Windsor Wolves Play A Big Role As Penrith Retain Luke Lewis Cup
Penrith, beefed up by four Windsor Wolves players, outclassed Cronulla 54-16 in the second Luke Lewis Cup rugby league encounter, played recently.
The annual fixture featured players from the Penrith and Cronulla Junior Leagues open men’s teams, and was played in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Windsor.
The Cup, which began last year, is in honour of dual Premiership winner Luke Lewis who played for both Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks. The rep squads are selected by the coaches appointed by the Penrith and Cronulla Junior Leagues.
The Penrith players were selected from their 25 clubs in the district and included Windsor Wolves foursome Eton Lindsay, Jeshua Maa- Nelson, Frank Toomalatai and Luke McDonald. Making it even more special for the Wolves was the Penrith team was coached by Col Murphy and Dennis Curry, and managed by Kylie Murphy, all from the Windsor Wolves.
Col Murphy, coaching the Penrith side for the first in time in the annual clash, said it was a very satisfying win. “It was an honour to be a part of the Luke Lewis Cup, and to represent the Penrith district, especially on our home soil,” Murphy said.
Having started his rugby league career at the Windsor Wolves, Murphy has coached the U19s for the past three years while being involved with the A grade team too.
“All our senior teams are going well, with all being in the top two at this stage,” Murphy said. “I have been in the Penrith pathways system for the past six years.”
He has had an outstanding record as a player before taking up coaching. “ I was lucky enough to play A Grade for Windsor Wolves at 16, junior reps and President’s Cup for Penrith at 17, Australian Schoolboys and a first grade game for Penrith Panthers at 18,” said a modest Murphy.
Cronulla, led by Sharks great Andrew Fifita, fought hard before Penrith, skippered by Tom Romer, steamrolled their way to a commanding victory. Penrith fullback Jesse Poulsen was awarded the Luke Lewis Medal for an outstanding game.
According to the Cronulla Juniors JRL, the 2025 Luke Lewis Cup showed just how much the event is growing. “With the Cup set to return to the Sutherland Shire next year, Cronulla Juniors will be determined to turn the tables and claim their first title in front of a home crowd,” the club said.
