2009
SCHOOL FOOTY NEWS |
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| Mr. Nal Wijesekera holding the Harold Matthew's Cup (Photo : ourfooty media) |
NSW CCC ELECT NEW PRESIDENT
Story & Photo's By : 
After the Annual General Meeting at NSWRL Headquarters in Phillips St Sydney on Saturday the 7 th December, the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges have elected Mr. Nal Wijesekera from La Salle College Bankstown as the new President.
Former president and Australian Schoolboys coach Mr. Simon Huntley did not stand this year due to his promotion at work at Kildare Catholic College, Wagga Wagga. .
Nal Wijesekera is an experienced coach and has been in control of the Canterbury Bulldogs Harold Matthew's Cup coach which included a Premiership in 2007.
Nal is now the head coach of the St. George Dragons SG Ball Cup side for 2009 and will bring a sweet change to the culture at the Dragons.
Other new people on the NSWCCC Executive are :
President : Nal Wijesekera (La Salle College Bankstown)
Vice President (City) : Chris Bettiol (Marion College Kenthurst)
Vice President (Country) : Mark Falkenmire (McCarthy College Tamworth)
Secretary: Ann Marie Bisset : (Clancy College West Hoxton)
Treasurer: Fady Ghanem : (Mount St Joseph's College Milperra)
Mr. James Clancy (De La Salle College Revesby Heights) has been re elected as Purchasing/Publicity officer and will continue to do a top job as has Mr. Mark Falkenmire who retains the Vice Presidency of NSW CCC Country.
 For more real good news Click here to download the NSW CCC Annual Report | .pfd (2.76 megs)| Learn More about NSWCCC HERE |
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| Welcome home AIS (photo ani By : ourfooty media) |
THE BOYS GET HOME SAFELY
Story & Photo's By :
After their successful tour of France & the UK this year, the AIS rugby league team arrived home on 2 different planes with the NSW boys flying into Sydney and the Queensland boys in Brisbane.
All the NSW boys looked wrapped to be home and with their families, it was good to see some of you parents at the airport.
That about it from ourfootyteam for this tour, we plan on catching up with the coaches Brian Johnston & Brendan Barlow over the next few days.
Thank you to all of you who sent in your messages while the team was freezing in the northern hemisphere, good on ya's.. LEARN MORE |
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| Max Ray departed for Europe yesterday to take part in a rugby league tour with the Australian Institute of Sport. |
GOING GLOBAL
Story & Photo BY : ANNA YEO 
CYMS under-18s second rower Max Ray yesterday departed for Europe to take part in a tour with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Ray, 17, is one of just 24 players Australia-wide that was selected for the three-week tour, after dedicating a lot of his time to a scholarship program with the institute in the past two years.
While on tour players from the institute will compete in four games against France and the British Lions.
In the past this particular program has delivered likes of Australian winger Israel Falou and other NRL stars including Dave Taylor, Joel Moon and the Aubison brothers.
Yesterday Ray boarded a flight to Sydney with assistant AIS coach Col Matthews who described the scholarship program as a pathway to the NRL.
“It takes a lot to become a professional football player,” Matthew said.
“Max has a lot of the attributes that are needed to succeed in the NRL, including dedication and passion.
“I predict Max to be playing in the NRL within the next two to three years.”
Before boarding his flight from Dubbo yesterday Ray said while he was excited about the trip, he was also nervous.
“I’m looking forward to it, I have a few nerves though,” Ray said.
The four games the squad is expected to play while over there will be part of a tri-nations round robin.
It will be the first time the institute has taken part of a tournament of this kind and Matthews believes it will be a great opportunity for the players.
This isn’t the first time football has taken the 17-year-old overseas, having already completed a tour of New Zealand just last year.
Ray will join three boys from Orange on the trip and is expected to return back home to Dubbo on December 9.
This year Ray was a member of the highly successful Dubbo College Senior Campus side that made it through to the semi-finals of the University shield.
Ray was also a member of the Dubbo’s CYMS juniors that made it through to this year’s Group 11 grand final against Dubbo Macquarie.
Upon completing Year 12 next year Ray plans to take up a contract offer with the Penrith Panthers in Sydney.. | FOLLOW THE AIS TOUR HERE | |
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| Logan Harris collecting his Sid Ellis Trophy for the player of the Buckley Shield series, Logan has been training with the Manly SeaEagles & loving it. |
FARRER PRODUCE ANOTHER COUNTRY CHAMP
Story By : Quirindi - Photo's By : Rod Harris & Parents
Logan Harris captained the Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School’s under 14’s Buckley Shield team to victory on the 23rd September against Cromer High School at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Farrer beat the Manly school 26 - 4 in a convincing win.
The Buckley Shield is a state wide knockout competition involving more than 300 schools.
Logan is from the Willow Tree/ Blackville area plays hooker and had a strong game in defence and attack, was awarded the Sid Ellis Trophy for the player of the final.
Logan was also named the player of the series winning the Sam Davey Trophy which is awarded to the player who polls the highest number of referee awarded points in the Buckley Shield Competition running from March through to September.
Earlier in the year Logan captained the Group 4, under 14’s to victory at Tuncurry taking out the Country Championships Cluster Shield.
Logan has been invited to attend a week long training camp in January with the Manly Sea Eagles capping off a great year of rugby league.
After Farrer's sensational victories in both this years NSW CHS University & Buckley Shields the school went off when the trophies were presented.
"Logan said the atmosphere at the school was fantastic when they got back, especially their bus trips home with Shields taking pride of place. The whole school gets behind their teams and players."
Both Captains Logan Harris (Buckley) Scott Blanch (Uni) gave speeches at the assembly the following day thanking their teams, Coaches, and the school. Logan and Scott both also took out player of the final and player of the series so Farrer really cleaned up in 2008. |
AIS 2009 SQUAD ANNOUNCED
Aaron Fairweather |
Charlie Jones |
Dale Copley |
Gary Riccardi |
Jake Seaton |
Jarad Brodrick |
Josh Rose |
Justin O'Neil |
Kurt Baptise |
Max Ray |
Mitchell Barnes |
Patrick O'Hanlon |
Sam Saville |
Scott Rosser |
Tom Merritt |
Brian Johnson
AIS Head Coach |
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| Marcus Bower in action in this years CHS University Shield Grand Final (Photo : ourfooty media) |
FARRER PIVOT OFF TO WESTS TIGERS
Story By : GRANT ROBERTSON 
Photo By :
MARCUS Bower is the latest Farrer High School star to sign up with an NRL club and will join the Wests Tigers set-up just as soon as he finishes his HSC studies.
The Glen Innes product and Farrer First XIII five-eighth said the chance to go to Sydney was something he would grab with both hands. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said.
“They look after you with accommodation and with job opportunities and it’s just an opportunity you can’t pass up.
“It’s a dream to play in the NRL so you’ve got to give it a go.”
Bower will join the Balmain SG Ball (under 18s) squad for the 2009 season which begins early next year before moving up to the Wests Tigers Toyota Cup (under 20s) side.
The 17-year-old hopes that will lead to even greater things down the track. “I’ll still be in the halves,” he said.
“I’ll play SG Ball until May and then finish the year in the 20s. “It’s a two-year contract with an option for a third so I might be there till I’m 20.
“Put my head down at training and you never know what might happen.”
There is another local connection in the Balmain under 18s side too with former Balmain first grader and Tamworth product David Brooks coaching the side.
“He’s coach and Gary Freeman is assistant coach,” Bower said.
“They’re good blokes. “He (Brooks) is just a down to earth, country bloke.”
Bower played a pivotal role in Farrer’s University Shield triumph in September.
He had to step up when halfback Jake Hawkins was sent off in the Shield final against Sarah Redfern High at Campbelltown Stadium and he did just that as Farrer ran away with the game and its second Uni Shield title.
“That was a highlight,” said Bower, even though he suffered a broken nose in the game.
“We lost Hawko early but we all just lifted, it wasn’t just one or two players, it was the whole team. “We were all in Year Seven when we won the first one (in 2003).”
From this year’s team, three other players are heading to NRL clubs in the next few weeks.
Hawkins is off to join the Melbourne Storm set-up, Josh Dutton will be part of the Gold Coast Titans under 20s squad and Farrer captain Scott Blanch is off to NRL premiers Manly.
Bower said backrower Shae Collins must also be close to getting a deal after his performances this year.
“He’s just a tough bloke, one of the toughest blokes I’ve ever met,” Bower said of the Tamworth backrower.
“He goes all day and I hope he gets an opportunity because he deserves it.”
Bower was also a member of the Wests Greater Northern Academy squad last summer but has played most of his football at Farrer.
“I never played footy before I came to Farrer,” he said. “I played a bit in primary school at Glen Innes but I didn’t really start playing till under 12s at Farrer.
“It’s easy when you’ve got good players around you and the coaches at Farrer are the best in this region.”
Bower was also a member of the Australian Institute of Sport squad.
He has a couple more exams to sit but then he’s off to Sydney for pre-season training. |
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| Cameron Clark and Preston Campbell |
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| Cameron Clarke, Kyle Baxter Dean Widders and Joe Gunn |
DREAMTEAM DROPS IN
Story & Photo's By : Steve Hooper - Red Bend Catholic College
Three students from Red Bend Catholic College, Cameron Clarke (Lake Cargelligo), Kyle Baxter (Billamari /Cowra) and Joe Gunn (Forbes) were invited to attend.
During this camp over three days, the players were put through drills and testing from the coaching staff (including Head Coach Chris Binge and former player Leo Dynevor), learnt Indigenous games and participated in Cultural Dance performed and demonstrated by the talented Jai Pittman.
In Another highlight the players had the opportunity to train against the Indigenous ‘Dreamtime’ team, in an oppose session, against players such as Preston Campbell, Dean Widders, Rhys Wesser and Carl Webb.
This excellent experience for Indigenous player from throughout NSW, was organised by Phil Duncan and overseen by Steve Hall (NSW RL). From this camp 17 - 20 players will be short listed to attend another camp next year prior to the NSW Indigenous under 16’s team being selected.
Past Red Bend students Zac Merritt and Les Pitt have represented this team in the annual clash against QLD, whilst Joel Thompson was selected in the Indigenous ‘Dreamtime’ team but unfortunately had to withdraw though injury. |
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| South Dubbo PS 2008 Classic Shield Champions (Photo's : ourfooty media) |
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| Ross Hill PS after this years Classic Shield at Campbelltown Stadium (Photo's : ourfooty media) |
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Max Shearman takes it up for South Dubbo Primary in their Classic Shield final win over Inverell on Tuesday.(Photo's : ourfooty media )
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SOUTH DELIVER CLASSIC VICTORY
Story BY : ANNA YEO
Photo's By :
In an amazing show of talent and determination South Dubbo Primary has taken out the NSW PSSA Rugby League Classic Shield knockout after downing Inverell 24 - 14 in the grand final on Tuesday.
It is the first time in the competition’s 32-year history that a Dubbo school has taken out the title, which capped off an enormously successful year for South Dubbo.
After ploughing through the Western Area competition, Dubbo faced a tough semi-final against Western Sydney’s Lethbridge Park last week.
Despite the size of Lethbridge, South Dubbo held strong and came away with the win to secure their spot in Tuesday’s grand final, which was held at Campbelltown.
Onlookers at this week’s match described Inverell as the most consistent side Dubbo has faced this season, and with scores locked at 10-all at half-time, the heat was on the young side.
But after running in two more tries before the final whistle the Dubbo boys knew they had the title, screaming away with a comfortable10-point win to secure the shield.
Coach of South Dubbo, Paul Loxley was over the moon with his sides win, saying he was pinching himself the whole way home in amazement.
“The boys had a lightning start with Joe Stagemen jumping on a loose ball for our first try,” Loxley said.
“They came back to level the scores at half time but we got a couple more in during the second to come away with it.”
Loxley said Dubbo’s attack was structured and flawless and their defence was solid.
“They had a couple of big players and we had a couple of bleeding noses, but they kept at them and defended well.”
Loxley said Tuesday’s win wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the support of the teachers and students at South Dubbo Primary.
He said the commitment and support they showed throughout the competition went a long way towards the success the school had in the winning the shield.
“The planets were aligned on Tuesday and our boys made history, and that’s something nobody will ever be able to take away from them,” Loxley said.
“For the boys to win a State title is absolutely wonderful.” |
WESTFIELDS MAKE IT 4 IN A ROW
Westfields Sports High School have now won the NSW CHS Under 14's WC Buckley Shield an amazing 4 years in a row after winning the 2008 Buckley Shield 40 - 22 against a gutsy Matraville SHS at Campbelltown Stadium.
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| Westfields SHS - 2008 BUCKLEY SHIELD 2008 CHAMPIONS ( Photo's : ourfooty media ) |
Matraville SHS - 2008 Buckley Shield runners up ( Photo's : ourfooty media ) |
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2008 NSW CHS PHOTO'S
NSW CHS UNIVERSITY SHIELD
Westfields SHS 46 - 18 Matraville SHS
NSW CHS UNIVERSITY CHS SHIELD
Farrer MAHS 42 - 16 Sarah Redfern HS
NSW CHS WC BUCKLEY SHIELD
Westfields SHS 40 - 22 Matraville SHS
NSW CHS WC BUCKLEY PLATE
Farrer MAHS Defeated Cromer HS
CLASSIC SHIELD
South Dubbo PS 24 - 14 Ross Hill PS |
| Westfields SHS win 2008 NSW CHS Buckley Shield for the 4 th time in a row ( Photo's : ourfooty media ) |
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| South Dubbo PS 2008 NSW PSSA Classic Shield Champions ( Photo's : ourfooty media ) |
Ross Hill PS 08 PSSA Classic Shield runners up (Photo's : ourooty media ) |
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| Cameron Rodgers is one of the young guns Farrer will call on in tomorrow’s Uni Shield final. |
JUNIOR TALENT READY TO STEP UP FOR UNI SHIELD DECIDER
Story & Photo By : GRANT ROBERTSON
FARRER will call on a number of 16-year-olds in tomorrow’s University Shield final against Sarah Redfern High School at Campbelltown Stadium but is confident the youngsters have what it takes to stand up in the biggest game of their schoolboy careers.
