I coached Nick 5 years ago and have seen him develop into a genuine NSW Cup player since then. He played in virtually every NSW Cup game for Wentworthville last season and was one of their best week in week out. He is another player hoping to cement his World Cup place with Lebanon with a strong season here and we will give him every opportunity to do that."
Kurt Aldridge - signed for 2017. Position: Half/Hooker. Previous Club: Newcastle Knights.
Pat Weisner says: "Kurt has played plenty of NSW Cup over the last 3 seasons for Newcastle, Manly and Norths. He knows what it takes to play at this level. He is still only young and has his best football in front of him. We have been really impressed with his competitiveness and fitness this pre-season and are excited about his potential.”
Tom Amone – signed for 2017. Position: Prop/lock/second-rower. Representative: Junior Kiwi/Australian Schoolboys. Previous Club: Parramatta Eels.
Pat Weisner says: "Tom had a big year last year making the Junior Kiwis team vs Australia from the under 20s at Parramatta. There were plenty of clubs who wanted his signature and we are delighted he has chosen Blacktown and our pathway to the Manly Sea Eagles as his future. He has great footwork and was one of the most skilful forwards in the under 20s last season. I believe that he will be pushing for the NRL sooner rather than later if he works hard and stays committed".
Jacob Samoa - signed for 2017. Representative: NIUE International. Position: Lock/second-row/hooker. Previous Club: Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Pat Weisner says:"I wanted Jake to join us 12 months ago but as a club we weren't in a position to offer a player with 80 Queensland Cup games a pathway to a higher level. Once the step up to NSW Cup was confirmed, we immediately had Jake in our plans again. We can’t wait to he pulls on our jersey. He is a tough, versatile player who lets his actions do the talking on the field. Having him make the move to our club from the Sunshine Coast Falcons shows the huge progress Blacktown has made in the last 12 months".
Viliame Kaveinga – signed for 2017. Position: Fullback/wing. Previous Club: New Zealand Warriors.
Pat Weisner says: “Viliame is a quality outside back and has made the move to Sydney from New Zealand for the 2017 season. He is an exciting player when in full flight and I can't wait to see him the Workers Sea Eagles colours next year".
Haimona Hiroti - signed for 2017. Position: Second row/lock/centre. Previous Club: South Sydney
Pat Weisner says: “Haimona is a very talented back-rower and has excelled at under 20s level. There was a lot of interest in Haimona from other clubs and we are very happy to have him at Blacktown.”
Kyle Eather - signed for 2017. Position: Full-back/five-eighth. Previous Club: Illawarra Cutters.
Pat Weisner says: "Kyle missed most of 2016 with injury but at his best is one of the most dangerous ball runners in the NSW Cup. We expect big things from Kyle with a huge pre-season under his belt".
Manaia Rudolph - signed for 2017. Position: Five-eighth/full-back. Previous Clubs: Manly Sea Eagles, Wests Tigers.
Pat Weisner says: "Manaia is a top quality player. He can play a number of positions and has great attacking ability. He has handled the NSW Cup level for a couple of seasons".
Pat Mataele - signed for 2017. Position: Back-rower. Previous Club: Mounties
Pat Weisner says: "Pat has been a standout player for Mounties the past couple of seasons and we are excited to have him with us. His experience will be invaluable and we hope to make Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles his home for the next few seasons"
Charlie Faingaa – signed for 2017-18. Position: Prop. Previous Clubs: St.George Illawarra Dragons, Redcliffe Dolphins.
Pat Weisner says: "Charlie is a huge signing. He has dominated in Qld Cup and played in the Grand final last season. To have a player of Charlie's calibre sign for 2 years is massive and we expect him to be in Manly’s thoughts throughout the season.”
James Goring - signed for 2017. Position: Outside back. Previous Clubs: Wests Magpies, Windsor Wolves.
Pat Weisner says: “James has had a couple of very good seasons in the Ron Massey Cup competition for both Wests and Windsor. He has always performed well against us so we are very happy to have him in our squad for 2017.
Josiah Tamasi- signed for 2017. Representative: NIUE international. Position: Lock/2nd Row. Previous Club: Wentworthville Magpies
Pat Weisner says: "We have been after Josiah for a couple of seasons and are happy to have finally landed our man. He was a stand out against South Africa in Niue's recent Test series and adds some real toughness to our forwards.”
Abraham El-Zakhem - signed for 2017. Representative: Lebanon International. Position: Outside back. Previous Club: Auburn Warriors.
Pat Weisner says: "Abraham is a proven try scorer at Ron Massey Cup level. With the World Cup at the end of next year, we expect a big season from both Abraham and new signing Richard Coorey as they push for spots in the Lebanon team".
Evrett Vaurasi - signed for 2017. Position: Backrower. Representative Career: Australian Junior Kangaroos. Previous Clubs: Windsor, Illawarra.
Pat Weisner says:"Evrett has a lot of experience and will be a great addition to the club. He is looking to restart his career with us and looks in great shape to achieve his goals. I am excited to see him in our colours this season"
Amanaki and Kelepi Manu -signed for 2017. Previous Club: Parramatta Eels.
Pat Weisner says: “The twinbrothers have come through Melbourne Storms junior system and had some injuries last season at Parramatta which stalled their progression. The two boys have what it takes to play at a higher level and we expect breakthrough seasons from both of them in 2017.”
