Peter (Parra) Montgomery
The Albury Thunder Reserve Grade team will meet Wagga Kangaroos in the Group 9 Reserve Grade Grand Final in Wagga Wagga next Sunday.
The Kangaroos scored a convincing 22-6 win over Gundagai Tigers, reversing the 18-12 defeat inflicted upon the Roos in the qualifying semi-final a fortnight ago.
Kangaroos finished second behind the unbeaten Thunder on the premiership ladder. The Clubs only met once during the home-and-away series, with the Thunder coming out on top 26-4 on that occasion in the match played at Greenfield Park.
Kangaroos were only beaten three times during the competition – once by SouthCity Bulls (28/6) , by Gundagai (12/8) and by the Thunder.
The Kangaroos provided the season’s leading try scorer (Khaileb CAMERON-PANI – 17 tries) and the season leading point scorer (Tyler JONES -148 points) so the team has plenty of strike power right through its ranks.
Jade Duroux is the leading point scorer for The Thunder with 86, while Tei Miti with 10 heads the try scorers, with Aiden Young 9, Ryley George 8, Bailey Muras 8, and Crete Waaka 8 figuring prominently in the top echelon of try posters in the competition.
There hasn’t been much difference between the teams in regard to the points scored and points conceded.
Thunder has scored 576 points compared to Kangaroos 590, but in defence, Thunder has conceded just 82 and Kangaroos 124.
Defence has been the corner-stone of much of the Thunder’s success during the season, with the team only conceding 17 tries to opponents in the 17 matches played.
The Thunder will field an experienced team, with several players having achieved personal ‘mile-stones’ with the number of games registered while in Thunder colours.
Calvin Tautari, Aidan Young control and Curtis Reid celebrated reaching ‘100 gamer’ status joining several others who had achieved the goal previously.
The selectors will have a tough time naming the squad for the match as there are so many good players to choose from.
The Thunder will be hoping to go ‘one better’ that 2024, when Gundagai Tigers scored late in the game to snatch an 18-16 win from the grips of The Thunder.
That was the last time the Thunder team had tasted defeat.
The Thunder will be chasing its first Reserve Grade premiership since 2012. It had won the Title in 2011 as the Thunder, and the year before as Lavington Panthers.
Wagga Kangaroos last won a Reserve Grade premiership in 1990.
Player Profiles: Albury Thunder Reserves
I have prepared ‘pen pictures’ of how I assess the form of players who will come under consideration –
Jade Duroux will carry the goal kicking duties for the team and has a pretty good conversion rate. Jade has scored 86 points in Reserve Grade, and has been safe as custodian at the back. Has the ability to finish off attacking raids, and is a safe defender who provides confidence at the back to the players ‘up front’. Was voted the Fans Best Player on Bartv in the Thunder’s win in the major semi final win over Gundagai Tigers.
Ryley George has been in great form on the wing, with strong carries back from kicks – runs hard and is a good finisher. Scored many terrific tries in the later part of the season, and keeps his opposite on their toes. Has formed a great combination with Crete Waaka and they have proven to be a ‘weapon’ on the right edge.
Brodie Ford can be a wrecker to any defence with his bulk, pace, vision and ability to off-load in traffic. Good defender, and will play a key part in the decider. Brodie straight running who will put his opponent under pressure all game.
Crete Waaka is a vastly experienced former NRL player with Cronulla Sharks who gives the Thunder the X factor. Brilliant in attack and outstanding defender who provides confidence to his less experienced team-mates.
Joe Hill is an outstanding junior who has shown maturity in stepping up to the higher grades. Played several first grade games this season, and handled the ‘rise in standard’ with ease.
Joe is just one of the many Under 18 stars who have developed their game in 2025, so as to give team-mates confidence they can do the job.
Noah Stead is another promising player who has fitted comfortably into higher grades during the past year. Noah is another who is comfortable in the backs or back-rower. He is going to be a good player in the future (actually is a good player NOW). Would not let anyone down.
Aidan Young and Keiran Ford are a ‘dynamic duo’ around the scrum base – a definite plus factor for the team.