Leading the way for the younger brigade is backrower Brett Jarrett, winger Ryan Pooley and hooker Cameron Rodgers, who has forced his way into the first XIII starting side this year on the back of some superb form.
Co-coach Steve Cavanagh said the younger players were outstanding but it was the attitude of the older players that had really helped them flourish.
“That’s to their credit but it’s also to the credit of the older boys,” he said.
“The older boys have helped the younger ones and accepted them and they want to see them do well.
“They’ve built a good ethos.”
He said Melbourne Storm recruits Jarrett and Pooley had been impressive all year but Rodgers has also stepped up considerably.
Halfback Jake Hawkins is also a big fan of Rodgers who is now part of a strong mid-field combination that includes Hawkins, Marcus Bower, Josh Dutton and captain Scott Blanch.
“Marcus Bower at five-eighth is handy and Blanchy at fullback helps a lot,” Hawkins said.
“Cameron Rodgers playing hooker, he’s been one of our best players this year.
“At the start of the year I don’t think he had much interest in playing football but he’s been one of our best and I think he’ll go on to bigger and better things.”
Hawkins (Melbourne), Blanch (Manly) and Dutton (Gold Coast) are all playing their last games for the school before going on to their respective NRL clubs.
Blanch said they had come through the Farrer system to become the leaders of this year’s side but the Uni Shield final against Sarah Redfern was a springboard for the next crop of players to take on that role for next year and beyond.
“It’ll be good experience for them,” Blanch said. “We’ve served our apprenticeships.
“Hopefully they can build on what we’ve taught them.”
Also included in the young brigade will be bench players like Matt Allwood who has also pushed his way into the squad thanks to great form at under 16s level.
He, Rodgers and Pooley were all members of the Group 4 winning Farrer under 16s.
The next generation will also be on show tomorrow when the Farrer under 14s face Cromer High in the Buckley Shield final which precedes the open decider.
Both Farrer sides arrive in Sydney today and will train this afternoon for the last time. |
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| Current Schoolboys Tim Auremi & Albert Kelly ( Photo's : ourfooty media ) |
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| ASSRL President Mr. Bruce Wallace (Photo : ourfooty media ) |
| ASSRL TEAM OF THE CENTURY |
| POS |
PLAYER |
SCHOOL |
| 1. |
Tim Brasher |
Grantham High, NSWCHS |
| 2. |
Andrew Ettinghausen |
De La Salle Cronulla, NSWCCC |
| 3. |
Mark Gasnier |
Peakhurst High, NSWCHS |
| 4. |
Justin Hodges |
Cairns State High, QSSRL |
| 5. |
Greg Inglis |
Wavell State High, QSSRL |
| 6. |
Brad Fittler |
McCarthy Senior High, NSWCCC |
| 7. |
Greg Alexander |
Patrician Brothers Fairfield, NSWCCC |
| 8. |
Craig Young |
Corrimal High |
| 9. |
Danny Buderus |
St Francis Xavier Newcastle, NSWCCC |
| 10. |
Les Boyd |
Nyngan High |
| 11. |
Steve Menzies |
Narrabeen High, NSWCHS |
| 12. |
Paul Sironen |
Holy Cross Ryde, NSWCCC |
| 13. |
Bradley Clyde |
Hawker College ACT |
| 14. |
Tonie Carroll |
Beenleigh State High QSSRL |
| 15. |
Ian Schubert |
Wauchope High |
| 16. |
Matthew Gidley |
Glendale Technology High, NSWCHS |
| 17. |
Brent Tate |
Clontarf Beach State High QSSRL |
LEGENDS OF LEAGUE
100 YEARS of RUGBY LEAGUE in AUSTRALIA
@ the POWERHOUSE MUSUEM |
AUSSIE SCHOOLBOYS TEAM OF THE CENTURY
Story & PHOTO'S BY : 
ourfootyteam.com was lucky enough to be invited to the Junior Rugby League event of the Centenary Year of Rugby League at the Power house Musuem in Sydney.
The ASSRL was announcing the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Team of the Century.
On arriving at the Powerhouse Musuem at Darling Harbour fairly early to avoid getting lost, this writer bumped into the Legendary Mr. Roy Masters.
For the next half an hour we looked through the fantastic Rugby League 100 Years exibition that is on at the Powerhouse Musuem and all the great old photo's, and other cool footy stuff.
Roy Masters was very interested in all these old photo's and we were looking at these blokes celebrating in the dressing room after a grand final, the photos was almost black & white it was so old, then suddenly Roy said, "hey, thats me", sure enough the young fella with his back to the camera was the coach, Roy Masters. That was funny.
There was a fair bit of interest from the main stream media which was great to see them there supporting the Aussie Schoolboys.
The Sunday Footy Show is doing something on Sunday about the Team of the Century, they interviewed current & former Schoolboys, which will be cool, so watch the Sunday Footy Show if you get the chance, along with Ch 10 and the Daily Tele and the Sydney Morning Herald and of course ourfootyteam.com were there on Thursday.
This is the ARL media release from Thursdays Schoolboys Team of the Century presentation, enjoy.
Former Kangaroos including Danny Buderus, Greg Alexander and Bradley Clyde celebrated their Schoolboy roots today at the announcement of a star-studded Australian Secondary Schools Centenary Team.
The greatest Australian Schoolboys team ever assembled saw Buderus named at hooker, Alexander at halfback and Clyde at lock, while McCarthy High’s Brad Fittler was named at five-eighth.
Members from the inaugural 1972 Australian Schoolboys team, who went undefeated in their 13-match tour of Great Britain, were also in attendance at today’s event. From that team, Ian Schubert, Les Boyd and Craig Young gained selection, while coach Roy Masters spoke of his fond memories of that tour.
Former Australia, NSW and Grantham High fullback Tim Brasher took the No.1 jersey while Cronulla’s favourite son Andrew Ettinghausen was picked on the wing.
Balmain Tigers legend Paul Sironen partnered Narrabeen High’s Steve Menzies in the second row, while modern-day sensations Mark Gasnier, Justin Hodges, Tonie Carroll, Greg Inglis, Matthew Gidley and Brent Tate completed the lineup.
“Schoolboy Rugby League is an important part of our game and to be named in this side, particularly alongside such amazing players, is a real honour,” former Patrician Brother Fairfield student Greg Alexander said today.
“I have great memories playing for St Francis Xavier and when I was picked for the Australian Schoolboys I’ll never forget it because it was my first time in the green and gold colours,” Danny Buderus said.
“The pride that came with pulling on the jumper, you were playing for Australia and it was a huge thrill for kids our age.”
Current and former players and officials gathered at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum this morning to present team members with a commemorative Australian Schoolboys jersey provided by longtime sponsors Classic.
Classic, who this year are celebrating 75 years of manufacturing Rugby League merchandise, took today’s opportunity to announce further support for Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League, extending their sponsorship with the ASSRL for another 10 years until June 2018.
Members of the 2008 Australian Schoolboys team, which this year regained the World Youth Championship with Test wins over France and England, accepted the jerseys for those players absent due to NRL finals preparation.
“To see and meet the players who have represented the Australian Schoolboys before us really hits home what an honour it is to make the side,” 2008 Australian Schoolboys Captain Tim Auremi said.
Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League President Bruce Wallace said the Australian Schoolboys Centenary Team celebrated the ASSRL’s role in the development of future first-grade players.
“For many players selection in an Australian Schoolboys side is the first step to greater heights,” Wallace said today.
“The Test matches bring with them a lot of pressure and emotion and it’s a terrific way to introduce young players to representative football.
“These players represent the very best to come through Australia’s secondary schools and we’re very proud to be able to announce a team of this calibre – the players in this team are all legends of the game.”
Today’s event, hosted by ARL Development, brought together some of the game’s top officials including ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr, NRL CEO David Gallop, ASSRL officials and life members, and representatives from several high schools around the state.
ARL Development General Manager Bill Palmer said the event was a perfect opportunity to illustrate the link between the grass roots Rugby League and Schoolboy Rugby League at the elite level.
“We’re very strong supporters of school-based Rugby League and always viewed the Secondary Schoolboy Championships as the epitome of that process,” Palmer said today.
“We are proud to sponsor the ASSRL’s National Schoolboy Championships and particularly pleased to sponsor today’s event as the Schoolboys Centenary Team is certainly a team worthy of plenty of recognition.” || CHECKOUT THE PHOTO'S | |
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Engadine High School 2008 Mitch Healey Cup Champions ( Photo's : ourfooty media )
ACTioN PHoTo'S aFTeR SCHool ToMoRRoW |
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| Woolooware High School u 15's 2008 Mitch Healey Cup runnerup ( Photo's : ourfooty media) |
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ENGADINE HS WIN Mitch Healey CUP(U 15's)
Engadine High School are again the Mitch Healey Cup Champions after todays good win against Wooloware High School at Shark Park.
ENGADINE HS
24 - 12
WOOLOOWARE HS
Engadine High School won the Mitch Healey Cup in 2007.
ENGADINE HS WINNING STREAK CONTINUES
Story By : Jordan Dow - Engadine HS
The Engadine boys seemed very confident at kickoff, but in the dressing sheds, we all had in the back of our minds, that this will be a very tough game, and it was a necessity to shut down Reece (Davidson) and Jezza (Jeremy Saville).
Engadine had alot of early ball, and before long, Jaron Sharp found his way to the line.
4 - 0 Engadine up.
Before long Woolooware had turned things around and Engadine found them selves on their heels, defending their line. Woolooware were set 4 a back line, and certain to score.
Until halfback Bryce mistaked Jordan Dow for Reece, and 'Cheeza' raced almost the length of the field to score under the dot.
10 - 0 Engadine.
Woolooware worked there way up the field due to some handling errors from the Enga boys. Some slack defence saw tommy find a hole and to put the ball over the line, just resisting dodgies chase.
10 - 6.Engadine
This saw the Engadine boys under a bit of pressure and were looking for an answer, soon michael lichaa found a way through some scattered defence and scored in the corner.
16 - 6 Engadine. Half time blew..
PORT HACKING HS WIN ADAM DYKES CUP
Story & Photo's By :
Port Hacking High School is not known around the grounds as a power house in the Shire school footy scene, well today the Port Hacking under 13's swept away Engadine High School 20 - 0 to be the 2008 Adam Dykes Cup Champions...
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| Max Ray and Jeremy Smith in defence for Dubbo College Senior Campus in their 46 - 24 trouncing of Cronulla High yesterday in the quarter-final of the University Shield. The win puts the side through to the semi-final against Sarah Redfern. |
| 46 - 24 |
CRONULLA
HIGH SCCHOOL |
TRIES : Marc Field 2, Brodie Chapman, Grant Kemp, Jeremy Smith, Brad Spencer, Jake Josephs, Alan Arnold
GOALS : Jeremy Smith 5, Josh Merritt |
TRIES :
GOALS :
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DUBBO COLLEGE INTO SEMIS
Story & Photo By :
Dubbo College Senior Campus has progressed to the semi-finals of the University Shield after trouncing Cronulla High 46 - 24 at Apex Oval yesterday.
Despite many of their players still recovering from last weekend’s Group 11 under- 18s grand final, Dubbo pulled together a tidy performance against the Sydney visitors, proving lethal with the ball and unbeatable in defence.
Captain Brodie Chapman opened the scoring after charging through the unorganised Cronulla defence to give his side the early lead.
In total, Dubbo scored eight tries, with Marc Field’s two after coming off the bench one of the features.
Hooker Jeremy ‘Squeak’ Smith was on his kicking game with five conversions while Josh Merritt booted one.
Dubbo dominated the first half and led 30-16 at the break but the margin could well have been much larger had it not been for three Cronulla tries late in the piece.
After coach Craig May had his say at the break, Dubbo came back hard in the second stanza, setting up speedy winger Allan Arnold in the corner to extend their lead and from then on the result was never in doubt.
May said it was a solid win from a side that was short of energy because of sickness and fatigue from the weekend’s game.
“It was a really hard fought win by a group of players who struggled for the most part but got the job done,” May said.
“The first half particularly was fairly scrappy and there were a lot of mistakes and penalties.
“Despite this we did well enough to lead 30 - 16 at halftime and got through the final session without any real dramas.
“There were some good signs for us leading into the semi-final against Sarah Redfern High with Dylan Hill making a successful return from a shoulder problem.
“He took the ball up and with good support from his fellow forwards set up a nice foundation for our halves Brad Spencer and Josh Merritt.”
An added bonus for Dubbo this year has been the emergence of Hill, Spencer and Merritt, all of whom represented Country Rugby League under- 16s. |
MOSS VALE’S MAIDEN CUP WIN
Story By : BEN MCCLELLAN
MOSS Vale High won their first ever Wests League Cup with a commanding 40-8 win over Bonnyrigg High at Campbelltown Stadium last week.
Moss Vale dominated the division three decider and buried Bonnyrigg after leading 20-4 at halftime.
Matt Thorpe bagged a hat-trick, Nathan Roche got a double and Jack Wicks, Chris Freere and Jack Mendez also scored in the 32-point hiding.
Thorpe was the man of the match. Coach Matt Carlyon said his team successfully negated their opposition’s superior size.
“We stuck to our game plan of working hard in defence and running the ball quickly out of dummy half,” he said.
“We had a much tougher game in the semi-final against John Edmondson High, which we won 26-20 on the bell.” |
 WHAT IS FOOTY COLOURS DAY?
Footy Colours Day is held on Friday 5th September and is the one day in September that you can fight cancer and change lives.
Thousands of Australians unite and don their favourite football team's colours - AFL - NRL - Rugby Union - Soccer, to help raise money for children living with cancer.
So show your true colours in your workplace, school or club and make a difference to the lives of children fighting cancer, by participating in Footy Colours Day in 2008.
Wear your football teams colours, guernseys, scarf, beenies and make a donation to the Fight Cancer Foundation.
