June 2010 - Additions to the Pirate Family

The West Sydney Pirates would like to welcome two additions to the Pirates family! In recent weeks the Toskoski and Robi families have both become proud parents for the second time.

Dean and Jasmin Toskoskis new son Mike was born on May 29, and they now have a daughter and a son in their household.

Zeaid and Nicole Robis new daughter Layali was born on June 15, and she is the couples second daughter.

Both families are reportedly healthy and doing well and we would like to add our congratulations and best wishes for a healthy and happy future!

May 2010 - A Pirates Passing

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of former Pirate player and coach Wayne Haber who died in his sleep mid-May.

Wayne had a long career that saw him play at the Fairfield Argonauts, North Western Rebels, Parramatta Bears, and finally the Parramatta Argonauts before coming to the Pirates in 1998. He also coached at these clubs and his experience was well received when he joined the silver and black.

Wayne played from 1998 through until 2003 then served as Defensive Coordinator from 2004 until 2006. He spent a couple of years away from the game and returned in 2009 to mark his tenth season with the Pirates.

Our condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

May 2010 - Gridiron NSW Colts Competition - The Trojans Season Comes to an End

The West Sydney Trojans made it into the Playoffs but could not advance any further in their quest for the 2010 title. The Trojans were defeated 46-28 by the Sutherland Seahawks and so their season comes to an end.

Although it was an early exit there is a lot to be proud of when we look back at the season. A win in the opening round followed by four consecutive losses had the Trojans reeling, but they fought back to win some tough games and closed out the season with four victories which propelled them into the Playoffs. All looks good for the future and this season will be something that the team can build on.

And so its a case of commiserations but also congratulations to the players and staff for a well fought season.

April 2010 - Wolfpack Win the National Title for the Fifth Consecutive Time!

The Gridiron NSW State team, the Wolfpack, won their fifth consecutive title in the 2010 Senior National Championships tournament that was held in Melbourne in April. It is a remarkable achievement and one which is unlikely to be equalled.

The Wolfpack began their campaign with a convincing 46-0 drubbing of the South Australian Swarm. Pirate player and Wolfpack team Captain, Shannon Lynch, was named Game MVP after recoding 5 QB Sacks in the game.

The second qualifying game was a controversial and sometimes spiteful game against a very tough West Australian Raiders team. In a game that seemed more like a heavyweight fight than a game of football the Wolfpack held off a spirited Raider comeback to win 31-27.

Meanwhile on the other side of the tournament draw the Victorian Eagles demolished the A.C.T. Monarchs and the Queensland Sun Devils to cruise into the Championship decider and another matchup with the Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack and the Eagles met in the Championship decider, and unlike previous tournaments where the scores were close until the end, the Wolfpack jumped out to a 21-0 lead by halftime and held on for a 28-7 win. The score is probably not a true indication of the game as the Eagles only managed their score with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game.

So after defeating Queensland in 2003, and Victoria in 2005, 2006, and 2008, the Wolfpack are the reigning National Champions once again, and like other Wolfpack squads the Pirates played their part. The Pirates were represented in the Wolfpack by Nathan DCunha, Brad Golledge, Damian Kennedy, Leon Latulipe, Shannon Lynch, Todd Russell, Sim Tooala, Dean Toskoski, Dean Valesini, Sean White, and Coach Ian Taylor.

Congratulations to the entire Wolfpack squad...mission accomplished!

December 2009 - Pirate Player Recognised by International Body

Pirate player, Jason Voncina, was recognised by I.F.A.F. (the International Federation of American Football) and named their Player of the Month for November, 2009. To read Jasons story follow this link to the I.F.A.F. website - I.F.A.F. Feature Articles

At the end of the story you will also find a link to the story on Jason and the Pirates presented by Channel 9 television earlier in 2009.

December 2009 - Pirates in the Wolfpack

A number of West Sydney Pirate players have been invited to compete in next years National Championship tournament as members of the NSW Wolfpack State team. The tournament will be held in Melbourne in April 2010, and the Wolfpack will be aiming for their fifth consecutive title.

The Players who have been selected as part of the train-on squad are -

Albert Bernard, Jared Delandro, Adrian Doyle, Greg Evers, Josh Finn, Brad Golledge, Damian Kennedy, Tak King, Leon Latulipe, Shannon Lynch, Nigel McClifty, Zeaid Robi, Todd Russell, Sim Tooala, Dean Toskoski, Dean Valesini, David Ward, Sean White, and Marcela Yato.

Congratulations to all those players on their invitation and best of luck during the selection process.

December 2009 - Coach John Pongrac Retires

It was with great sadness that we announced the resignation of long-time Pirate Coach, John Pongrac. John made the decision to call it a day after an extensive and distinguished career that spans 26 years as a Player, Administrator, and Coach.

John joined the Pirates in 1992 when he came over as an accomplished Running Back from the now defunct Northwestern Rebels, and he was a fixture in the Silver and Black ever since. Prior to his time with the Rebels, John was a member of the Fairfield Argonauts and was a part of the sport when it was in its infancy in this state.

John not only played at a Club and State level, he has coached at Club, State, and National level with distinction and success.

To simply say thank-you does not seem enough and we will certainly miss John and his experience, guidance, and humour, and we wish him well in life beyond the sidelines.