Western Sydney took another massive step forward last season under coach Sailosi Tagicakibau, but ultimately fell short of breaking their finals drought.

While a number of Two Blues have taken up professional opportunities on the back of their efforts last year, Tagicakibau is confident a combination of returning players, young talent and new recruits can help push the Two Blues further up the ladder in 2024.

Overview with Sailosi Tagicakibau:

“It was a tough summer with plenty of heat in Western Sydney but we got plenty of work in,” Tagicakibau told Rugby News. 

“We’ve had a fair bit of player movement and a number of our players from last year have left to join other clubs, plus we’ve added some new coaches so there’s been a lot to work on. 

“We’ve got a good core group at the club and everyone is on the same page heading into 2024. We’re working really hard to build a winning culture and all the players here want to be a part of that. 

“To be honest, last year is last year. It’s done now. It was really frustrating to come so close to finals footy and to miss out and I think that’s driving a few of the boys still. 

“More than anything, I think the boys are just really excited to get on the field and continue what we started in 2023. 

“Guys like Siti Moceidreke, Paula Waqa, Kaynan Tua and the Suesue brothers. They’ve all been here for a number of seasons now and have helped build this new era at the club. 

“When you throw in some of the new players we’ve added to the squad, it’s going to be exciting. 

“At Shute Shield level, it’s part of our job to develop players to play at the next level and we were able to help a number of Two Blues push on to professional rugby. 

“I think it’s been noticed by local players that those guys didn’t have to go and play elsewhere to get noticed. They picked up Super Rugby contracts from their efforts at the Two Blues in western Sydney and if the next generation of Two Blues realise that, the club is going to be in a really good place in the future. 

“In saying that, losing quality player does leave a hole but it also creates opportunities for others. We’ve got some younger players like Jerome Williams and Christian Papas who I’m excited to see step up this season, and we’ve recruited a few players who are looking for an opportunity.”

2024: 7th (9 wins, 9 losses)

Ins: Dan Falefa (France), Tovo Falefa (Auckland), Heremoni Nepo (Melbourne), George Risale (Japan), Reece Anapu (Perth), David Meki (North Harbour), Vunga Halaufia (Auckland), Nicholas Apikatoa (Wellington), Ezekiel Seia (Penrith), Tevita Wolske (Perth), Luke Nadurutalo (St Mary’s), Abel Magalogo (North Otago), Taqele Naiyaravoro (Japan), Danny Silivelio (Auckland), Filipo Sefulu (Auckland), Luka Kronfield Latu (Japan), Fredrick Mamea (Auckland), Hunter Cowen (West Harbour). 

Outs: Otu Mausia (Moana Pasifika), Irie Papuni (Moana Pasifika), Jacob Matiu (Japan),Rahboni Vosayaco (France), Tolu Latu (France), Nemani Nadolo (Retired) Jay Fonokalafi (Gordon), Faiva Faiva (Gordon), Tonga Tangitau (Warringah), Dane Terekia (Warringah), Josh Roberts (Warringah), Penitoa Faingaanuku (Warringah), Tristan Leffers (Warringah), Conor Tunks (Warringah) Ryan McMahon (Ireland), Austin Wallis (England), Solo Vosaicake (Randwick), Lepani Tuirara (Perth), Llew Smith (Spain), Jarod Leuta-Markey (USA).

Why style of rugby will we see from Western Sydney this year?

“We played our own brand of rugby, compared to everyone else, last year and I think the change in rules will really benefit that style. 

“I don’t think we need to change our style but we do need to sort out a few areas of our game that let us down last season. 

“Our discipline and decision making late in tight games is one of those. 

“We also want to make sure we’re on the same page through the trials so that we can start the season well and not need to chase teams down in the weeks leading into the finals.”

Player(s) to watch:

“I’m really excited to watch Reece and Rilloy Suesue again. They had a breakout year last season and were both in the Ken Catchpole (Medal) conversation. 

“Reece was second top points scorer in the competition and Rilloy was close to being the top tryscorer as well.

“They are both really important members of the club off the field as well and they seem to be heavily invested in getting the best out of our group. 

“Siti Moceidreke was also great in his first season back in rugby last year after spending time in league. He’s also spent some time with the Aussie 7s over summer. I think he’ll step up again this year.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final and why? 

“The Two Blues will be there. That’s our goal and we really believe we can do it,” Tagicakibau said. 

“If we had of snuck into the finals last year, I think we could beat anyone on our day and I don’t think anyone would of wanted to play a confident Two Blues team during a finals series.

“We play a brand of rugby that is different to the rest of the competition and if we can get that right, I’d back us to be there at the end of the season. 

“Easts have recruited really well and have appointed an experienced coach in Ben Batger. They’ll be a different side this year and I think they could push right up the ladder.”