Mario El Boustani – signed for 2017. International: Lebanon International. Position: Utility. Previous Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Pat Weisner says: “Mario can play a number of positions and had a good year for the Bulldogs last season. We look forward to seeing him in the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles colours in 2017.”
Sarafu Fatiaki- signed for 2017. Position: Back-rower. Previous Club: Penrith Panthers, Redcliffe Dolphins.”
Pat Weisner says: “The 26 year old backrower has played NRL for the Penrith Panthers and has to plenty to offer this team.”
Richard Coorey - signed for 2017-18. Representative: Lebanon International. Positon: Prop. Previous Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Pat Weisner says: Richie has a very good offload and has plenty of potential. He is another player hoping to be selected for Lebanon in the 2017 World Cup by having a big season this year.”
Shane Kiel – signed for 2017-18. Position: Back-rower. Previous Club: Penrith Panthers.
Pat Weisner says: "Shane comes to us from a very good Penrith Holden Cup team. He is training very hard and has excelled in our testing. He looks set to take the step up into NSW Cup at some stage this season and is one for the future."
Maliko Filino –signed for 2017-18. Position: Utility. Previous Club: Penrith Panthers.
Pat Weisner says: “Maliko is another very talented player from Penrith's NSW Cup squad who joins us. He can play numerous positions due to his hard running and speed and has enormous potential. He is very coachable and a popular member of our club"
Saia Tanginoa - signed for 2017.Position: Wing/Fullback. Previous Club: Wentworthville Magpies
Pat Weisner says: “Saia was outstanding for us in 2015 and only left for an opportunity in rugby union. He was one of the first players we spoke to about Intrust Cup in 2017 and we are excited to see him back in our squad.”
John Sila – signed for 2017-18. Position: Wing. Previous Clubs: Wests Tigers, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Pat Weisner says: “John is 23-years-old and is a former Tigers and Bulldogs NSW Cup player. He scored an unbelievable 42 tries in 31 games in the NYC. He has so much talent. His previous clubs would have expected John to play in the NRL at some stage and although this didn’t eventuate, I can’t see why it can’t happen at Manly.”
Andy Fiagatusa – signed for 2017-18. Position: Prop. Previous Club: Wests Tigers.
Pat Weisner says: “We have always had a high opinion of Andy. He has played plenty of NSW Cup for the Tigers and whenever he played for the Wests Magpies against us he was a standout performer. He has good leg speed, runs great lines and is very tough. I'm really happy to have him with us for 2 years".
John Tohi - signed for 2017-18. Position: wing/centre Previous club: Wests Tigers
Pat Weisner says: “John is an exciting talent who joins us from the Tigers. He is a good finisher and has NSW Cup and Holden Cup experience and will be in the mix for Round 1"
Will Solway - signed for 2017-18. Position: Prop Previous Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Pat Weisner says: "Will is a very promising prop forward. He has dominated at Ron Massey Cup level and earned himself a Bulldogs contract in 2016 and featured in their NSW Cup team. He is a late developer and gets better every season and the next 2 years will be his best two. He could be the surprise package this season"
Ray Lesoa - signed for 2017-18. Position: Centre/wing/fullback Previous club: Penrith Panthers.
Pat Weisner says: "Ray is an elusive outside back who broke into Penriths NSW Cup team at the back end of last season. He handled the step up with ease and is another player with huge potential"
Chris Aunese-Scanlan - signed for 2017-18. Position: Wing. Previous club: Penrith Panthers.
Pat Weisner says: "Like Ray Lesoa, Chris forced his way into Penriths NSW Cup team at the back end of the season. He has always been one of the top wingers in the Ron Massey Cup and is another player who is hoping to become a NSW Cup regular at Blacktown Sea Eagles".
George Tsikrikas - signed for 2017. Position: Prop/Lock/Second row: Previous club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
"George was a regular on the bench for the Bulldogs NSW Cup team and another who has plenty of improvement left in him. He has excellent leg speed for a forward and busts tackles regularly. He is training well and has been a great addition to us already"
Matthew Fukofuka - signed 2017-18. Position: wing/centre Previous club: Burwood.
Pat Weisner says: "Matthew is a former Australian Schoolboy and a player who dominated his age groups. He excelled at the Canterbury- Bankstown Bulldogs coming through their juniors but lost his way a little bit after the Holden Cup. He has regained his desire and if he strikes his best form then he is another who could surprise everyone and have a massive year. He has huge talent."
Jake Kamire - signed 2017. Position: Prop. Previous club: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Pat Weisner says: "Jake is another big man who joins us from the Bulldogs. He was fulltime last season and is a dangerous weapon in attack when he is fit. Im expecting him to be knocking on the door for NSW Cup once he is fit".
Ray Lesoa - signed for 2017-18. Position: Full-back/wing/centre. Previous Club: Penrith Panthers
Pat Weisner says: "Ray is an elusive outside back who broke into Penriths NSW Cup team at the back end of last season. He handled the step up with ease and is another player with huge potential".
Tyler Cassel - signed for 2017. Position: Second-row/lock/centre: Previous Club: Wests Tigers. Representative: Scotland (2016 Four Nations).
Pat Weisner says: "Tyler had great 2016 season picking up the Players Player award for the Tigers' NSW cup team and featuring in the NRL 9s last February. He also played against England in the Four Nations tournament at the age of 21 and he is another of our players who has a genuine goal to reach the NRL. We are extremely happy to have him on board".
Click here to see the list of players Blacktown Workers re-signed from 2016.
