by admin | Feb 11, 2026 | Latest News
Ross Thomas is widely regarded as a legend of the game, and once again he has shown why, continuing to give back to Oztag in ways that go well beyond what is expected.
While all coaches commit significant time and energy to preparing their teams, what Ross has done for his Australian Tagaroos Women’s 47s team stands out as truly special.
With the Women’s 47s squad split between New South Wales and Queensland, Ross refused to let geography become a barrier to preparation. Instead, he adapted, planned, and quite literally went the extra mile to ensure every athlete received the same level of attention and opportunity.
On Sunday, February 1, Ross, who is based in Kiama, made the trip to the Central Coast to run a training session for the NSW-based members of the squad. But the journey didn’t stop there.
The following day, Ross continued north of the border to deliver training for the Queensland-based players, ensuring the entire team was prepared, connected and aligned ahead of upcoming commitments.
Queensland-based team member Lisa Jovaisa spoke about the impact of Ross’ dedication:
“Ross’s commitment and investment to the team is unquestionable. Travelling from Wollongong, holding a session on the Central Coast for the southern players and then continuing all the way to the Gold Coast for a training run with the northern NSW/QLD players, Ross made it very clear that connecting with and supporting his players is something that he truly values.”
She also highlighted the experience Ross brings to the role:
“His passion for the game is undeniable, having represented Australia as a player many times himself.”
Ross’ efforts are a reminder of the people who underpin the success of Oztag at every level. Coaches like Ross don’t just prepare teams they build environments where players feel valued, supported and inspired.
Australian Oztag acknowledges and thanks Ross Thomas for his outstanding commitment to the Tagaroos Women’s 47s, and for continuing to set the standard for what giving back to the game truly looks like.
by admin | Feb 3, 2026 | Latest News
Whether you’re chasing your first tag or your next championship, Northern Beaches Oztag is your home for fun, fast-paced and inclusive competition. As the official Oztag competition on the Northern Beaches, we offer year-round junior and senior competitions for all ages and skill levels. With a strong focus on teamwork, development and community, there’s a place for everyone on the field — so get involved, stay active, and join the tag family.
The 2025 Northern Beaches Oztag season marked another strong year for the association, highlighted by major growth and milestone achievements. The club competed at the NSW State Championships for the first time, fielding five junior teams and four senior teams. With Winter and Summer competitions growing by over 100%, the depth of talent across all age groups increased significantly, leading to our debut at the Australian Championships with five junior teams and one senior team. This campaign was a standout success, with four of the six teams progressing to finals in their respective divisions.
2026 marks the Year of the Ducks! Following a full club rebrand, the Ducks identity represents resilience, unity and the proud Northern Beaches community — teams that stay together, work hard and rise when it matters most. In February and March, Northern Beaches Oztag will take its largest-ever representative contingent to the NSW State Championships, fielding 10 teams across Junior, Junior Mixed and Senior divisions, setting the stage for an exciting and ambitious year ahead. QUACK QUACK
For more information on upcoming competitions, registration details, and everything Northern Beaches Oztag, please click the link above to visit our website.
NOTE: Get Tagged (Manly Eagle Tag) is not affiliated with Oztag and are not allowed to play the rules of Oztag. Any player not participating in an official Oztag competition will not be able to play in any representative tournaments of Oztag i.e. State Cup, Nationals, Interstate Series or World Cup
by admin | Feb 2, 2026 | Latest News
Movement Five is a disability support service where like-minded individuals on the NDIS come together to connect, form a community all while working towards their NDIS goals. What began as a search for a social sporting outlet has grown into something far more meaningful, a place of belonging, confidence and community through Oztag.
Owned and operated by Kaela and James Asquith, Movement Five entered a social team into Kiama Oztag a couple years ago. After seeing the overwhelmingly positive response from both clients and staff, they haven’t looked back.
Why Oztag
For Kaela, the decision to choose Oztag, and Kiama specifically, was an easy one.
“I think Oztag as a sport, and especially Kiama Oztag, have created such a great social and welcoming environment that when we looked to enter a team into a social sport, we knew it had to be Oztag,” Kaela said.
She explained that while many Movement Five clients played team sports growing up, opportunities often become limited once they reach adulthood.
