From Woodside to the world stage

Published 6:00am 25 July 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Pictured: Back row from left - George Tagaloa, TJ Gutsell, Craig Newald, Siaosi Toleafoa, Jadin Donaldson, Luke Holland, David Nystrom. Front from left - Kianna Maclean, Rachael Harper, Jonathon Jeyes.

Thirteen players from Northlakes Snakes Oztag will next month take on the world.

Six have been selected for Australia, six for New Zealand and one the Australia/Ireland Exiles at the ITF Tag World Cup 2023.

This week all will fly 17,000kms to Limerick, on the west coast of Ireland, to prepare for the tournament on August 2-5.

Representing Australia are Rachael Harper (Mixed Opens); Jonathon Jeyes, Kianna Maclean and Jack Robinson (all Mixed Under 21s); Beau Ryan (Men’s 30); Craig Newald (Men’s 40 assistant coach).

In New Zealand’s colours will be Jadin Donaldson and Luke Holland (Men’s Open); Siaosi Toleafoa, George Tagaloa and Chris Fox (all Men’s 30); TJ Gutsell (Mixed Senior).

David Nystrom is in the combined Australia/Ireland squad for the Men’s 50 Exiles.

All play in Northlakes Oztag’s weekly competitions at Woodside Sports Complex and were selected for the World Cup after trials earlier this year.

“It’s amazing to have so many players from our club heading away to World Cup,” Bek Robertson, the Northlakes Oztag Venue Manager, said.

“It’s a huge achievement and they should be so proud.

“Many of them have played from young ages here at Northlakes Snakes over multiple seasons/ and state cups. It’s great to see all their hard work paying off and be recognised.

“They are great role models and great examples for our youth coming through the game ... and our club!”

Twenty nations are sending teams to the University of Limerick to compete in 13 age groups. Australia and New Zealand are among the favourites.

It will be the first Tag World Cup to be held in the northern hemisphere and was first awarded in 2019 only for it to be twice postponed due to COVID.

The International Tag Federation currently intends to run the Men's 21s (21 or younger on 2nd August 2023), Men's Open, Men's Seniors (30 or older in 2023), Men's 40s, Men's 50s and Men's 60s.

Mixed 21s (21 or younger on August 2, 2023), Mixed Open, Mixed Senior (Men 33 or older, women 30 or older, in 2023).

Women's 21s (21 or younger on August 2, 2023), Women's Open, Women's Seniors (30 or older in 2023) and Women's 40s