While the official Footy Colours Day is Friday 5th September 2008, if this does not fit into your internal calendar of events, any day around this date can be used. CHECK IT OUT www.footycoloursday.com.au |
DUBBO AT FULL STRENGTH FOR SHIELD
Story BY : ANNA YEO
Dubbo College Senior Campus will have the home ground advantage when they take on Cronulla High today in the quarter final of the University Shield at Apex Oval.
Despite the majority of Dubbo's players still recovering from Saturday night's grand final, coach Craig May is confident his side can perform well.
"At the moment a lot of the boys are still coming down off the high from the grand final so we need to pull ourselves together and focus if we want to come away with the win," May said.
"If we can get our mental attitude right and show up ready to play then we have a better chance of winning."
The Cronulla High side is expected to be a lot smaller than the Chifley College side the boys defeated two weeks ago.
However the side boasts some impressive talent, with four of their players already signed with the Cronulla Sharks SG Ball competition.
"Cronulla High defeated Worilla (South Coast) to progress through and I expect them to have good ball speed and pace around the ruck," May said.
"If we can be on our game across the board then we will give ourselves every chance of winning," he said.
Dubbo College Senior Campus captain Brodie Chapman said he will be lucky to play today's match after struggling with the flu for most of the week.
Chapman said preparation for today's quarterfinal hasn't been the best, but hopes the boys can pull it together in time for the match.
"We didn't have many turn up to training on Tuesday as most of the boys are still recovering from the grand final," Chapman said.
"Hopefully we can pick ourselves up in time to perform well against Cronulla."
Chapman has faith in his side and believes they have the ability to beat Cronulla.
He said he feels quietly confident and believes his front row will take his team forward.
"I think if we can control the ruck and the speed of the game, and not allow them to get a roll on early we should come away with the win," Chapman said.
The match is scheduled to kick off today at 11am.
As of yesterday no changes had been made to Dubbo's line up. |
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| Sarah Redfern SH Vs Farrer MAHS '08 |
SARAH REDFERN COOKIN' IN UNI SHIELD
Sarah Redfern took on Tuggerah Senior College at the Entrance yesterday in the University Shield Quater Final.
Both teams started strong in the opening exchanges with Tuggerah unlucky not to cross on a few occassion with plenty of possesion.
Sarah Redfern broke away with a strong lead of 16 points heading into half time, thanks to some impressive ball running from the forwards and great work from the outside backs, Moe Vaka and James Lealuai.
Both forward packs played quality footy, with the Tuggerah props doing well to try to contain the mobile Sarah Redfern pack.
Some classy plays by the Captain Vincent Chan Sau saw Sarah again capatalise early in the second half. Leading 6 tries to 1, the game looked all but over, but thanks to some creativity in the halves Tugerah hit back and were able to bring the game back into contention.
Tuggerah players lifted and were able to gain some momentum mid way through the second half which led to some good tries.
The game finished off with a 34 - 26 win to Sarah Redfern who will now advance to meet Dubbo Senior College in the Semi-Finals. |
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| Bend Bend College Rugby League Team after last years aac match |
RED BEND MAKES TOP 4 IN STATE
Story By : Kable Nicholson Coach Red Bend u/14's
Wednesday the 20th August the Red Bend u/14s League team travelled to Bathurst to play the St George district champions Penshurst Marist in the quarter finals of the Cochrane cup.
The Cochrane Cup is a state wide competition open to Catholic and Independent Schools in the 14 year age group. Our boys have already won over teams from Dubbo, Orange, Oberon, Bathurst and Penrith.
A big side came onto the field to meet the boys but we just went about the game as we normally do, a couple of mistakes early had us under pressure and it wasn't long before Penshurst crossed for the first try of the game.
All this did was calm our boys down as we had to play smart to get the try back; this was done with good guidance from Jake O'Brien, James Rousell and Kyle Baxter, we got down their end and a strong run from Pat Welsh saw him brought down short allowing Kyle to cross from close range,
It wasn't long before Pat crossed and we were on our way, some strong running from our forwards notably Jim Park, Mike Bayley and Dave Cowhan saw us again pressuring their line and a good kick from Kyle saw Dave leap to score at the fullbacks feet.
Our boys really went up a gear then with Tori Freeman, Luke McMahon, Jarred Tyack, Harrison Baker and Tim Holmes making ground by running good lines and playing good support.
Our reserves had made it on by now with all playing strong roles with Ty Healy and Daniel Nicholson controlling the ruck and Troy Armatige, Wade Harris, Ben Thompson and Ethan Kosef all making sure we stayed on the front foot in the forwards.
We went in at halftime with a good lead and knew that we only had to repeat the effort to progress to the semis.
The second half was a real team effort with everyone doing their bit in attack and defence, Tries were scored by Kyle, Luke McMahon, Jarred Tyack and Jake O'Brian and we ran away comfortable winners 36-14 which was a great team effort.
Our best on the day were Jake O'Brian, Kyle Baxter and Ben Thompson but they couldn't play without great support from everyone also to Jack Jackson who was real sick but still made the effort to get us started.
The boys would like to thank the parents who travelled down as their support was appreciated and to John and Bill who ran the water. The boys now progress to the Semi Finals of the Cochrane Cup being one of the top four teams in the state.
There we will face Mater Dei from Wagga Wagga this Thursday at Red Bend. Mater Dei will be strong side as they put us out last year to become the country cup champions.
We have a pretty good side ourselves and will give ourselves every chance especially as it will be at home. |
 MANLY SEA EAGLES TRIALS
Please advise any boys at your school from year 9 up to year 12 that trials for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Harold Matthews and SG Ball Squads (Under 16s and Under 18s) will take place on Saturday 27th September.
Boys must as soon as possible to book a place. |
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| Ricky Stuart with the OLF u 11 State Champion Rugby League Team (Photo : courtesy : OLF) |
RICKY STUART VISITS WORLD CHAMPS
Story By :
Photo's Courtesy : OLF
Australian & Cronulla Sutherland Sharks Super Coach Ricky Stuart visited Our Lady of Fatima Primary School this week to congratulate the Under 11 rugby league team on their fantastic efforts this year representing Cronulla at this years NSWRL All Schools Knockouts Carnival.
Our Lady of Fatima Under 11's rugby league team did the Shire proud after their historic State Championship victory over Hebersham Public School from Penrith to win 18 - 12
Ricky presented the boys with their own t-shirts for winning the local Cronulla Knockout and generally had a good laugh with the kids.
|
NSW COUNTRY CUP FINAL |
| DUBBO COLLEGE |
46 - 24 |
ST MARY’S ALL SAINTS |
TRIES : Alan Arnold 2, Alex Ronayne, Brodie Chapman, Max Ray, Grant Kemp, Josh Merritt, Jordan Boney, Matt Marks
GOALS : Jeremy Smith 5 |
TRIES : Jay Stevens 2, Taylor Matthews, Dale Clacherty
GOALS : Michael Gavin 4 |
DUBBO COLLEGE CHAMPS
Story By : BEN WALKER
Dubbo College’s open rugby league team has been crowned the best team in country NSW after scoring a commanding 46 - 24 win against All Saints St Mary’s Maitland at Apex Oval on Wednesday.
Led by man-of-the-match Max Ray and inspirational skipper Brodie Chapman, the Dubbo side ran in nine tries to four in front of a parochial crowd, which was kept entertained by the commentary of the Maitland cameraman throughout the match.
While the final result went the right way for Craig May’s boys, things didn’t look promising early when Maitland’s lock Jay Stevens crossed under the posts in the second minute to help the visitors establish a 6-0 lead.
Dubbo fought back through a try to Alex Ronayne before Maitland again hit the front through a try to halfback Taylor Matthews.
But that was the last of Maitland’s resistance as Dubbo piled on a further 16 points to lead 22-18 at half-time.
A further 24 unanswered points in the second half saw Dubbo stretch its lead to 46-18 before Maitland scored a consolation try in the dying minute to end the game at 46-24.
Dubbo coach Craig May was proud of his side’s achievement to take the crown that about 90 schools throughout the State tried to win.
“It was a great performance today because we got contributions from all of the players,” May said.
“In other games we have had individuals play blinders but today it was a good team effort.”
With their confidence high, Dubbo College’s next task will be the quarter final of the University Shield competition against Chifley High next Wednesday.
“There is a bit of history between the two schools, next week is going to be massive,” May said.
“It’s great that we have been able to get over this Country Cup hurdle, now we have another big game to look forward to.” |
FARRER MARCHES ON BUT INVERELL BOWS OUT OF SHIELD
Story & Photo BY : GRANT ROBERTSON
FARRER 56 Def BALGOWLAH BOYS 4
TUGGERAH LAKES 48 Def INVERELL 22
FARRER put Balgowlah Boys High School to the sword at Simpson Oval yesterday to march into the University Shield semi-finals but Inverell High wasn’t so lucky against Tuggerah Lakes.
After a good start and an early try to Jake Hinkelbein, Farrer let the Sydney side back into the contest with some uncharacteristic errors but once the green and golds regained control it was all one-way traffic.
The home side led 28-4 at the break and doubled its score in the second half.
“Our completion rate was 30 per cent in the first half,” Farrer co-coach Gus Comi said.
“Against strong opposition you just won’t win with that.
“So we’ve got some work to do.”
But the second half was better, with Farrer dominating.
It was strong in defence and ruthless in attack, especially when flying winger Dominic Bower entered the fray late in the game and scored two trademark tries down the left flank in a matter of minutes.
The forwards laid the platform, with the likes of Scott Blanch and Ryan Pooley capitalising.
“It was good to see guys like Jacob Wheeldon and Sam Jackson back playing,” Comi said.
“They’ve both been out injured.
“Jacob had a broken jaw and to go from having your jaw wired up to playing again is pretty good and Sam has had a few injuries as well so it was good to see them back.
“Marcus Bower had an outstanding game, Jack Shelton – our replacement second-rower – was good and Ryan Pooley on the wing.
“The forwards played well.
“Jake Hinkelbein had a great game.
“He was players’ player against Toormina and I wouldn’t like to have him running at me.”
The semi-finals will be played in a few weeks and Farrer is hoping to gain the home ground advantage again in a bid to reach its first Uni Shield final since the success of 2003.
Inverell hosted Tuggerah Lakes in a round if 16 clash but found the visitors’ big men too hard to handle.
Tuggerah Lakes won 48-22 but it was close at halftime.
“They had two sets of six at the start and scored two tries,” Inverell coach Glen Partridge said.
“But we came back and it was 20-16 at halftime.
“Harley Lane scored two tries and Blake Murray one.
“But they were too good in the second half.
“They were a big side.”
Partridge said his side did well to handle the bigger side in defence after the early tries but, without four of their best players, the Inverell boys couldn’t match the strong Central Coast team.
“We had three props out,” he said.
“After they scored those first two we started tackling around the legs.
“But they were very big.”
Tuggerah Lakes now meets Sarah Redfern High in the quarter-finals. |
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| WINNERS: Roosters star Anthony Minichiello with members of Kincoppal-Rose Bay School’s triumphant under-12 league team. |
KINCOPPAL-ROSE BAY UNDER-12S STORM HOME IN SEVENS FINAL
Story & Photo By : DAMIR GOVORCIN 
The under-12 boys’ rugby league team from Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart (KRB) took out the annual Luke Ricketson Sevens tournament with an 18-0 win over Galilee Catholic Primary School, Bondi Beach.
Demonstrating the hard work and dedication shown during training sessions, the KRB boys displayed spirit and determination to win all four of their group games to make it through to the grand final.
Throughout the day-long competition, the boys showed good ball control, made plenty of metres in attack and were strong in defence.
The decider was an absorbing affair with scores locked at nil-all at halftime.
In the second half the KRB boys turned up the heat, creating turnovers with some punishing hits.
With more possession, KRB took the game by the scruff of the neck, crossing for three converted tries to clinch the title.
At the conclusion of the tournament, Sydney Roosters international Anthony Minichiello presented the championship shield and the man of the match award to Kincoppal-Rose Bay’s Edward Ryan.
Kincoppal-Rose Bay Junior School is co-educational from Prep to Year 6 and offers an extensive and varied sports program to the boys and girls in K-6.
In kindergarten to Year 2, KRB has 74 students playing in the Eastern Suburbs Football Association.
They train once a week with qualified coaches and play small sided and modified games on a Saturday.
In Years 3-6, KRB competes in the Junior School Heads Association boys’ competition in cricket and basketball in term one and four, soccer in term two and three, as well as an intensive rugby program. KRB also organises and hosts a competition with many rugby league clubs from the Eastern Suburbs.
Athletics and swimming programs are also offered throughout the year.
All these sports have qualified coaches who develop and enhance the students’ skills and sporting awareness.
Achievement pathways can lead to NSWCIS and State and national level representation. |
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| Sarah Redfern High School do battle with Farrer MAHS in last years University Shield clash |
SARAH REDFERN HS HOPING TO GO ONE BETTER IN '08
Sarah Redfern High School will take on Rutherford HS in the FINAL 16 of the CHS Uni-Shield on Wednesday 13th of August.
Sarah Redfern are looking to better their Top 4 position from 2007. Hosting a fully fit team for the first time in 2008 with 5 key players returning from injury, they are looking to impress, and overcome their disapointing defeat at the hands of Illawarra Sport High in Tier B (TV Game) of the Arrive Alive Cup.
Sarah Redfern took the SSW Regional Champions title again for the fourth consecutive year with a storming 38 - 4 victory in the final of the SSW Championships and are looking forward to some tough footy on Wednesday afternoon... | LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARRIVE aLIVE CUP | |
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| Dubbo College South Campus' Jai Dunn finds space in his side’s 16-0 Buckley Shield win over Temora High School on Monday night. |
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| Max Ray's physical presence in the forwards was a highlight for Dubbo College Senior Campus. |
IMPRESSIVE DOUBLE
Story & Photo's BY : BILL NORTH
SCHOOL LEAGUE: Dubbo College has reached the quarterfinals of both the under-14 Buckley Shield and opens University Shield after impressive wins at Apex Oval on Monday night.