“A lot of our young adult clients played sport growing up in teams, but when they move into adulthood their options are often limited to disability-specific programs. Many of our clients are so capable, and having them play in a social team with us brings so much camaraderie and bond between us all.”
More Than Just a Game
Movement Five quickly saw the broader benefits that Oztag could offer, not only physically, but socially and mentally. Being part of a team environment has helped clients build confidence, stay active, and form meaningful connections both on and off the field.
The camaraderie between clients and staff has been one of the most powerful outcomes, something co-owner James Asquith has seen firsthand.
“The clients have really bought in. It’s something for them to look forward to each week, and the chat from the games seems to linger right through the week, whether it’s stories about tries they should have scored or the banter about who’s missing tags.”
Movement Five has recognised that once people with disabilities finish high school, there are fewer opportunities to be involved in mainstream team sports. Associations like Kiama Oztag have helped fill that gap, offering an inclusive environment where players feel valued, challenged and supported.
Australian Oztag is proud that Kiama Oztag continues to provide a space where everyone can participate and feel part of the wider sporting community.
Giving Back on Game Day
The Movement Five team’s impact extends beyond taking the field.
Twice a week, Movement Five clients, alongside a staff member, assist Kiama Oztag in running game day operations. From helping at the sign-in desk and directing teams to the correct fields, to checking referees are present and sounding the siren for games, they are there every week greeting players and supporting the smooth running of the competition.
Their involvement has become a valued part of game day at Kiama, reinforcing the sense of community and shared ownership across the competition.
Kiama Oztag Association Manager Kieron Duncan shared how much the Movement Five team has meant to the competition.
“Having the Movement Five team in our competition brings so much happiness to all of us involved including the referees, opposition and of course the team itself,” Duncan said.
“Watching the team compete each week while reaching personal milestones is incredibly rewarding. They bring so much energy and encouragement to each other every week, and so much enjoyment to everyone involved.”
Milestones, Memories and Tries
For the players themselves, it’s about teamwork, enjoyment and of course, scoring tries.
Client Adam summed it up simply, saying he loves the teamwork and crossing the line. And judging by the numbers, he’s doing just that, with close to 20 tries scored in the most recent season, he’s become a familiar name on the scoresheet.
The Movement Five team at Kiama Oztag is about more than wins and losses. It’s about connection, confidence, laughter, and shared experiences. It’s a reminder of the power sport has to bring people together and the difference inclusive competitions can make.
Australian Oztag congratulates Movement Five, Kiama Oztag, and everyone involved for showing what community sport is truly about.
by admin | Jan 27, 2026 | Latest News
Over the past four years, Queensland Oztag has continued to invest strongly in referee development, sending 20 junior referees each year to New Zealand to officiate at their Junior Nationals tournament.
The initiative has provided young referees with invaluable international experience, exposing them to high-level competition, different playing styles, and the responsibilities that come with officiating on a bigger stage.
A Landmark Moment in 2025
In 2025, the program reached a significant milestone with the selection of an all-girls junior referee squad. A total of 20 female referees, all aged between 15 and 18, travelled to New Zealand, supported by three experienced female adult referees who acted as supervisors and mentors throughout the tour.
All referees were based on the Gold Coast, representing Tweed Coast, Miami, Labrador and Coomera Oztag, and officiated across the 13s to 16s divisions at the tournament.
The tour marked a powerful step forward for female representation in officiating, providing young women with meaningful opportunities to lead, grow, and represent Queensland Oztag on an international stage.
The tour was funded by the referees, who worked together to raise the necessary funds through fundraising initiatives and by volunteering in the canteen at Labrador Oztag. Their efforts highlighted not only their passion for officiating, but their willingness to invest in their own development, a testament to the dedication and professionalism already being shown at such a young age.
Building the Future of Officiating
Programs like this are vital to the long-term strength of Oztag. By creating opportunities for junior referees, particularly young women, Queensland Oztag continues to build a sustainable, inclusive and high-quality officiating pathway.
Australian Oztag congratulates all referees involved, along with the associations that supported them, for setting a standard that will inspire the next generation of officials across the country.
by admin | Jan 20, 2026 | Latest News
Australian Oztag is proud to celebrate the continued growth of women and girls in sport, with NSW Oztag’s Junior State Championships setting the benchmark for female participation at state championship level.
