Western Sydney is a tough marketplace for sports clubs. It’s highly competitive, and the Penrith Panthers’ sustained success since 2020 has only intensified that competition across the region.

However, there’s a new kid on the block in the rugby union landscape for 2026, with the birth of Chifley Chiefs Rugby Club, based at Peter van Hasselt Park in Shalvey.

Club President Bruce Rossell took the time to share details about the new venture.

“We are the only senior rugby union club representing Western Sydney between Blacktown and Penrith,” Rossell said.

The club sits within a major growth corridor, with the Mount Druitt Precinct experiencing a significant population boom. Encompassing suburbs including Bidwill, Blackett, Dharruk, Emerton, Hebersham, Lethbridge Park, Minchinbury, Shalvey, Tregear, Whalan and Willmot, the precinct recorded an estimated population of 118,809 in the 2024 census.

Previously competing as the Western Raptors, the club played in both the NSW Suburban Rugby Union and Sydney Women’s Rugby Union competitions. Since its foundation in 2019, the club quickly made its mark on the field, achieving rapid success with multiple premierships, club championships and expansion into women’s premier rugby.

For 2026 and beyond, the club has launched a new name and brand identity — Chifley Chiefs — to drive the next phase of growth.

Built on cultural diversity, inclusivity and strong community pride, the club’s motto, “From the Area – For the Area”, reflects its commitment to representing and uplifting Western Sydney. At its heart, the club is about family and community, having been established to provide pathways for local juniors to progress into senior rugby. The Chiefs continue to strive to be welcoming and inclusive of all players, coaches, volunteers and their families.

Recent on-field success has been impressive. In 2024, the club fielded two men’s teams and its first-ever women’s team, registering 98 players in total — 66 men and 32 women. The Chiefs reached the grand final in both men’s

grades and were awarded NSW Suburban Rugby Union Division 4 Club Champions.

In 2025, the club again fielded two men’s teams, registering 74 players and competing against strong clubs such as Redfield College and Hawkesbury Valley. One standout result came in Round 9, when the Chiefs defeated Hawkesbury Valley 36–35 at McQuade Park, coming from behind at half-time and late in the second half to snatch victory on the bell. It was no mean feat, inflicting only Valley’s second loss of the season against the eventual premiers.

The women’s program was paused in 2025 with a view to relaunching in 2026. Despite this, two players from the 2024 women’s squad achieved international honours. Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung represented Manusina Samoa at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, while Malia Tu’ifua represented Tonga in the Rugby League Pacific Championships.

Looking ahead to 2026, the newly branded Chifley Chiefs will relaunch their women’s team and aim to grow the men’s program to include Colts (Under 21s), with aspirations of fielding a side in Division 3 of the NSW Suburban Rugby competition.

The coaching staff is led by Club Coach Loni Marsters, an experienced mentor who previously served as the club’s first women’s coach and strength and conditioning coach. Loni also played for the club for several seasons, bringing strong on-field insight and continuity.

Off the field, the club is supported by an active committee and dedicated volunteers, led by President Bruce Rossell, who also pulls on the boots as an accomplished winger.

Pre-season training is now underway, and new players — men and women of all experience levels — are welcome. Training is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.00pm, offering a great opportunity to head down, meet Coach Loni and the team, and get involved.

The Chifley Chiefs are also actively seeking local businesses to partner with them as sponsors, as they continue to grow rugby union opportunities across Western Sydney. Their goal is to become the rugby club of choice in the region, offering both pathway and recreational rugby opportunities.

For more information, follow the club on Facebook and Instagram @chifleychiefsrugby or contact President Bruce Rossell via email at president@chifleychiefs.rugby