In an impressive display of local talent, four players from the Thirroul Butchers—Archie Wheeler, Flynn O’Mara, Jake Cunningham, and Ryder Brown—made significant contributions to the Illawarra South Coast Dragons during the recent Laurie Daley Cup competition.?
The 4 Butcher Boys Back: (L to R) Jake Cunningham, Archie Wheeler and Ryder Brown Front: Flynn O’Mara
The Dragons opened their campaign with a dominant 34-8 win over the Western Rams. Archie Wheeler’s long-range break set up a key try, while Flynn O’Mara scored from dummy-half in a standout performance. The team’s strong showing was marked by cohesive play and attacking flair, with the Butchers quartet playing pivotal roles.
The team’s success culminated in a 27-16 victory over the Macarthur Wests Tigers in the Grand Final on March 29, 2025, securing their fourth Laurie Daley Cup title since 2019. In the final, Wheeler opened the scoring by pouncing on a grubber kick in the 9th minute, while O’Mara’s leadership at hooker helped maintain the team’s momentum.
Guiding the Dragons to victory was head coach Adam Sargent-Wilson, a former Thirroul Butchers five-eighth and member of their 1995 premiership-winning team. Known for his strategic acumen and deep understanding of the game, Sargent-Wilson has been instrumental in developing young talent in the region. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development and teamwork, principles he embodied during his playing days.
The inclusion and performance of Wheeler, O’Mara, Cunningham, and Brown in the Laurie Daley Cup not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the strong development programs of the Thirroul Butchers. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring rugby league players in the region, emphasising the opportunities available through dedication and teamwork.
We wish Jake Cunningham a speedy recover after suffering a broken jaw in the final, looking forward to seeing him back in the mighty white and blue in around 3 months