As the largest Junior State Championships NSW Oztag has ever delivered, the 2026 event represents a significant milestone, not just in scale, but in opportunity and inclusion. Across both Junior State Cup tournaments:
• 9–11s in St Marys, February 6–8
• 12–17s in Coffs Harbour, February 20–22
female participation will sit at an impressive 47% overall, a figure rarely seen across junior state-level sport.
Even more notably, the 12s–17s divisions will see female participation reach 49%, placing junior Oztag at the forefront of gender balance in competitive sport.
These numbers reflect a competition where girls are not only participating, they are thriving, competing, and leading at the highest junior levels.
Setting the Standard in Junior Sport
With hundreds of teams competing across two major tournaments, the Junior State Cup continues to position itself as a leader in participation, inclusion and opportunity.
At a time when many sports are working to grow female involvement, NSW Oztag’s Junior State Championships are already setting the standard, creating an environment where girls feel welcome, supported, and inspired to compete.
This achievement highlights the strength of Oztag’s pathways and the culture built by associations, coaches, families and volunteers across the state.
From Junior State Cup to Elite Sport
The impact of junior female participation extends far beyond the field. Many athletes who began their journey at Junior State Cup have gone on to achieve at the highest levels of sport, including NRLW.
One such example is Tayla Preston, who spent much of her junior career competing at State Cup before progressing to elite rugby league. Her journey highlights the importance of accessible pathways and competitive opportunities for young female athletes.
Reflecting on her experience, Preston said sport played a vital role in shaping who she is today.
“Participation in sport plays a powerful role in empowering young females. It builds confidence, self-belief and creates opportunities to form lifelong connections with teammates who share similar values and ambitions.”
She credits Oztag and junior competitions with helping develop key life skills such as leadership, resilience, teamwork and discipline, qualities that carried through into her NRLW career.
“I began playing Oztag at the age of five and, more than 21 years later, I am still playing. Sport has shaped my character, given me lifelong friendships and opened doors to new career pathways.”
With more pathways, visibility and opportunities than ever before, Preston believes it’s an exciting time for young girls to be involved in sport, whether as athletes, leaders or future role models.
“Sport has empowered me both on and off the field, and I hope to inspire the next generation of young girls to believe in themselves and chase every opportunity sport can offer.”
The Future of Women’s Sport
Australian Oztag and NSW Oztag are proud to celebrate this milestone and the young girls who continue to shape the future of the game.
With Junior State Championships fast approaching the next generation of female athletes is set to take centre stage once again.
Make sure to follow NSW Oztag across social platforms to keep up to date with all the action, highlights and stories from Junior State Cup.
by admin | Nov 14, 2025 | Latest News
Held last month at the James Hardie Centre of Excellence in Parramatta, the inaugural Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championships signalled a major step forward for school-level Oztag. The event brought together high-calibre male and female athletes from across New South Wales for a day of elite competition and school pride.
Talent on Display
From the opening whistle, the level of competition reflected the calibre of athletes selected. Players representing their schools, many of whom have worn the Australian Schoolboys jersey or hold current NRL and NRLW contracts, demonstrated why this invitational is poised to become the pinnacle of school Oztag competition.
Felipe Fakauho and Dwayne Jennings, 2025 Australian Schoolboy teammates.
Schools represented included:
Boys:
Illawarra Sports High School
Central Coast Sports College
Westfields Sports High School
All Saints College Maitland
Patrician Brothers Blacktown
Matraville Sports High School
Cronulla High School
The Hills Sports High School
Girls:
St Catherines School
Illawarra Sports High School
Central Coast Sports College
Westfields Sports High School
All Saints College Maitland
Matraville Sports High School
The Hills Sports High School
Cronulla High School
The depth of talent on display was remarkable, with numerous players already representing Australian Schoolboys or holding NRL and NRLW development and playing contracts. This elite concentration of skill reinforces the prestigious nature of the Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational, setting it apart as one of the most competitive and respected youth tournaments in the country.