In the school’s bid to go one better on last year’s runner-up effort in the University Shield, Dubbo College Senior Campus defeated Griffith High School 38-30 in the opens.
Meanwhile Dubbo College South Campus, fielding several players from past South Dubbo Public School Richardson Cup and Peachey Shield champion sides, got past Temora High School in the under-14s.
Coach Craig May knew it would be a tough assignment for his opens when he learned Griffith High School would be fielding three 19-year-olds in their side.
“Griffith was the biggest side I had ever seen - they were mountains,” May said.
“Andrew Sasita, Andrew Ngu and Niv George are all 19-year-olds who play for the Group 20 men’s side.”
The big men man-handled the College boys early, who struggled to get them onto the turf, and after seven minutes Griffith moved the ball wide and scored for a 6-0 lead.
Soon after Josh Merritt took on the defence to score and with the Jeremy Smith conversion scores were tied at 6-all.
However, Dubbo saw little ball for the remainder of the half and at 16-6 down at half-time it was shaping up to be a long evening.
Brad Spencer managed to score on the end of the first set of six in the second half to revive hopes, but again Griffith hit back to extend their lead to 22-12.
Another converted try, this time to Allan Arnold, had Dubbo back within striking distance and when Smith converted Alex Ronayne’s try 17 minutes from full-time the home side led for the first time in the match, 24-22.
Further tries to Brad Spencer and Dubbo’s best, Max Ray took Dubbo out to a 32-22 lead.
Again Griffith struck back, scoring two tries while Dubbo’s Matt Marks spent time in the sin-bin, but missed both conversions for Dubbo to hold on to a slender lead.
Then in spectacular fashion interchange player Tim Armstrong, more known for his cricketing exploits, scored a freakish try when he ran onto a Josh Merritt bomb and finished the try with a big swan dive.
“Max Ray was the complete package on Monday night, with outstanding tackling and go-forward and at least three clean breaks,” May said.
“Grant Kemp was strong alternating between the halves and back row while Allan Arnold’s dummy-half running and positional play was good.
“Matt Marks had a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde game, doing some excellent dummy-half running but also making some handling errors and being sent to the sin-bin.”
Dubbo College will host the quarterfinal match of the University Shield on Wednesday August 20, with both sides to meet Sydney West champions Chifley College.
In the meantime Senior Campus meets All Saints Maitland next week in the grand final of the Country Cup.
“A big thankyou to the referees Laurie Caton and Sean Barker who volunteered their services for the games,” May said.
Dubbo College Senior Campus 38 (Brad Spencer 2, Josh Merritt, Allan Arnold, Alex Ronayne, Max Ray, Tim Armstrong tries; Jeremy Smith 5 goals) defeated Griffith High School 30. |
BATHURST HIGH INTO CUP FINAL
Story By : SAM DEBENHAM 
THE Bathurst High under 15s rugby league side will play off for one of the biggest titles in NSW country rugby league in two weeks when they take on renowned league nursery Farrer Agricultural High School in the final of the Country Cup.
The Bathurst side will take on the formidable opponent after making it through the Southern zone semi-finals and final last Wednesday with a pair of impressive victories.
Bathurst were promoted to the southern semis after winning the western area preliminary rounds on a countback ahead of Dubbo's Delroy High then knocked over Wagga Wagga school Mater Dei 18-14 in the second round held at Cootamundra last week.
Having progressed to the southern finals they then faced Ulladulla High School and triumphed 14-10 to progress to the state decider.
According to coach Jamie Bozza, the side had to grind out a thriller against Mater Dei just to get through to the southern final.
"It was actually locked at 14-all near full time before [half] Doug Hewitt kicked down field for [winger] Katon Crawford to chase ? he put enough pressure on the opposition fullback that he spilt the ball and allowed Katon to toe it through and score," Bozza explained.
"We knew before the competition started that we had the side to at least get through to that southern semi-final stage, but we really had to guts it out to get to the final."
Playing in a two 20-minute halves format, Bathurst High will start as slight underdogs against the New England side on August 13 at Apex Oval in Dubbo.
Despite their imposing reputation though, the thought of playing Farrer is not something that worries Bozza.
"We are definitely confident that we can do the job, we have a good squad who have all played together for a long time," he said.
"Katon out wide, Blake Seager up the middle, Joel Bell and Doug in the halves and Jack Seijka running on the fringes have all got us to where we are now.
"If we work hard through the middle of the park and tackle nice and hard and pin them down we can certainly win." |
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| Happy trio: St George primary school pupils Jake Gallagher (left), Robert Siteine and Delane Cherrington show off the championship shield. |
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| State champions: Sydney East under-11 rugby league are joint state champions. |
SYDNEY EAST PRIMARY NAMED CO-PREMIERS
Story & Photo's By : MICHAEL CARAYANNIS 
SYDNEY East Primary rugby league team had a successful campaign at the state championships held at Batmans Bay on June 17-19.
The pupils, comprising mainly St George and Sutherland Shire players, were tournament co-winners.
The under-11 boys had to play six games in three days, which tested their football skills and their endurance.
The side began the tournament strongly, winning their opening three games with ease. They defeated South Coast 22-0, Western 16-0 and North West 20-4.
"The team played extremely well over the duration of the tournament,'' said coach Lucas Gear from Como West Public School.
"The boys really got along well and their was a great team spirit.
"This laid the foundation for our success.''
Sydney East suffered their only loss of the tournament in a close-fought 8-6 game against Mackillop.
But Sydney East bounced back to beat Polding in their final pool game, 22-0.
On the final day, Sydney East had a 6-all draw with Sydney North in the semi-final.
Because they scored the first try, Sydney East went to the grand final and faced Mackillop once again.
The grand final ended in a 12-all draw, resulting in a joint-premiership.
"It was a great tournament, players and parents had a great time,'' Gear said.
"There was a great deal of talent on display during each game, but our defence was the key to our success.''
Sifa Talakai from Botany Public School was chosen the player of the tournament by his peers.
The Sydney East squad was: Jade Anderson (Chifley Public School), Zach Bouzounis (Burraneer Bay Public), Jaiden Brown and Woody Tuiletutuga (both Mascot Public), Delane Cherrington (Peakhurst Public), Jordan Collins (Cronulla South Public), Jake Gallagher (Ramsgate Public), Gabriel Hamlin and Djanni Dowd (both Matraville Soldiers Settlement Public), Blake Higgins and Blake Maddocks (both Engadine West Public), Brock Ilett (Como West Public), Zac Josland (Helensburgh Public), Anthony Malouf and Liam Turner (both Laguna Street Public), Robert Siteine (Hurstville Public) and Sifa Talakai (Botany Bay Public). Coach: Lucas Gear (Como West Public). Manager: Jorg Knoflack (Burraneer Bay Public) |
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| The Canowindra High School Open Rugby League team. |
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS COME UP TRUMPS
Story & Photo By : 
The Canowindra High School Open Rugby League team played Bathurst in the University Shield at Canowindra on Wednesday June 25 to determine the winner of section A of Western Region.
The large Bathurst team applied a lot of early pressure and our lads had a nervous start, however our defence held.
“We started to put things together and gained a 10 nil lead but Bathurst hit back and capitalised on our mistakes and were leading 12-10 at the break,” said Mr Cowell, rugby league coach.
“The Canowindra team came out very determined in the second half, cut down on their mistakes and stuck to the game plan.
“We eventually ran out convincing winners 34-12.
“The whole squad contributed to this excellent win, however our Year 12 players Ronnie Lawrence (captain), James Agustin, Alex Myers, Aaron Leeson-Woolley and Kane Trayhurn deserve special mention for their leadership and commitment.
“We are now in the final 16 teams in the state which is a great achievement for a small school in this prestigious statewide competition.
“Our next game will be in Canowindra against an as yet unknown school from South West Sydney early next term.” |
NSW PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENS SQUAD ANNOUNCED
| squad was announced after the trials in Inverell last week. |
| Tom Trbojevic |
Mona Vale PS |
Kenny Mildwater |
Merrylands PS |
| Tyson Nikora |
Uralla CS |
Braxton Haika |
Toongabbie PS |
| Morgan Boyle |
Quaama PS |
Scott Allen |
Engadine West PS |
| Jayden McGreggor |
Revesby South PS |
Darcy Cox |
East Gosford PS |
| Luciona Leilua |
St Francis Xavier, Arncliffe |
Conner Tracy |
Burraneer Bay PS |
| Rhys Davies |
Padstow Heights PS |
Nick Hynes |
Umina PS |
| Kade Yule |
Campbelltown North PS |
Jerome Broadbridge |
Hebersham PS |
| Reece Sharpe |
Loftus PS |
Aaron Woodham |
Hinchinbrook PS |
| Koki Wu |
Canley Heights PS |
Beau Unounga |
Windsor South PS |
| James Lough |
Willoughby PS |
Jack Armstrong-Wright |
Balarang PS |
| Jack Hetherington |
St Mary's, Warners Bay |
Ryan Earley |
Currans Hill PS |
| Liam Collonette |
Lurnea PS |
Matthew Jurd |
Mt Terry PS |
| Junior Tatola |
St Joachim's, Lidcombe |
Jordan Kenworthy |
St Gregory's, Queanbeyan |
| Henry Uila |
Belmore North PS |
Noah Johnston |
Our Lady of the Rosary, The Entrance |
| Jayden Walker |
Laguna Street PS |
Harry Watkins |
Avoca PS |
| Christopher Debrincat |
St Pauls, Camden |
Bailey Simonsson |
Cromer PS |
| Shiem Fuimaono |
Lethbridge Park PS |
Aaron Faleto |
Matraville Soldiers Settlement PS |
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| Quirindi’s Daniel Johnson charges into the Farrer Gold defence of Tom Mellor and Kris Wall (headgear). |
SWEET SUCCESS: NARRABRI HIGH BOUNCES BACK TO CLAIM PEEL SCHOOLS LEAGUE TITLE
Story & Photo BY : GEOFF NEWLING
NARRABRI High bounced back from a loss in the Under 16 A Final with a 28 point success in yesterday’s 60th Peel Schools Rugby League Carnival Open A Final.
Narrabri beat St Joseph’s Aberdeen 38-10 after watching its talented Under 16s loser to Farrer 25-6 in their 16 A Final.
Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School was the most successful school at yesterday’s secondary section of the Peels Schools, winning four of the divisions – 13A, 14A, 15A and 16A.– but Narrabri excelled in winning the Open final, spearheaded by outstanding lock Sean Russ, Brodie Hobday and Alex Davis.
Their success came after their Under 16 side lost its 16A Final to Farrer 25-6.
That was a disappointing finish, coach Brad
Graham said. “We just dropped too much ball, dropped the ball from the kick off and were on the back foot the rest of the way.
“But the Opens did make up for it and made it a sweet day.”
Graham also coached the opens and was delighted with their support play.
He also thought Phil Webb and Trevor Allison were great around the ruck, making many metres from dummy half.
Sean Russ was outstanding and got us rolling,’ Graham said.
Brodie Hobday was great and I thought Alex Davis was our player of the day.”
St Joseph’s did well without a designated coach.
Skipper and five-eighth Adam Bartholomew led by example all day while hooker Cory Holman was their best in the final. Sam Walsh and fullback Nathan Cridland also impressed.
Quirindi High School also had a good day and won its Open B Final 22-18 against Farrer Green while Peel beat St Joseph’s in the 16B Final.
OTHER WINNERS WERE : Tamworth High (13Bs), Scone (14Bs) and St Mary’s Gunnedah (15Bs).
FORTY-FOUR TEAMS FROM 16 SCHOOLS TURNED OUT WITH 61 MATCHES PLAYED.
• 16A Finalists Narrabri High School and Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School have a touch of deja vu this Sunday.
After playing in yesterday’s 16A Final they match up again at Narrabri in a Group 4 competition match. Many of Narrabri High’s side, including talented centres Sean Smith and Will Tufui, will line up again for the Narrabri town side on Sunday. |
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| CONTRACT EXTENDED: Marist North Shore student Kieran Foran (centre) with his brother Liam (left), now with Melbourne Storm, and Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce, both former students of the college. |
MANLY EXTENDS CONTRACT FOR YEAR 12 STUDENT KEIRAN
Story & Photo By : DAMIR GOVORCIN
Talented five-eighth Kieran Foran looks set to follow in his older brother Liam’s footsteps after having his contract with NRL club Manly extended until 2010.
Keiran, in Year 12 at Marist College North Shore, played in the Australian under-18s, NSW Combined Catholic Colleges and Combined High Schools teams last year.
This year, the 17-year-old has been a star performer for Manly in the under-20s Toyota Cup competition.
He has been with the Sea Eagles for the past two years, and says his contract extension has given him a “major boost” in pushing for a first grade spot in the coming years.
“It’s good to be rewarded for your performances and hard work and I’m more than happy to be playing at a great club such as Manly,” he said.
“I’m still learning and developing my game, but I have been happy with my form so far this season.
“Hopefully I can use the Toyota Cup as a stepping stone to a first grade career down the track.”
Kieran’s brother, Liam who graduated from Marist College North Shore in 2006, recently made his NRL first grade debut for the Melbourne Storm.
“Family and friends was so happy for Liam because he has worked so hard to get his opportunity in first grade,” said Kieran.
“Liam is not only a great brother, but someone I look up to and we’re both determined to carve out a successful league career.”
Another big influence on Kieran has been Mitchell Pearce, also a Marist College graduate of 2006, who has remained best friends with Liam and Kieran.
Mitchell, the son of Balmain Tigers legend Wayne, has been in outstanding form at halfback for the Sydney Roosters this season. He has been touted as a future representative player.
“Mitchell has been a terrific sounding board for me in terms of my football, and I’m just so proud of the way he has excelled this season,” said Kieran. “His father was a great player at club and representative level and I believe Mitchell will forge a similar career.”
Last November, Mitchell and Liam returned to Marist College for their first year out of high school reunion – a tradition that every student is keen to support.
