As the Vawdon Cup taps off tomorrow night, the stage is set for thrilling matches, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments in both the Men’s and Women’s Premier Leagues.
The new and revamped competition taps off tomorrow night, featuring 108 teams competing across 14 divisions. The changes in format aim to create a more streamlined competition during the warmer months and serve as a lead-up to the State Cup.
One of the most significant adjustments is the shift from two 20-minute halves to a 30-minute Turnaround, with double headers scheduled on alternate weeks. This exciting new format promises to enhance the pace and intensity of the games, providing players and spectators alike with an exhilarating touch football experience. As the anticipation builds for the opening round, all eyes will be on reigning Club Champions, the Penrith Panthers. Can they emulate their NRL cousins and achieve an impressive four-peat.
In the Men’s Premier League the Parramatta Eels will be looking to go back to back. Always a strong presence, they will look to leverage their experience and determination to capture the title again. Or will the Central Coast Dolphins, the current state champions, rise to the occasion and dethrone them?
The Dolphins have proven themselves as formidable contenders, making for an exciting showdown as they seek to capitalise on their recent success. The Bankstown Jets, who promised much in 2023 but fell short, will be keen to turn their fortunes around and make a statement
this season. You can never count out the Panthers and they too will be looking to recapture the title they last held in 2022.
The Northern Beaches Renegades, fresh off a strong 2023 campaign, will aim to build on their momentum and surprise some established teams. Adding to the intrigue is the arrival of newcomers, Sharks Touch Football, who bring a young but promising roster to the Premier League, ready to make their mark in a competitive environment.
In the Women’s Premier League, the all-conquering Manly Sea Eagles will be gunning for their own four-peat. Their biggest challengers are likely to come from the Canterbury Bulldogs and Eastern Suburbs Roosters, who have shown significant promise and depth in their squads. The Northern Beaches Renegades could emerge as one of the biggest challenges to stop Manly from achieving a four-peat this season.
Wallsend and Penrith will return to the Premier League after a notable absence, eager to reclaim their place among the elite. Both have young rosters and will be looking to impress against the more fancied opposition. The Western Suburbs Magpies appear to be entering a rebuilding phase in 2024, and it will be interesting to see how they perform this season.
The Northern Suburbs Bears are another newcomer, stepping up in class to test themselves against the best, adding fresh talent to the competition.
Men’s Premier League Teams
- Bankstown Jets
- Canterbury Bulldogs
- Central Coast Dolphins
- Hornsby Lions
- Manly Sea Eagles
- Northern Beaches Renegades
- Parramatta Eels
- Penrith Panthers
- Sharks Touch Football
- Western Suburbs Magpies
Women’s Premier League Teams
- Canterbury Bulldogs
- Central Coast Dolphins
- Eastern Suburbs Roosters
- Hills Hornets
- Manly Sea Eagles
- Northern Beaches Renegades
- Northern Suburbs Bears
- Penrith Panthers
- Wallsend Wolves
- Western Suburbs Magpies
Players to Watch
The Vawdon Cup promises to showcase some incredible talent, with standout players ready
to make an impact.
Bella Slattery, the Eastern Suburbs speedster, recently shone at her first Women’s Open World Cup for Australia. Her speed and agility will be pivotal for the Roosters’ attacking strategies this season if they are to challenge for the title.
Rachel Jeffs, a Newcastle powerhouse, brings her experience to the Hills Hornets for Vawdon Cup, where she will be instrumental in guiding a young lineup. Jeffs, returning from a successful World Cup campaign with the Emus Women’s Open team, is expected to drive her team forward with her wealth of knowledge and experience to look to spring more than a few surprises this season.
Chris Lennon seems to be the name on everyone’s watch list. After a breakout season in 2023, where he dominated the competition, he will look to carry that momentum into this year. Having represented Australia in the Mixed Open at the 2024 World Cup, he is on the cusp of breaking into both the NSW and Australian Men’s Open teams. The Dolphins have a talented line up, but with Lennon making the play, they might just topple the Panthers this year.
Jordan Marshall-King is the game-breaker to keep an eye on. Known for rediscovering his best form recently, he comes off a stellar performance for the Emus Men’s Open at the World Cup and is poised to make a significant impact in the Premier League this season. If he fires the Ells will be right in the mix come finals times.
