BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

The Western Suburbs Magpies gave up an 18-2 lead and a chance to start the season 3-0 going down to Wyong in the final seconds on Saturday at Campbelltown Stadium. Our commentary team was there as Mitch Cornish slotted a field goal on the siren to win 23-22.

WESTERN SUBURBS MAGPIES

1. Watson Heleta 7: Really blossoming into a very solid fullback.
2. Lucas Price 6: Tries hard and plays above his weight.
3. Toni Tali 6: Mixed afternoon for the young centre.
4. Taane Milne 6: Similar afternoon for Milne.
5. Mahe Fonua 5: Lost the ball that cost Western Suburbs the game.
6. Tyson Gamble 6: Overshadowed by the experienced Drinkwater.
7. Josh Drinkwater 8: Our Man of the Match from a losing side.
8. Tim Grant 6: Spent a long period of the game on the bench.
9. Patrice Siolo 7: Caused Wyong some headaches with the ball and hits hard.
10. Sauaso Sue 7: Another strong outing from Sue.
11. Chris McQueen 5: Quiet afternoon – still finding his feet after serious injury.
12. Luke Garner 8: Outstanding again for the Magpies.
13. Bayley Sironen 7: Developing into a very good all-round forward.

14. Joseph Ratu 4: Didn’t notice the big fella.
15. JJ Felise 5: Failed to make an impact.
16. Cowen Epere 5: Minimal chances.
18. Braden Robson 5: Pushed Siolo into the forwards when he came on.

TOTAL: 103

WYONG ROOS

1. Luke Sharpe 6: Had some classy touches at the back.
2. Chris Centrone 5: Made some costly errors.
3. Paul Momirovski 5: Barely rated a mention.
4. Matthew Ikuvalu 6: Did well with minimal ball.
5. Josh Mantellato 5: Didn’t have much to do out wide.
6. Dean Matterson 7: Has developed a dangerous combination with Cornish.
7. Mitch Cornish 7: He and Matterson kept Wyong in the game in second half.
8. Eloni Vunakece 7: Got to start and played strong.
9. Mitch Williams 6: Looks like he’s trying just a little too hard.
10. Lindsay Collins 7: Got through plenty of work.
11. Brock Gray 7: A constant threat on the fringes.
12. Sitili Tupouniua 7: A player of the future.
13. Reuben Porter 6: Played big minutes.

Interchange:
14. Chris Smith 7: Had a big stint after starting on the bench.
16. Poasa Faamausili 5: Few chances.
20. Jake Lewis 5: Came on late.
23. Kurt Baptiste 8: Looked awesome and dragged Wyong back into the contest after the break.

TOTAL: 107

@woodward_curtis