Marist rugby league coach Pat Lowe said it was terrific that the boys had made the effort to attend the evening.
“It shows the affiliation that the boys have to the school and their class mates,” he said. “We all follow the boys’ careers keenly and to have two students in a year group of 90 make it to first grade within 18 months of graduating from high school is something that both the boys and the college can be very proud of.
“The boys displayed wonderful energy at the college on and off the field and were very popular students.”
Marist College sports master Peter Giles said of Kieran: “He has a great future, and I am in no doubt that if he continues to progress at the level he has he will be playing in first grade in the not too distant future.” |
GUTSY FARRER STAYS ALIVE
Story By : GEOFF NEWLING
FARRER Memorial Agricultural High School’s First XIII, playing away from home without key players and with just 16 players, scored one of its most courageous and impressive Arrive alive Cup victories yesterday.
Farrer beat St Patrick’s Blacktown 32-10 in Sydney in a stirring display that had coaches Steve Cavanagh and Gus Comi searching for superlatives to describe the performance.
Farrer led 8-6 at half-time and blew open the game in the second half with a combination of gallant defence and lightning attacks.
“It was a fantastic win,” Cavanagh said.
“We had a patched-up side.
“We came down with four or five key players out and had just 16 (squad of 17 allowed for Arrive alive Cup games).
“So it was a very pleasing win.”
Farrer started the game with some first-half mistakes against a big St Pat’s side.
“We had a bit of dropped ball in the first half,” Cavanagh said.
“At half-time we worked on a couple of things – our ball control and our speed at the line in defence.
“And we smacked them in the second half.”
He said under 16 Matt Allwood made a great debut off the bench after being a late draftee to give the 16.
His forward pack also stood up.
Jake Hinkelbein, Dominic Horne, Andy Mack and Brett Jarrett all took the ball up strongly and defended well.
Lock Shae Collins was a standout.
Jake Hawkins also made a difference when inserted into the game and halfback Marcus Bower also impressed.
Cavanagh said five-eighth Kurt Resch also starred in the second half.
“It’s the best half of football I’ve seen him play for us,” Cavanagh said.
“He carved them up.
“It’s unfair to single any one player out though. They were all great.
“At different stages we held them out for seven sets of six on our line.
“They were held up twice over the line as well.”
Farrer will now play All Saints, Maitland in their next Arrive alive Cup game. |
FOSTER TOPS TRIALS TO COME TO NOTICE OF NRL TALENT SCOUTS
Story By : 
Woodberry’s Daniel Foster did not just get picked in the NSW Combined High Schools rugby league team, he gave Australian Schoolboys selectors some serious food for thought as well.
Foster was named player of the trials when the cream of the state school rugby league crop were put through their paces in Toronto in May.
Named in his pet position at hooker, Foster will be part of the under-15 side to represent NSWCHS at the Australian Championships in Bundaberg, Queensland in June and July.
Foster, 15, starred in the undefeated Northern NSW team that tore through a draw of state school sides in Toronto last month.
By no means the biggest player in the CHS forward pack, Foster’s mobility made him a threat around the ruck. It was this threat that grabbed the attention of selectors, rating him above the other nineteen players honoured with NSWCHS selection.
When the state side flies to Queensland to play the nation’s best at the end of the month, there will be no mystery in the motive of this ambitious 15-year-old.
“That’s the ultimate goal, to make the Australian Schoolboys,” he said.
A career in rugby league is not unrealistic for Foster, with NRL development squads already showing an interest.
“So far I think Parramatta have been in contact, but I’m not sure who else.”
But this level-headed Hunter Sports High student is not being blinded by the lights in his eyes.
Even at his age he is aware of the potentially hollow promise of a career in professional sport.
“That’s the dream, to play professionally. But I think you should always have a backup.
“I’d probably like to get a trade as well. Heaps of players don’t make it.”
Foster is currently rising through the ranks of the Western Suburbs club in Newcastle, currently playing with the under-15s team. |
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| Albert Kelly in action at this years NSW CCC State trials (Photo : ourfooty media) |
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| Matthew Wright kicks the goal - NSW CCC U 18's trials '08 (Photo : ourfooty media) |
PATRICIAN MAGICIANS
Story By : Christine O'Maley 
The 17-year-old Patrician Brothers students have the backing of the likes of Ricky Stuart as the next big thing in rugby league and they'll hopefully be making us proud in the Origin opener at Brisbane tonight.
Both have added selection in the NSW under 18 squad to their long list of achievements. Before they turned 15, the league fanatics were both selected in the national Catholic team and have since played numerous games for their state.
It's not even the first time Kelly has played at Suncorp Stadium although he said it was the first time the stadium would be packed to its 65,000-seat capacity.
"I reckon I'll feed off the pressure," the Kempsey-born five-eighth said.
Wright, who plays in the centres, said he was expecting a "tough, physical game" and planned to score a few tries to bring home glory for the Blues.
Neither of the boys need to prove themselves, with Kelly already training with Parramatta although he might feel a little family pressure being cousin to one of the games best players, Greg Inglis and Wright begins a three year contract with Cronulla next year.
Patrician Brothers coach Peter Ross said Ricky Stuart already had "big wraps" on the Blacktown boy and "intentions of breaking him into the NRL as a centre".
"They've also got plans to incorporate him (Kelly) into the NRL team in the near future. He's a very agile, fit athlete with plenty of ball skills and a great support game," Ross added. |
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| LEAGUES ABOVE HIS AGE: Maitland student Liam Higgins will make his Origin debut as part of the NSW under-18s team that contests one of the curtain-raisers to the main game on Wednesday. |
SKY-BLUE JERSEY ISN’T THE LIMIT FOR HIGGINS
Story & Photo By : NICK HANSEN
Liam Higgins is getting used to playing a standard of rugby league beyond his years, but admits a packed Suncorp Stadium will test his nerves.
Higgins, 17, has been selected in the NSW under-18s State of Origin team to play the Queensland under-18s in one of two State of Origin curtain raisers.
The All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus, Maitland student made his statement to selectors with a strong SG Ball season for the Newcastle Knights, a statewide competition for all players in the under-18s age group.
This is the first junior State of Origin opportunity for Higgins and he concedes the magnitude of the event will not be lost on him.
“This is pretty much the biggest stage you can get to at our age, I’m pretty rapt,” he said.
“Everyone’s going to be pretty fired up, I’d say there will definitely be nerves.”
But it is not the first time this Raymond Terrace hooker has been thrown in the deep end and risen to the challenge.
He was recently given the call-up for Raymond Terrace’s first grade team where at 82kg, he admits he was given a brutal introduction.
“First grade was heaps more physical and heaps quicker,” he said.
“You are playing against full grown adults. I struggled a bit in the first game, but handled it better in the second.”
The NSW team was selected from all junior NRL clubs, as is the Queensland side, giving young players an opportunity to get a taste of interstate rugby league before they consider a career in the NRL.
That is exactly the plan for this rugby league devotee.
“That is the plan, to go on playing professionally if I can,” he said.
Higgins will go into the NSW camp in Sydney this weekend before flying to Brisbane on Sunday ahead of Wednesday’s match. |
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 Aquinas College Menai & Cronulla High School after today's Arrive alive Cup final (Photo's : ourfooty media) |
AQUINAS COLLEGE WIN AAC FINAL
Aquinas College Menai were too good for a tough Cronulla HS with an impressive 18 - 0 victory in today Arrive alive Cup Cronulla Region final at Endeavour Field.
A big crowd of parents and excited school kids watched a good game of footy between this year regional finalists of the Arrive alive Cup.
Crounlla High had good enthusium from the start of the game, they just didnt have anyone who took control of the game and lacked some of the skills of the Aquinas College side.
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NSW CHS UNDER 15's & UNDER 18's
TEAMS ANNOUNCED |
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| Yass High School fullback 'Buster' Connors hits a hole provided by vice-captain Judd Sherratt. |
YASS HS CRUSH MULWAREE
Story & Photo By : 
Yass High School’s open Rugby League side have moved into the University Shield regional final for the forth year in a row, following a 26 point win over Mulwaree High School on Monday.
Wayward goal kicking cost the home side, who scored nine tries to three in the physical encounter. The large weight disparity between the two teams failed to worry the more skilful and rapid Yass outfit.
An outstanding opening twenty minutes saw the High School jump out to a 24-0 lead, with centre and vice-captain Judd Sherratt crossing for three tries. Haiden Gallimore finished off an outstanding length of the field try, set up by fullback ‘Buster’ Connors, who retrieved the ball from his own in-goal.
Mulwaree looked shot. However, ill-discipline invited the visitors back into the contest.
Mulwaree’s large prop stemmed Yass’ scoring flow with a blistering 25 metre dash for the try-line. A string of penalties lead to the away side’s second barge-over try only minutes later, taking the half-time score to 24-10.
The second half began as the first ended; with a Mulwaree try. The determined visitors had reduced the home side’s lead from 24 to 8 with oodles of time remaining. A short time later, a probing run, draw and pass from halfback Boyd Roche set up Yass’ sixth try and all but sealed the contest.
Three more tries only added further woes to a disappointed Mulwaree team. Full time – Yass High School 42-16 Mulwaree.
Captain Brad Wylie was voted best on ground, closely followed by Judd Sherratt and lock Shaun Davis.
Yass High School advance to the Far South Coast Regional Final, an event they have won for the past four seasons. Victory will take YHS through to the last 16 in the quest for the 2008 University Shield.
***
Yass: 1) ‘Buster’ Connors 2) Chris Bush 3) Judd Sherratt 4) Haiden Gallimore 5) Dean Thornthwaite 6) Tim Barrie 7) Boyd Roche 8) Steven Greenwood 9) Guy Sherratt 10) Josh O’Brien 11) Brad Wylie c) 12) Aaron Chatfield 13) Shaun Davis; reserves 14) Phil Skillin 15) Loch Leggott 16) Ben Leggott 17) Matt Cooke 18) Josh O’Brien 19)Mark Townsend 20) Matt Oldfield |
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| William Hopaote of Sydney North attacks Sydney CHS Rugby League Trails - Under 18 get it on ( Photo : ourfooty media) |
JOHN HOPOATE'S SON WILLIAM NOTHING LIKE DAD
Story By : James Phelps  Photo By :
JOHN Hopoate has just one message for his rising rugby league star son: "Don't do what I did boy."
With his son William at the centre of an NRL bidding war, the former Manly bad-boy last night warned fans not to expect a "chip off the old block".
"He is nothing like me," Hopoate said.
"I have made sure of that. I am very hard on him and very big on discipline."
Several NRL clubs are trying to sneak under Manly's guard and snare Hopoate junior after the 15-year-old starred for Sydney at the NSW CHS selection trials this week.
Looking more like Israel Folau than his father, the off-contract centre yesterday scored a try as Sydney proved to good for Western NSW.
"It wasn't until he was 12 that he started showing anything," Hopoate said.
"He has always been a good defender, he used to chop people down, but that was it. But when he got to 12 he just shot up and got all this pace.
"I don't know where it came from. He didn't get it from me. And he is pretty strong now. I am still the boss and beat him when we wrestle."
William, the eldest of Hopoate's eight children, was only eight when his father's finger rocked the rugby league world. He still remembers the spate of madness that would forever stain his family name.
"'Around the year 2000 I knew about the finger," William said. "I was pretty young but I knew what was going on. All the media and people were laughing but I didn't cop it too bad. All my friends new Dad and really respected him."
William is adamant he will not repeat the notorious acts of his father, who was one of the most feared wingers during the '90s.
"He is always telling me what not to do," William said.
"And I guess with his past he can judge that pretty well. He is pretty strict and I have to be pretty straight. I won't be heading off track."
Williams is being pursued by a number of NRL clubs including the Roosters, where his uncle Albert Hopoate plays.
"He still has a long way to go until the NRL," Hopoate said.
"But there are a few clubs offering real good money for a kid his age. It is unbelievable money. It is a business these days and my time has finished.
"I would have loved him to play for Manly but in saying that it is business. I am going to look after his interests." |
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| St. Clair Comets Under 6a's Vs Flenmore Park at Panthers Stadium |
JUNIOR COMETS LOVE THEIR FOOTY
They are the St Clair Comets U6/1's. They play in the Penrith District Comp. in first division.
They are the red team in the photo this is picture at Panthers Game playing Glenmore Park 16-0 in 10min game.
Beat Colyton on the Saturday 24-4.
They are all 6 years old. We are also looking for an U6 knockout to playin this year if any club knows of one.
Little U6 heros still undefeated after 6 rounds in first division many players in the team are playing their first year of football.
Winning 2 games on the weekend just passed. Played a stunner pre game match to the panthers warriors game at Penrith Stadium and torn up the field.
After a big win the day before against Colyton/Mt Druitt. Unstoppable team.
One of the fastest U6 teams on the paddock this season.
Coached by Mick Cantrill. St Clair's U6/1's thunderdown on all there opponents with there powering defensive line. They attack and defend as a team with majority of the team pulling down each tackle.
First year this team has ever played together and also been coached by Mick. |
RUTHERFORD PUBLIC THE PICK OF LEAGUE CROP
Story By : NICK HANSEN
Rutherford Public School is the toast of public school rugby league in the Maitland area after winning the annual Pumpkin Pickers Cup final on Tuesday.
Rutherford boasted an impenetrable defensive line, conceding not one point in any of their four matches.
Despite some strong opposition from Metford in the final, Rutherford ran in two length-of-the-field tries in the first half to take the score to 8-0 at the break.
They sealed the deal after the break, pushing the deficit out to 20-0 by full time. Rutherford Primary School’s Mike Dawson said he was struck by the well-developed skills of his side.
“We have a crop of kids who play with really developed skills,” Dawson said.
“They displayed a reasonably organised defence, coupled with a good variety in their attack.
“They looked like a pretty formidable unit.”
Metford Public School, who felt the full brunt of that formidable unit, won through to the final in spectacular fashion, beating Rutherford’s “B” side.