Keiran was named as the (joint) Player of the Year for Group 9 Reserve Grade, with Aidan the runner-up.
Aidan operates one side of the ruck and Keiran the other and both have excellent kicking games. Individually they are both brilliant. Together they are amazing, able to capitalize on any opportunity that comes along. I rate them as a pair, as good as some pairing in first grade.
Aidan has the on-field captaincy, – an honour given to him for his coolness under pressure.
Elijah Tipene – at lock, is another experienced campaigner, with over 200 games behind him with the Thunder, and 10 years.
He is Mr Reliable and has had a lot to do with the development of the players in the Under 18 team – having been appointed coach this season.
Eli is a very good defender and good runner with the ball. He is a trump card.
Joshua Sharp – second row is a non-stop worker with a thirst to do the cleaning up work. He is 100% committed to the task, and has a very high work rate.
Tei Miti – has been a surprise packet this season. He started off as a winger, and quickly established himself in the Club by scoring ten tries, and becoming the team’s leading try scorer.
Since being switched to the right edge, he has shone as a back rower with the pace to cut off any breaks in defence. Tei is a quiet achiever who can carve up any defence with his pace.
Calvin Tautari – has worked hard all season to cement his place in the starting side, and made his first grade debut on the same day he achieved his 100th game.
The ‘big fella’ is a crowd favourite who can put a dent in the defensive line with his bullock-like charges with the ball.
Andrew Smith – The coach, he has been the lynch-pin of the team. Things happen when Smithy is involved in play. His control of the game from dummy half has been vital to the team’s success all season. He has the forwards running off him and is particularly dangerous close to the line. If the Thunder complete the season as undefeated Premier, a lot of the credit will go to Andrew’s contribution.
Connor McAleer – another ‘blue collar’ worker who goes about his business without fanfare. Just plugs away doing the hard yards, and gets through much of the tough stuff. Respect his contribution – a real team player.
Bailey Muras – a try scorer who has the ability to be in the right place at the right time. Loves scoring a try, and is dangerous running angles off his coach. Is equally at home in any position in the pack. Quality player.
Bailey Young – Evasive player who provides pace out of dummy half. Has an eye for an opening and another player who can get the team on the front foot with a burst from the ruck.
Sam Lulia – Ideal replacement player who can handle half back/hooker. Vastly experienced player with lots of first grade experience under his belt. Plenty to offer in attack and defence, and has a good kicking game.
Wayde Burfoot – Rangy player who is comfortable in forwards or backs. Has spent most of the latter part of the season in the back row, where his height has been used to advantage. Another good player to have coming from the bench.
Sev Mahoni – Another big body player who comes on and plays a similar type game as Big Calvin, wearing out opposition with fearless charges into the defence
Joel Vincent Marriott – Joel has plenty of first grade experience and will give the match his best shot if he gets a run in the decider. Equally at home in front row or edge forward.
Sam Brodie – Sam is a powerful prop who puts the Thunder on the front foot with his powerful charges into the defence. Can off load in traffic, and has the stamina to change the course of a match. Underrated player.
Wagga Kangaroos Team List
1. Fullback – Tyson Williams
2. Winger – Chantz Carey
3. Centre – Khaileb Cameron-Pani
4. Centre – Matthew Murphy
5. Winger – Mitchell Pippin
6. Five-Eighth – Lachie Cole
7. Halfback (C) – Tyler Jones
8. Prop – Heath Redman
9. Hooker – Wil Hurst
10. Prop – Lachlan Jolliffe
11. Second Row – Nathan Clarke
12. Second Row – Adam Magnone
13. Lock – Jared Cochrane
14. Interchange – Nayte Cunneen
15. Interchange – Noah Lynch-Ridley
16. Interchange – Jack Howard
17. Interchange – Lachlan Hutchison
18. Interchange – Sam Bramich
19. Interchange – John Fotuaika
20. Interchange – Will Brown
21. Interchange – Noah Killeen
22. Interchange – Shawn Ray Pafalani
Battlers For Bush Footy 