Standout players included (brackets denote NRL or NRLW contracts and/or representative level):
- Westfields Sports High School: Liam Martin (Parramatta), Jerome Cosgrove (Wests), Sala Tamati (Parramatta), Iszak Isdale (Wests), Hayden Bell (Parramatta), Lenny Satler (Parramatta)
- All Saints College Maitland: Riley Rostrom (Knights), Chase Butler (Knights), Charlie Jones (Dragons), Benji Thompson (Knights), Xavier Atkinson (Knights), Cody Field (Dragons), Rico Elers (Knights)
- Central Coast Sports College: Dwayne Jennings (Souths, Australian Schoolboys), Carter Mareko (Roosters, NSW U17s), Sienna Thomas (Roosters)
- Illawarra Sports High School: Api Amone (Dragons), Noah Fitzgerald (Dragons), Mason Andrews (Dragons, NSW U17s), Mace Schofield (Panthers), Hunter Fangupo (Dragons), Seluki Halangahu (Dragons), Ella Churchill (Dragons)
- Matraville Sports High School: Tristan Ross (Roosters), Ravai Tulevu (Roosters), Felipe Fakauho (Roosters, Australian Schoolboys)
- Patrician Brothers Blacktown: Amos Viiga (Penrith), Charlie Xuereb (Penrith), Steven Whalan (Penrith), Cobi McCloskey (Parramatta), Caleb Zarah (Roosters), Bailey Louge (Raiders)
Patrician Brothers Blacktown and Illawarra Sports High representatives.
Championship Results
The Inaugural Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championships concluded with thrilling grand finals that reflected the quality and competitiveness of the event.
Girls Opens
Champs: Westfields Sports High School
Runners Up: Central Coast Sports College
In an incredible finish, the Girls Final went into extra time, with Westfields Sports High edging out Central Coast Sports College in a golden-point victory to claim the inaugural title.
Boys Opens
Champs: Illawarra Sports High School
Runners Up: Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown
The Boys Final was a high-intensity contest, with Illawarra Sports High securing a 6–2 win over Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown, showcasing their class and composure across the park.
Building the Future of School Oztag
The success of this tournament reinforces the vision behind the Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championship, to create an elite pathway for student-athletes and establish a platform where the best schools from across Australia and New Zealand can compete annually.
In 2026, invitations will be extended to leading Queensland schools, following the success of the Queensland Oztag All Schools competition, as well as to the New Zealand School Champions and other invited international schools.
The future of the Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championships will see the event evolve into the premier test of school-level Oztag excellence, bringing together elite programs and the most talented young players across the region.
Looking Ahead
Several leading education institutions such as Newington College, St Joseph’s College (Joeys) and others opted not to participate in this year and missed a prime opportunity to test their sporting credentials on a level playing field. Organisers are confident of their involvement in future Championships which will further elevate the competition’s prestige as international schools are invited to play.
In many ways, this event presents a rare and exciting opportunity, a stage where the powerhouse rugby league schools can finally go head-to-head with the elite rugby union programs. The Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational has the potential to answer the age-old question of who truly are the best student athletes in the country, a challenge that will only intensify as more schools take part in years to come.
“This event is about bringing the best together, school pride, elite talent, and the next generation of Oztag players,” said Luke Manahan, Chief Operating Officer of Australian Oztag. “We’ve seen what’s possible when some of the most talented young athletes in Australia take the field. Chris Cowan, Mark Andrews and I are committed to building this tournament into the benchmark for school Oztag.”
A Milestone Moment
Chris Cowan CEO of Australian Oztag and Chairman of the International Tag Federation noted that “the inaugural Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational Championships has laid the groundwork for what will become one of the most anticipated events on the Oztag calendar. With elite schools, representative players, and top-tier facilities, this event represents the future of school Oztag and the opportunity of schools to compete on an international stage.”
Continued Growth in the Sport of Oztag
Female participation now accounts for approximately 40% of all Oztag players across Australia, contributing to a record-breaking 230,000 participants nationwide in 2025.
This continued growth is reinforced by athletes such as Sienna Thomas, who was also a finalist for NSW Oztag’s Female Rising Star of the Year, and Ella Churchill, both of whom embody the high standard of skill and dedication now emerging through school-level competition.
Ella Churchill and Sienna Thomas contracted NRLW players.
Events like the Australian Oztag All Schools Invitational not only highlight the depth of talent among both male and female athletes but also strengthen Oztag’s pathway from grassroots to elite representation. Australian Oztag looks forward to seeing this tournament continue to drive participation and growth, not only across Australia but internationally, as more schools and nations join in the years ahead.