Metford Primary School’s sports co-ordinator Phil Tilden said his side was very competitive considering a good part of the team had switched codes for the tournament.
“Our team had about 10 soccer players in it. It’s not easy for a team of soccer players to just go and play rugby league.
“The final was a really tough affair, Rutherford had a really good side and we were really competitive,” Tilden said.
While the Maitland Pickers are still striving to re-enter the Newcastle Rugby League at the senior level, if Tuesday’s final is anything to go by its executives can take comfort in a healthy support stream.
Public schools that entered the competition included Beresfield, Thornton, Ashtonfield, Metford, Rutherford, Telarah and Maitland, making for a competitive 2008 event. |
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| St Raphael’s Ben Wilkinson tries to charge through the Canowindra defence in his side’s 16-8 win in qualifying for the Peachey Shield at River Park yesterday. |
ST RAPHAEL’S TOP DOGS
Story & Photo By : 
St Raphael’s confirmed themselves as the best rugby league school in the region when they made it a clean sweep of the district qualifying for the Richardson Cup and Peachey Shield played at River Park yesterday.
The school will send two teams to the regional gala day at Dubbo in early July after their Richardson Cup (Years 3 and 4) and Peachey Shield (Years 5 and 6) sides mastered the best from Cowra, Canowindra, Grenfell and Blayney.
St Raphael’s have a bright pedigree in schoolboy football, having taken out the Richardson Cup last year ahead of all schools in the Central West.
But yesterday, while there was no final contested for the Years 3 and 4 competition, St Raphael’s were determined the district winners ahead of Mulyan Public School. Both will go to Dubbo.
The green and golds also scraped home in the Peachey Shield decider ahead of Canowindra Public 16-8.
St Raphael’s Years 5 and 6 coach Scott Hudson said his side was fortunate to get the better of a talented team like Canowindra in the final.
“In the final, basically the Canowindra team is made up of six or seven Western Division players whereas our side is made up of six or seven Catholic Western Division players so it’s very evenly-determined in regards to players,” he said.
“It was great to see so many different teams come, it was great to see Grenfell come. The more teams that come, it makes a great day as you can see from the final.”
Twenty-one teams converged on River Park for the day, and it seemed Canowindra would take top honours after Alex Willson levelled the match at 8-all shortly after half-time.
But St Raphael’s playmaker Kuyan Pitt, who was a standout throughout the day in the abbreviated seven-a-side format, produced a miracle try to break Canowindra hearts.
On the last tackle, Pitt received the ball down a short blindside and then tip-toed and muscled his way across the line all in the one movement to hand his side a match-winning lead.
A superb covering tackle from man of the match Ben Wilkinson stopped a certain Canowindra try, and the nippy back then iced the game 16-8 with his second try.
Hudson admitted he was fearful for his side after a Canowindra siege early after half-time.
“(I was) extremely worried.
“In fact, the last four years we’ve played this it has been Canowindra and St Raph’s in the final here. They’re always a tough team, they play hard, so it was a great result.”
Hudson rated Pitt and Wilkinson among his best for the day, along with big Jacob McAlister and halfback Kane Brooks. |
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| Hanging by a thread: A Brighton-Le-Sands Public school player charges at the Carlton Public School defence in the Botany Bay Division final of the Lance Thompson Cup. Picture: Chris Lane |
PRIMARY SCHOOL CLASH YET TO CROWN A WINNER
Story & Photo By :
IT was a battle which spanned two-days, involved 61 teams, and is yet to crown a major winner.
St George primary school pupils took part in the year 3 and 4 Lance Thompson Cup and year 5 and 6 Brad Mackay Shield qualifying stages last week.
Last Tuesday 41 teams competed in the Botany Bay Division of the Lance Thompson championships, with Brighton-Le-Sands Public school defeating Carlton Public School 20-4. The trend was reversed in the Brad Mackay Shield qualifying final with Carlton 18 overcoming Brighton 10.
Last Wednesday at HV Evatt Park at Lugarno, St Joseph's Public School Riverwood 12 defeated Penshurst West Public School 6 in the Lance Thompson Cup Georges River Division, and Our Lady of Fatima Public School at Kingsgrove won a place in the Brad Mackay Shield final with a 30-8 victory over St Joseph's.
It was the first time that Carlton and Our Lady of Fatima have entered the tournament, and both schools will now face off in the final of the Brad Mackay Shield on a date to be announced.
St Joseph's and Brighton-Le-Sands will play in the final of the Lance Thompson Cup.
The four teams will take part in an exhibition match at St George Illawarra's home match against Penrith at ANZ Stadium in round 15.
The overall winner of the Brad Mackay Shield will go to the ARL Development Legends Shield where they will compete against winners from other schools in NSW in August. |
HAYDON HODGE AND JAMES AGUSTIN SELECTED IN REP SIDES
Story By :
Haydon Hodge and Ronald Lawrence recently competed in trials at Coonabarabran for the main Western Region squad.
Haydon was selected in this squad and will now compete in the state trials for the combined High Schools team at Newcastle next week.
Another piece of very good news is that James Agustin has been selected in the Presidents XIII to also play at the state trials.
The President’s XIII is selected from players across the state, who were unfortunate in missing selection in their regional teams through injury or misadventure. Congratulations to Haydon and James and we wish them all the best at the state selection trials.
To have two young men representing our small school at these trials is quite an achievement.
Our Buckley Shield 14 yrs team was soundly beaten by a very big and movile Forbes High team last Wednesday. The boys never gave up and tried hard but were outclassed.
In the next 2 – 3 weeks we have two play a Tom Kemp, 16 yrs, game against Molong and a University Shield, opens, game against Canobolas High. The dates and times for these games have yet to be finalised.. Mr Cowell - Rugby League Coach |
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| Narrabri's Daniel Jobson on the attack for his school side earlier this season. |
NARRABRI FACES AN ACID TEST AT FARRER
Story & Photo By : GRANT ROBERTSON
NARRABRI High School faces local schoolboy football’s toughest exam this morning when it takes on Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School in the Arrive Alive Cup regional final at Farrer’s Simpson Oval.
The Narrabri side has achieved more than any from their school before them in the nationwide knockout competition just by reaching the final but beating Farrer is another small mountain to climb.
“We’ve taken the positives out of our wins but we haven’t read too much into how dominant we have been because we know this is another step up,” Narrabri coach Brad Graham said.
“Farrer 2 was a step up and this will be an even bigger step up.
We’re aware of that.”
Narrabri beat Farrer 2 in last week’s semi-final, having already notched wins over Coonabarabran High, Peel High and McCarthy Catholic College.
“Hopefully we can continue the good form and the defence and general attitude the boys have shown in every game,” Graham said.
“We’ve been dominant in the first 10 minutes of games and that has led into some good wins.
“We’ve only conceded four tries in the competition so we’d like to minimise that area too.”
There may be some changes to the Narrabri side, with club games throwing up injuries to a few regulars, but the visitors still hope to field close to a full-strength side.
“Phil Webb, our starting hooker, is back and he’ll add some speed around the ruck, which we’ll need against a stronger defensive side,” Graham said.
“We’ve got three or four players with injuries and we’re hopeful at least three of them will be able to play.”
Narrabri trained again last night and will settle on its side this morning.
Reigning regional champions Farrer received a direct path through to the final but most of its players have still been busy with club and representative football.
“We’ve been waiting,” Farrer co-coach Gus Comi said.
“We’ve got a few injuries but nothing too major, just a few niggly ones.
“The representative stuff has taken its toll.
“The timing isn’t ideal for us at this time of year but we do need a game.”
The key men for Farrer include representative players Jake Hawkins, Scott Blanch, Andy Mack and Josh Dutton while Narrabri will look to Kenny Allison, Daniel Jobson, Dylan Baker and Brodie Rumsby to lead the way.
Kickoff is at 11.30am.
The winner will not only take the regional crown but will progress to the inter-regional section of the competition. |
 NARRABRI SETS UP SHOT AT BIG GUNS
Story By : GRANT ROBERTSON
NARRABRI High School has emerged as the challenger to Farrer’s regional Arrive Alive Cup title after beating the Farrer second XIII at Narrabri yesterday after the school and town received more good news that Will Tufui had made the NSW Indigenous Under 16s side.
It’s the first time Narrabri has reached this stage of the competition and it is ready for a showdown with Farrer.
Defence and a strong game around the ruck was the key to yesterday’s 40-12 win.
“We stuck to our game plan which was to dominate the ruck,” Narrabri coach Brad Graham said.
“We didn’t complete as many sets as we would have liked.
“We’d get to the end of the set and come up with a low percentage play instead of completing the set.
“But we were strong in defence.
“We had some trouble out on the right side because they had a couple of sharp players out there and we had to change things around to accommodate that.”
Farrer 2 stuck with Narrabri in the first half and went into the break 12-6 down but Narrabri got on a roll on the back of its ruck dominance.
“Their second phase was very good,” Farrer co-coach Jeff Guider said.
“They’ve got some fast players in the backs and forwards and they backed up all day.
“They dominated the play the ball area and they were able to roll on from there.
“Their defence out wide, their slide defence, was good too because we’ve got some handy players out there like Sam Bowden who wasn’t able to show up.
“Certainly Narrabri was the better side.”
Farrer hooker Tom Mellor had a good game though with two tries while Guider said Nick Say and Sam Crossley were also good.
For Narrabri, Josh Warren, Kenny Allison and Daniel Jobson all scored two tries each while Sean Russ and Alics Davis were the other try-scorers for the home side.
Narrabri will now prepare for next week’s trip to Tamworth knowing it will have to step up again.
“Our preparation will have to be good,” Graham said.
“Under the old format we used to play a game against Wee Waa and then we’d come up against a red-hot Farrer.
“This year we’ve been able to build that belief with every win.
“These blokes (Farrer) were good today but we know they will be better so we have to improve.”
Regular hooker Phil Webb and Tufui should be back for the final.
Tufui wasn’t available for Narrabri because he is in camp in Sydney preparing for Friday’s Indigenous Under 16s State of Origin.
The outstanding youngster has been selected to play for NSW against Queensland in the curtain-raiser to Friday night’s Centenary Test between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG. |
HUNDREDS SEEK SCHOOL PLACES
Story By :  Photo By : 
HUNDREDS of hopefuls will journey to The Hills Sports High in May seeking placement in the school's 2009 program.
Applications have already been received from country NSW and interstate, and from Britain, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines and Pacific islands.
In its first five years, the school has produced 28 Australian representatives and this week Sally Shipard and Kyah Simon were named in the Matildas soccer team for internationals in Asia and against the US.
The school has 10 members in each of the Sydney West boys' and girls' soccer teams and 11 players in both the Sydney West open rugby league and rugby union squads.
Talent identification trials will be held at the school in 15 sports on May 15.
An information evening will be held on May 6 and applications close on May 9.
Inquiries: www.hillssportshigh.com.au or 96227300. |
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| Fast feet...Ross Lewis charges toward the defence |
SECOND SUCCESSIVE VICTORY
Story & Photo By : Jamie Fakes 
The Glen Innes High School open rugby league side gained momentum throughout their clash against Macintyre High School to record an easy win on Thursday.
The team started off slow in the first match of the University Shield with the sole try in the first half being scored and converted by Joel Jackson but in the second half they took control to finish 28-0.
Coach Richard Taylor said the win was a strong overall team performance that was helped by a sterling game from Nick Eshman.
“The guys played really well and the win was a result of the team’s performance as a whole. There were quiet a few injured so the team wasn’t at full strength but it was a good result,” he said.
“Nick came on and changed the whole game.”
In the second half tries were scored by Aaron Flaherty, Beau Dawson, Ross Lewis and another from Jackson.
Points for the game were difficult to give after the team effort but Eshman was awarded three, Jackson and Flaherty two and Tim Grob and Lachlan Wirth one.
The team’s next match in the University Shield will take place after the school holidays with a date yet to be confirmed. Taylor said he is expecting even more from the team than what they showed on the High School grounds on Thursday.
“The second round match is against Inverell High School next term. They will have to hold the ball better in their next match.” |
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| STANDING TALL: Canobolas Rural Technology High School students Jack Wighton (left) and Damian Doolan have earned spots in the Western under 15 boys league side after impressing selectors. |
DUO’S FUTURE LOOKING ROSY
Story & Photo By : MICHELLE COOK 
CANOBOLAS Rural Technology High School students Jack Wighton and Damian Doolan will have something extra to look forward to when they go back to school next term.
The duo was recently selected in the Western Area under 15 boys’ league team following two trials.
The Year 9 students went to Bathurst for the first trial and joined up with students from other schools to play some matches.
They were both selected in the squad to progress to the next trial.
They stood out at the second trial at Peak Hill to earn a place in the 15-man Western squad.
Canobolas High teacher Trent Colley said they boys deserved their spots in the squad.
“They’re both very talented players,” he said.
“They’ve done so well. Damian was the surprise packet of the trials. He scored five tries in the first trial at Bathurst.”
This is the second time Wighton, a five-eight, has been selected in the Western side but winger Doolan is making his debut.
Orange High’s Jake Davis was also named in the 15-man squad.
Players from the Orange region also feature in the Western open league side which has been named.
Orange High’s Jace Delaney and Scott Rosser are joined by Canowindra’s Hayden Hodge and Ron Lawrence and Blayney’s Marc Slingsby.
The under 15s and open sides will play trials against the North West teams at Gilgandra during the second week of next term. |
BATHURST HIGH CONTINUED THEIR DOMINANT FORM
Story By : SAM DEBENHAM
BATHURST High continued their dominant form in the Tom Kemp Shield after putting the cleaners through Orange High with a 54-0 win at Carrington Park last Thursday.
Following a 100 point annihilation of Kelso High in March, the win over Orange leaves Bathurst to face the victor from Lithgow High and Dubbo High in the next stage of the competition in term two.
The Bathurst High side ran out convincing winners against their arch rivals, despite a gallant effort from the opposition.
