Western Sydney Two Blues Rugby Club: A Legacy of Resilience and Triumph

Introduction

The Western Sydney Two Blues Rugby Club, formerly known as Parramatta Two Blues Rugby, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of rugby union in Australia. With a storied history dating back to its formation in 1879, this club has etched its name into the annals of Sydney’s premier rugby competition, the Shute Shield. Let’s delve deeper into the remarkable journey of the Two Blues, celebrating their triumphs, legends, and unwavering commitment to the sport.

Founding Years and Early Challenges

1. Cumberland Era (1879-1934):
   • The club’s origins trace back to its inception as Cumberland in 1879. During this period, it competed alongside other senior teams such as University, Wallaroos, Waratah, Redfern, and Pirates.
   • The rugby landscape was vibrant, with fierce rivalries and passionate matches. However, in 1899, the existing system disbanded, leading to a shift in the club’s fortunes.
2. Becoming Parramatta (1934):
   • The club underwent a transformation, adopting the name Parramatta. This change coincided with its admission to the prestigious Sydney First Grade competition.
   • Parramatta’s inaugural Grand Final appearance occurred in 1945, where they faced Sydney University. Although they fell short with a 9-3 defeat, it marked the beginning of their ascent.

The Rod Phelps Era and First Premiership

1. Rod Phelps Takes Charge (1971):
   • Former Wallaby Rod Phelps assumed the role of captain-coach, injecting fresh energy into the club.
   • Under his leadership, Parramatta steadily climbed the ranks, earning respect within the rugby fraternity.
2. Sweet Victory (1977):
   • After a 44-year wait, Parramatta tasted glory in 1977. Their First Grade premiership victory against Randwick (a hard-fought 17–9 win) was a historic moment.
   • Coach Peter Fenton masterminded the triumph, and the Two Blues reveled in the sweet taste of success.

1980s: Redemption and Continued Excellence

1. Grand Final Battles:
   • Parramatta featured in the 1979 and 1984 grand finals, both times facing Randwick. Unfortunately, they couldn’t clinch the title.
   • However, destiny smiled upon them in 1985 and 1986. The underdogs from Sydney’s west turned the tables, securing back-to-back victories against Randwick.

Legacy and Unwavering Commitment

1. Wallabies Heritage:
   • The club’s legacy extends beyond local competitions. It has nurtured talent that went on to don the prestigious Wallabies jersey.
   • From Bill Cerutti (1936) to the present-day star Tatafu Polota-Nau, Parramatta’s contribution to Australian rugby remains indelible.
2. Never Relegated:
   • Parramatta stands tall as one of only five clubs (alongside Manly, Randwick, Gordon, and Warringah) to have never been relegated from the Top Grade.
   • Their resilience and consistency are commendable.

Conclusion

The Western Sydney Two Blues Rugby Club embodies the essence of rugby: passion, perseverance, and pride. As they continue to grace the Shute Shield fields, their blue jerseys symbolize a rich heritage and a commitment to excellence. Whether in victory or defeat, the Two Blues remain an integral part of Sydney’s rugby tapestry—a testament to the enduring spirit of the game.

Club information

Club Name: Western Sydney Two Blues

Nickname: Two Blues

Founded: 1879

Home-stadium: Merrylands RSL Club Rugby Park (Formerly Granville Park)

Uniform colours: Navy-Blue and Sky-Blue

Premiership Titles: 3 titles: 1977, 1985, 1986

Office holders

As of 2021:^{[needs update]}

President: Scott Rogan

General Manager: Christian Burden

Director of Coaching: Sailosi Tagicakibau

Club Captain: TBA

1st Grade Captain: Aleks Dabek

Current squad

Records

Honours

Grand Finalists and Premiers^{[citation needed]}

1984   1st Grade Colts Premiers Def Sydney Uni 

Representative players

International men's teams 15-a-side players:

Australia	Bob Brown	Debut: 1975-05-24 vs. England in Sydney Aus / fullback / (Wallaby 575)
Australia	Bill Cerutti	Australian Rep in 17 Tests & made famous the number 13 Jersey in the 1920s-30s.
Australia	Phil Clements	Debut: 1982-09-11 vs. New Zealand in Auckland, NZ / Lock / (Wallaby 631)
Australia	Adam Coleman	Debut: 2016
Australia	Patrick Cooper	Played for Wallabies is 1965
Australia	Peter Kay	Debut: 1988-06-12 vs. England in Sydney, Aus / Prop / (Wallaby 669)
Australia	Ken Kearney	Debut: 1947-06-14 vs. New Zealand in Brisbane, Aus / Hooker / (Wallaby 346)
Australia	Martin Knight	Debut: 1978-06-11 vs. Wales in Brisbane, NZ / centre / (Wallaby 593)
Australia	Andrew Leeds	Debut: 1986-09-06 vs. New Zealand in Auckland, NZ / fullback / (Wallaby 658)
Australia	Mick Martin	Debut: 1980-05-24 vs. Fiji in Suva, Fiji / wing / (Wallaby 612)
Australia	Adrian McDonald	Played for Wallabies in 1983
Australia	Tony Melrose	Debut: 1978-09-09 vs. New Zealand in Auckland, NZ / Flyhalf / (Wallaby 601)
Australia	Taqele Naiyaravoro	Debut: 2015
Australia	Rod Phelps	Debut: 1955-09-03 vs. New Zealand in Dunedin, NZ / fullback / (Wallaby 412)
Australia	Tatafu Polota-Nau	Debut: 2005-11-12 vs England in Twickenham, England / Hooker / (Wallaby 806)
Australia	Don Price	Forward Toured Fiji with the Australian Rugby Union Team in 1980
Australia	Ray Price	Debut: 1974-05-25 vs. New Zealand in Sydney, Aus / Flanker / (Wallaby 573)
Australia	Reg Sutton	1960s?
Australia	Eric Tweedale	Debut: 1946-09-14 vs. New Zealand in Dunedin, NZ / Prop / (Wallaby 336)
Australia	Malcolm Van Gelder	1960s?
Australia	Lance Walker	Debut: 1982-08-28 vs. New Zealant in Wellington, NZ / Hooker / (Wallaby 629)
Australia	Stan Wickham	Played for Wallabies in 1901 to 1906
Tonga	Damien Fakafanua	Centre/wing for Tonga in 2012 Pacific Nations Cup
Tonga	John Fonua	Debut: 2002-06-15 vs. Samoa at Nuku A'lofa, Tonga / wing / (Tonga Player 472)
Tonga	Sitiveni Mafi	Lock, Flanker for Tonga Debut in the 2010 Pacific nations Cup
Tonga	Sateki Tuipulotu	Debut:1994-07-17 vs. Fiji at Nuku A'lofa, Tonga / fullback / (Tonga Player 368)
Fiji	Taniela Rawaqa	Fullback/Flyhalf for Fiji. The Second Highest point scorer in Pacific Nations Cup at 103 Points
Samoa	Fa'avaivai Tanoa'i	Debut: 1996-07-13 Vs. Tonga at Apia, Samoa / Flyhalf
Samoa	Lua Vailoaloa	Halfback for the Manu Samoa in 2011 Pacific Nations Cup and non travelling reserve in 2011 Rugby World Cup
New Zealand	Sosene Anesi	Debut: 2005 vs. Fiji in Albany / fullback,Wing / (All-Black 1054)
Canada	Evan Olmstead	Debut: 2011 Canada U20 Vs. Georgia in Tbilisi, Georgia / 2nd Row/Flanker/No.8
Philippines	Oliver Saunders	Current Philippines Rugby player and Top point scorer (Flyhalf)
Philippines	Kenneth Stern	Current Philippines Rugby Player (Winger)

Other players signed to professional clubs:

Australia	Daniel Yakapo	Rugby Viadana
Italy	Steven Bortolussi	Petrarca Padova Rugby
Samoa	Iese Leota	Stade Montois
Samoa	Chris Seuteni	CA Brive
Tonga	Sitiveni Mafi	Western Force

International women's teams players:

Australia	Alex Sulusi	Australian women's national rugby union team
Australia	Chloe Butler	Australian women's national rugby union team
Australia	Nita Maynard	Australian women's national rugby union team
Australia	Hanna Sio	Australian women's national rugby union team (sevens)

Other Australian team representatives:

Australia	Daniel Yakapo	Australian national rugby union team (sevens)
Australia	Andrew Vatuvei	Australian Schoolboys Rugby Union
Australia	Andrew Cox	Australian Barbarians Rugby Team
Australia	Josh Kaifa	Australian Barbarians Rugby Team
Australia	Mika Polota Nau	Australian Barbarians Rugby Team
Australia	Rodney Ma'a	Australian Barbarians Rugby Team

Life members

200 club

The following players have played over 200 Grade games for Parramatta Two Blues

Juniors

Parramatta junior clubs

• Blacktown JRUFC
• Dundas Valley JRUFC
• Hills JRUFC
• Merrylands JRUFC
• Norwest JRUFC
• Liverpool JRUFC

Notable junior players

• Jeremy Su'a - Canterbury Crusaders
• Sam Wykes - Western Force
• Jamal Idris - Gold Coast Titans
• Sisa Waqa - Melbourne Storm
• Jorge Taufua - Manly Sea Eagles
• Leon Bott - Retired
• Tatafu Polota Nau - ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs, Western Force, Leicester Tigers
• Sitiveni 'Steve' Mafi - NSW Waratahs, Leicester, Western Force, Castres, London Irish