Lock Rory Cole and utility Katon Crawford each bagged a hat-trick of tries while five-eighth Jack Siejka starred in the unfamiliar role of chief playmaker, racking up 22 points of his own courtesy of two tries and seven conversions.
On the back of a strong forward platform laid by Cole and props Semisi Langi and Luke Griffiths, Siejka and halfback Doug Hewitt tore the Orange High defence to shreds from the opening exchanges, setting up Cole for the opening try in just the fourth minute.
Charging over from close range off a Siejka pass for his first, Cole repeated the dose in almost identical fashion nine minutes later.
The procession continued in the run to half-time as Siejka crashed over for his first try before Hewitt sent him in for another four minutes later.
In the 27th minute Siejka returned the favour for his number seven and it was only a mistake from the resulting kick off that finally allowed Orange a look at the Bathurst line.
With the game almost over at half-time, Bathurst quickly snuffed out any chance of an Orange comeback, building on their 24-0 lead just minutes into the second stanza.
It quickly became a question of by how many for Bathurst as Crawford, coming off the bench, scored three tries in seven minutes ? all from dummy-half ? proving simply to slick for the Orange defence.
Statistically, Orange went blow for blow with Bathurst, completing 14 of 21 attacking sets to Bathurst's 17 from 23, but the visitors were only tackled five times in the opposition 20 metre zone.
Bathurst High coach Jamie Bozza praised his team's performance, saying that despite the dominance of Siejka, Cole, Crawford and Hewitt, the team put in the effort all round.
"The boys did really well, and they are working as a team not just as a bunch of individuals ? there isn't just one player doing all the work," Bozza said.
"I think Orange were really starting to tire in the second half which helped us a bit, they had a lot of work to do."
The one positive for Orange was that Bathurst did not manage to pile on even more points, with several other promising raids turned away by the visitors' defence.
In a telling statistic, all but one of Bathurst's tries came on the back of an Orange error or penalty.
Pleasingly for Bozza, his side were not even at full strength, with regular pivot Andrew Mendes set to return in time for the next round.
"Jack usually plays in the back row, so to have developed an alternative combination in the halves is a bonus. I though Luke Carpenter at hooker was also very good," he said. |
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| Caroline Chisholm Wins The Jason Croker Shield |
CAROLINE CHISHOLM WINS THE JASON CROKER SHIELD
Story & Photo By : Ben Pollock  Canberra Raiders
Caroline Chisholm has continued there strong run in the high school seven a side competition, by defeating Melba high 22-8 to take the Jason Croker Shield.
The annual Jason Croker shield is for year 7/8 students in the ACT region, and is played as a seven a side round robin tournament.
With 18 schools from across the Canberra region competing in the day there were strong performances from all schools involved, with Caroline Chisholm, Melba High, Queanbeyan High and Melrose High all finishing top of there pool and progressing through to the semi finals.
The first semi saw Caroline Chisholm take on Melrose, with some aggressive defense seeing Caroline Chisholm maintain the pressure to run out winner 22-4.
The second semi saw Queanbeyan High take on the might of Melba. In a one sided affair Melba proved far too classy taking the game 20-0.
The scene was set for a tough final with rivals Melba and Chisholm taking the field in what would prove to be a fast 14 minutes of football.
In the end Caroline Chisholm proved too strong running out winner 22-8. Thanks to all schools for participating in the day and too all parents, teachers, referrers and sports trainers for making the day successful.
Raider’s junior development officer Leigh Woodbridge said the day was a great way to showcase the junior rugby league talent in the ACT, and he thanked all those involved.
“Today’s matches showed that there is a very strong passion for the game in the ACT and we witnessed some great matches,” Woodbridge said. “I would like to thank all of the schools who participated in this competition, and hopefully we’ll be back bigger and better next year.” |
GYMEA
HIGH
SCHOOL |
0 - 30 |
St. Patricks
College
Sutherland |
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TRIES : Hancock 2, Fowler, Croucher, Kalagurgevic
GOALS : Sommers 3/4, Cardwell 0/1 |
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| OURFOOTY ACTION PHOTO GALLERY |
ARRIVE aLIVE CUP
@ Gymea HS 9 th April '08
Story & Photo's :
The Sutherland Shire leg of the National Schoolboys Rugby League knockouts, the Arrive alive Cup kicked off at Gymea High School with Gymea taking on the powerful St. Patrick's College Sutherland.
With great excitement from the Gymea High kids screaming their heads off at lucnh time the game got underway with Gymea kicking off.
Then St. Pat's had the ball and took control of the game from there on.
St. Pats play a good style of footy using their powerful forwards to smash the opposition then they feed the ball out to the talented back line who like to run.
Dragons Toyota Cup player & former Shark Tommy Hancock opened the scoring for the Pats boyz with a good run from about 30 meters out with defenders falling off their tackles.
Matthew Sommers converted from in front and the game was on.
The first half continued this way with Hancock crashing over for his second try halfway through the first half.
During the second half it was funny hearing the schools loudspeakers trying to get all the kids back in class and away from the game.
Gymea were courageous in defeat, they did not give up at all and reduced the St. Pat's side to just 14 points in the second half, the five - eight was a dangerous little player for Gymea who had a few good runs and tackled like a demon.
The power and experience of the St. Patricks boyz was just too much for the Gymea boyz, St. Pats kept coming in waves of running players.
Man of the Match according to ourfootyteam was Tom Hancock, he is a class or 2 above everyone else on the paddock. |
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| Westfields SHS Zone Reps (Photo : Westfields SHS) |
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RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS FOR SSW ZONE TEAMS
Story & Photo's : Westfields SHS
Westfields under 15s selected in the SSW team with Westfields Sports head coach Mr Wayne Lambkin.
The Opens were just as successful, they too had eight players selected for the SSW Opens Team with the ultimate prize of selection to the Australian School Boys team later in 2008.
There will be more new posted as it is received from the coaching staff.
There were some very gifted league players on show at East Hills on Monday 31st March 2008 when SSW selection trials were played at Smith Park.
The 15s had eight players selected (one missing from the photo) to represent at zone level with possible selection to the Sydney team and later in the year the chance of selection to the Australian merit side.
Westfields Sports has proved to be a wonderful nursery for the National Rugby League (NRL) with many former students currently in action on a weekly basis.
Players such as Eric Grothe Jnr, Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Kris Keating, Matt Keating, Feleti Mateo at the Eels.
Michael Greenfield, Issac Luke with the Rabbitohs.
Liam Fulton, Bryce Gibbs, Dean Halatau, at the Tigers.
Israel Folau at the Storm. With international Luke O'Donnell with the Cowboys.
There is also a host of former NRL players such as past school captain and international Michael Beutner for one.
The SSW trial day was successful in identifying talented Rugby League players for their squads.
Coach, Greg Boulous, suggested that it also identified that “our Opens squad need to do a lot of work this year.
Our attitude and preparation were below par, which lead to a satisfactory performance for the team on the day.”
Congratulations to the following players who have gained selection for the SSW Squads for 2008. |
WE’VE GOT A LONG WAY TO GO: LOVE
Story By :
All Saints College St Mary’s campus rugby league coach Col Love said a change of attitude was still needed by some of his players, after yesterday’s trial win over Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College at Maitland Sportsground.
St Mary’s eventually prevailed 28-26 but not before giving the visitors a 16-0 headstart courtesy of some “atrocious” football.
Love said his players’ attitudes had not been where they should be to play the level of football they would be playing throughout the school year.
“We’re improving each week and there’s a lot of good work individually but we still need to bring it together as a team,” Love said.
“We’ve still got a long way to go and some of their attitudes are not where they should be to be at this level.
Yesterday’s match was to be the squad’s final pre-season hit-out, but Love is hoping to arrange a match against Hamilton’s St Francis Xaiver College before the end of term one.
The 25-man squad will be culled to 20 at the end of the week, with Love saying a plethora of good backrowers had made the decision to leave several players out hard.
The squad has been training since October but the finalised squad can now smell the start of the Arrive Alive Cup, which will start next term.
But before then almost half of the St Mary’s squad are expected to attend the first stage of NSW Combined Catholic College’s (CCC) selection, when the Northern Country rugby league trials are held in Kempsey on April 9 and 10.
Yesterday’s trial match was played across three stanzas and after struggling in the opening third, St Mary’s clawed back to only trail 16-12 going into the final term. |
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| Stromlo High School win David Furner Shield |
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| Caroline Chisholm High School |
STROMLO HIGH WINS THE DAVID FURNER SHIELD
Story & Photo By : Canberra Raiders
Stromlo High school has continued a recent run of rich rugby league victories, as they defeated Caroline Chisholm 18-16 to win the David Furner shield at Northbourne Oval today.
The win for Stromlo in this years David Furner shield (years 9 and 10 sevens competition) is a follow on from their success two years ago, when the same side took out the Jason Croker Shield (years 7 and 8 sevens competition).
In a close scoring final Stromlo held out a defiant Caroline Chisholm side, which almost snatched victory at the death with a late try.
Earlier in the day 19 teams from 15 ACT schools competed in a round robin competition to determine the four semi-finalists, with Stromlo High and Caroline Chisholm being joined by Melba High and Wanniassa High in the finals.
In the first semi-final Caroline Chisholm edged out Melba 18-16, while in the second semi Stromlo outclassed a gallant Wanniassa team 24-10.
Raider’s legend and Assistant Coach David Furner was on hand to present the shield and said the day was a huge success, and congratulated all those who participated.
“It’s been a great day of rugby league and it’s a real honour for me to have a shield named after me,” Furner said. “I would like to give big congratulations to all the teams and players that turned up today and to Stromlo High for winning the shield.”
The Jason Croker shield was postponed yesterday due to bad weather, and will now be held at Northbourne Oval on April 9.
SEMI FINAL 1: Caroline Chisholm defeated Melba 18-16
SEMI FINAL 2: Stromlo High defeated Wanniassa High 24-10
FINAL: Stromlo High defeated Caroline Chisholm 18-16 |
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| HIT IT UP: Wagga High’s Jackson Margosis is tackled by Kildare’s Seb Cottam in last night’s Hardy Shield grand final played at Conolly Rugby Park. Picture: Kerrie Stewart |
WAGGA WAGGA
HIGH SCHOOL |
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KILDARE
COLLEGE |
TRIES : Kyle Philpott, Jack Littlejohn ,
GOALS : Jack Littlejohn |
TRIES : Curtis Young
GOALS : Zac Nix |
| Full Time: Penalties: 1-6 - Scrums: 9-13 |
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| HARDY SHIELD PHOTO'S (soon) |
LITTLEJOHN MAKES
Story & Photo By : Charlie Whiteley 
WAGGA High won last night’s enthralling Hardy Shield grand final thanks to some late heroics from captain Jack Littlejohn, who sealed the 10-6 win over Kildare Catholic College with a last-minute try at Conolly Rugby Park.
After being locked at 6-6 for the majority of the game, a Kildare knock-on gave Wagga High the ball 20m out from their line.
Littlejohn took the ball at first receiver and glided between two defenders to score in the corner, breaking Wagga High’s three- year hoodoo in the Hardy Shield and exacting revenge for last year’s grand final loss to Kildare.
In what was a dramatic and intense grand final, both teams struggled in the wet and cold conditions, making plenty of handling errors and missing a number opportunities in attack.
Wagga High centre Kyle Philpott was the first to score with a brilliant 30m run, evading several Kildare defenders before planting the ball underneath the posts.
Kildare struck back not long after following three consecutive sets of six on Wagga High’s line, with hooker Curtis Young darting over from dummy half, tying the scores up at 6-6 where they remained until just before full time.
Wagga High coach Andrew Morton was ecstatic after the game.
“It is an unbelievable feeling (to win),” Morton said.
“The boys have put in a lot of hard work and really deserve the win,” he said.
“Both teams had a lot of errors and in the end it came down to the brilliance of one player.”
Kildare coach Simon Huntly was pleased with his team’s performance in the trying conditions.
“In light of the conditions, I thought we did well,” Huntly said.
“We were well beaten by Wagga High in round two so I think we have come back well and put in a really good effort,” he said.
“Wagga High are deserved winners being undefeated but the grand final provided a great spectacle, which was pleasing.”
For Kildare, Huntly said fullback Zac Nix played well while Michael Connolly’s work rate was exceptional. |
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| TAKING IT FORWARD: Kooringal High player Lachlan Parker runs at Mater Dei hooker Jack Burey in their Hardy Shield grand final played yesterday at Conolly Rugby Park. Picture: Kerrie Stewart |
RAUFERS HELPS KOORINGAL HIGH TO WIN
Story & Photo's By : Charlie Whiteley
Kooringal High five-eighth Anthony Raufers scored a last- minute try and then kicked the match winning goal from the sideline in the final 20 seconds to defeat Mater Dei 12-10.
Following a 12-12 draw between the teams in round two of the Hardy Shield, the final again provided a nail-biting contest, with both teams having equal opportunities to win the game.
After an even 10 minutes which resulted in neither team having the ascendency, it was left to Kooringal High back rower, Ben Poutu, to score the opening try and give his team a 6-0 lead.
Shortly after, Mater Dei were ahead 12-6 following back-to-back tries to Jack Collins and Dallan Stanton, with Stanton’s being an individual long range gem in which four defenders were unable to stop him.
Kooringal High coach Tim Wykes was pleased to finish third following two tight games between the two teams.
“In the conditions, I thought we played pretty smart and held our heads,” Wykes said.
“We have a very young team so things look good for future years,” he said.
Wykes was pleased with how matchwinner Anthony Raufers played, as well as Josh Jenkins and his front rowers.
Mater Dei coach Anthony Hood was disappointed to finish fourth for the second year running but was pleased with his players’ commitment.
“It was a great effort and I’m happy with our campaign,” Hood said.
In the first game of the evening, Mount Austin High School won their first game of the Hardy Shield, shocking The Riverina Anglican College 18-6.
Mount Austin stunned TRAC by shooting out to an 18-0 lead before halftime, with TRAC powerless to stop a big and mobile Mount Austin pack.
Mount Austin’s first try to Luke Rutter was the pick, with the ball travelling through six different sets of hands in a 40m movement that got the ball rolling for Mount Austin.
Mount Austin coach Dustin Bradshaw was very proud of his players for remaining focused and positive throughout the Hardy Shield.
“I’m extremely happy and pleased with the effort of all our players,” Bradshaw said. “It was a good team effort across the park from all our players,” he said. |
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| CENTRE OF ATTENTION: Wagga High centre Kyle Philpott is one of the players coach Andrew Morton is expecting a big game from in tonight’s Hardy Shield grand final against Kildare Catholic College at Conolly Rugby Park. Picture: Brett Koschel |
IT’S CRUNCH TIME
Story By : Charlie Whiteley
WAGGA High School will be desperate to shatter a three-year hoodoo in the Hardy Shield grand final against Kildare Catholic College at Conolly Rugby Park tonight.
Wagga High School has been runner-up in the past three Hardy Shield grand finals, losing last year’s decider to Kildare in an extra-time thriller.
Wagga High School coach Andrew Morton yesterday said the team had not openly discussed the losing sequence but believes the players would be pumped to atone.
“This will be our fourth grand final in a row and we haven’t won any of them yet,” Morton said.
“There are a few boys who played last year and it would be great to beat them (Kildare).”
Morton was at a loss to explain the reasons for Wagga High School's recent failure to win a grand final but insisted it was not caused by the team choking under pressure.
“Our first couple of losses were against a strong Mount Austin High team whereas last year we had every chance but couldn’t get the win,” he said.
Morton said he was confident Wagga High School can continue its unbeaten run and defeat Kildare for the second time in the Hardy Shield, after easily accounting for them in round two 26-8.
“Throughout the competition, the boys have trained really hard,” Morton said.
“All players are pumped up and really excited.”
Morton believes Wagga High School will need to be wary of Kildare’s ball movement, which will be controlled by Ben MacKenzie and Ben Lucas in the halves.
“We need to pressure their halves and give them no time,” Morton said.
“Their front rowers, Aaron Bennett and Ryan Inglis, are also good ball runners and played well in last year’s grand final so hopefully we can shut them down as well.”
For Wagga High School, Morton will again turn to five-eighth and captain Jack Littlejohn who has been the spearhead for Wagga High in the tournament.
“Littlejohn is a player who can do everything, our centres have been good out wide and we need to make sure we work hard in defence,” Morton said.
Hardy Shield grand final – Conolly Rugby Park
Wagga High Kildare College
Damien Moore 1 Zac Nix
Henri Gardner 2 Nathan Looney
Kyle Philpott 3 Daniel Armstrong
Jackson Margosis 4 Pat Geale
Pat Ireland 5 Dane Stubenrauch
Jack Littlejohn 6 Ben MacKenzie
Rhys Cummins 7 Ben Lucas
Corey Mallon 8 Aaron Bennett
Sam Davey 9 Curtis Young
Tom Anthony 10 Ryan Inglis
James Hodges 11 Seb Cottam
Mitch Sheddon 12 Nathan Weeks
Josh Jelly 13 Michael Connolly
Reserves
Adam Cesnick 14 Eric Norris
Gage Baxter 15 Kane Hogan
Ryan Robertson 16 Joe Last
Andrew Robertson 17 Cade Price
Jake Busby 18 Glenn Farrell
Fraser Box 19 Jesse Hobson
Jesse Menz 20 Jamin Keough
21 Tom Davies
Game 1 – 5.30pm The Riverina Anglican College (5) v Mount Austin High School (6)
Game 2 – 6.30pm Mater Dei Catholic College (3) v Kooringal High School (4)
Game 3 – 7.30pm Wagga High School (1) v Kildare Catholic College (2) |
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| Wagga High players Jackson Margosis (left) and Josh Jelly celebrate after scoring a try in the Hardy Shield last week against TRAC. The Hardy Shield has been a great showcase, not only of good football but also of good competitive spirit between teammates and schools. Picture: Brett Koschel |
HARDY SHIELD IS OF A HIGH STANDARD
Story By : Charlie Whiteley
THE Hardy Shield has been an absorbing competition showcasing some of the best young rugby league talent in Wagga.
For each of the three rounds, there has been some tremendous football played, with each of the six teams having a number of stand out players they turn to for something special to win them or save them the game.
The standard of football in all the games has been very high, with the intensity and the closeness of games being a feature.
Being new to Wagga, I was unsure what to expect from the Hardy Shield, but I have been blown away by all aspects of it, from the football on the field to the amount of support it generates from the schools and the community and it is very pleasing to see the style of football that is being played.
All the games have been played in the right frame of mind, with the football being tough and uncompromising but always fair and in good spirit.
As is the case for all rugby league games, but especially at schoolboy level, the team that does the simple things right will be the team that wins.
Ball control and set completion are pivotal to the result of the games, especially as there is such evenness in the competition and any extra possession or territory a team can get becomes doubly important.
In defence, discipline and line speed are two factors that have been having a major impact on the outcome of games.
Teams that give away penalties find themselves down the wrong end of the field, putting themselves under pressure.
Teams that have been coming off their line put the pressure back on the attacking teams, which often results in them making simple errors often costing teams valuable opportunities.
After the three round robin games, it would be fair to say that Wagga High has been doing this best and has so far easily been the standout team, while Kildare, Kooringal High and Mater Dei have not been far behind.
Wagga High are continually quick off their line and go up as one in defence, which gives the opposition less time and options in attack.
With the ball in hand, Wagga High School stick to a reasonably simple game plan of taking the ball forward before using five-eighth and captain Jack Littlejohn, who has been one of the best players in the competition, to spread the ball wide or put in an attacking kick.
So far in the Hardy Shield, Wagga High has defeated Mount Austin High, Kildare Catholic College and The Riverina Anglican College in their three games, amassing 16 tries while only conceding six.
In the final, they will come up against last year’s winners in Kildare, who have run second in the competition following two good wins over Mater Dei Catholic College and Kooringal High and a comprehensive loss to Wagga High in the second round.
Kildare were very impressive in their wins over Mater Dei and Kooringal High, displaying an intensity that was not matched by their opposition, while they controlled the ruck area through their good pack of forwards.
It will be interesting to see if they will have that same intensity against Wagga High but as it is a final and a chance for revenge for the round two loss, I don’t see why they won’t be pumped up and ready to rumble.
Kildare are the defending champions after they defeated Wagga High in last year’s grand final, which went into extra time, a fact that is sure to add some extra spice to the game.
In the grand final between third and fourth, Mater Dei will come up against Korringal High after both teams enjoyed a win, a loss and a draw in the competition, with the 12-all draw coming against each other in round two.
While neither Mater Dei or Kooringal High are likely to be overly happy with the consistency of their form, both teams have shown good potential and when they are playing good football both are hard to defend against.
The second grand final should be a very tight game and should be as good a game as Wagga High versus Kildare.
TRAC were the fifth ranked team after the three rounds, having produced a win over Mount Austin while losing a tight game to Kooringal High and a blow out last week against Wagga High.
TRAC have been somewhat the surprise packets of the competition and have added a lot to the competition in their return.
TRAC play a team game, not relying on one player but a contribution from everyone, which usually sees them compete well in all facets of the game, defending strongly which gives them good opportunities in attack.
What has let them down in the competition is converting these opportunities into points, with their lack of try scoring ability meaning they will have a hard time to win any game.
TRAC will play Mount Austin who at times have been as good as any team in the competition.
Following a narrow loss to Wagga High in the first week, Mount Austin were right in the game against TRAC before losing following a couple of late tries.
A lack of fitness sees Mount Austin struggle in the back end of games but their effort and support for one another has been second to none in the competition.
They will be keen and hungry to get their first win of the competition up against TRAC in the final and I think they have a very good chance to do so.
All grand finals will be played on Tuesday at Conolly Rugby Park with the first game kicking off at 5.30pm. |
KILDARE BOLSTERED BY SENIOR PLAYERS
Story By : Charlie Whiteley
THE Hardy Shield grand final is in no way a one-horse race, with Kildare Catholic College coach Simon Huntly believing a strong contribution from his senior players can get his team the win in Tuesday’s grand final, to be played at Connolly Rugby Park.
Kildare will play Wagga High in the final, with Wagga High clearly the form team in the competition, easily accounting for Kildare in round two 26-8.
With that loss in mind, Huntly realises his players must play close to their full potential in the final, with big performances needed from the senior players.
“We need all our players to contribute,” Huntly said.
“Our senior guys, such as Michael Connolly, Ben Lucas, Ben MacKenzie and Pat Geale, need to lead the way,” he said.
“Along with those boys our front rowers Ryan Inglis and Aaron Bennett will need to play well.”
“They were outstanding in last year’s grand final so I am hoping they will play to same level this year.”
Huntly realises Wagga High will be tough opposition, especially as they will be keen to avenge last year’s grand final which they lost to Kildare in extra time.
“They are pretty strong across the board so we will have to look after our own game and hopefully put ourselves in a good position,” Huntly said
In their previous meeting, which Wagga High won by 18, Kildare did not appear to be switched on mentally with Wagga High scoring 26 unanswered points.
Huntly said Kildare has been working on their speed off the line in defence, getting numbers in tackles and supporting the ball carriers.
Kildare will play Wagga High in the Hardy Shield grand final, to be played at Connolly Rugby Park on Tuesday with kick off at 7.30pm. |
FIRST ROUND OF ARRIVE ALIVE CUP
Story By : Naomi Davidson
Glen Innes High School’s Open Boys Rugby League team will play Inverell at Meade Park tomorrow afternoon.
The kick off time is 4pm. A gold coin donation is required for admission with the proceeds going to GIHS Student Representative Council and the Junior Rugby League.
The game will be played as part of the annual Arrive Alive Cup, a road safety initiative targeting fatigue.
This year’s format is different from the previous years where a knockout format has been in place. Instead the new format will see the Glen Innes side play three games in three weeks
The first game against Inverell, the second game will be held against Oxley High in Tamworth and the third game against Tamworth High in Glen Innes.
The winner from the six teams in Pool B will progress on to play the winner of Pool A. |
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| Kildare Catholic College win Hardy Shield. |
KILDARE CATHOLIC COLLEGE WIN HARDY SHIELD
Story & Photo's : Kildare CC 
Three years of preparation payed off on Wednesday night as our open rugby league team overcame a gallant Wagga High side to claim this year's Hardy Shield title.
The gripping encounter was eventually decided 2 minutes from the end of extra time as Zac Wilson slipped his way through to score off a deft pass from Mitch Mullins.
A large crowd witnessed one of the closest finals in recent history as the scores were locked at 8 all at full-time untill the Kildare match winner.
A reflection of how close the contest was would have seen Wagga High win the title should scores have still been locked at extra time as they where the first try scorers.
In a great team effort special mention must go to Captain Zac Wilson for his exceptional leadership as well as fellow Year 12 students Simon Drum,
Steve Irons, Ben Trevaskis and Bryce Koop who showed great maturity and commitment throughout the campaign. Congratulations to all 26 squad members and to Mr Peckham, Mr O'Connell, Mr Hunt and Mr Huntly and the greater school community for their support. |
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| FRONT ON DEFENCE: Kooringal High hooker Andrew McGill makes a strong tackle on Mater Dei Catholic College’s Brendan McIntosh as Kooringal High’s five eighth, Ben Poutu, assists. Picture: Keith Wheeler |
THRILLER ENDS IN A DISAPPOINTING DRAW
Story & Photo By : CHARLIE WHITELEY
Both teams expressed disappointment with the draw, believing they had enough opportunities to seal a win.
“I thought we did enough for a win,” Kooringal High coach Tim Wykes said.
“It is a bit of a deflated feeling.”
Mater Dei coach, Anthony Hood, echoed Wykes’ comments.
“It is a disappointing result,” he said.
“I thought we could have had a win but a couple of injuries hurt us.”
After a hard fought opening ten minutes, Mater Dei were the first to score with half back Keenan Hanigan slicing between two defenders and stepping the full back to score under the posts.
Kooringal High were quick to hit back with five eight, Ben Poutu, diving over from dummy half.
The conversion by Anthony Raufers out wide locked the score up at 6-6 at half time.
A try apiece in the second half took the score to 12-12, where it remained despite both teams playing some great attacking football in a thrilling final five minutes.
For Kooringal High, Wykes was pleased with the work of forwards, Callum Hurst and Darryn Elam, but was disappointed about the amount of mistakes.
For Mater Dei, Hood was pleased with the kicking game of his halves, Keenan Hanigan and Jack Collins, and the team’s overall effort. |
KOORINGAL HIGH SCHOOL WINS THRILLER
Story By : Charlie Whiteley
In what was a very close and even affair, Kooringal High were down by four points with less than five minutes remaining when Kooringal five-eighth Ben Poutu carried three defenders over the line to score the match winner.
Poutu, who was one of Kooringal High’s best players, put his try down to effort and determination.
“I just ran hard; I was determined to get over,” he said.
“We are a good chance in the competition, we just need to work on out defence.”
In what was a see-sawing battle between the two teams – the lead changed hands three times – TRAC is entitled to feel disappointed with the loss, failing to take advantage of several opportunities.
Despite rostered drinks break half-way through each half of football, the hot conditions took a toll on the players with fitness and poor concentration affecting both teams at different stages during the game.
TRAC recorded the first try of the Hardy Shield, with halfback Matt Lewington putting a well weighted grubber behind the Kooringal High line, with Daniel Nisbet doing well to ground the ball out wide.
Also for TRAC, Sam Hodges scored a great solo try, slicing through the Kooringal High defence with a nice left foot step, which at that stage had TRAC ahead, 10-6, with just under 10 minutes to go.
Kooringal High coach Tim Wykes was pleased to see his team get away with the win, but believes it has a lot of room for improvement.
“I’m a bit relieved, I thought we only played at about 60 per cent of our ability,” he said.
“Some positives were our enthusiasm, it was also good to see TRAC back, they are always a hard and competitive team.”
Hardy Shield convenor Andrew Morton was very happy with how the first round of the competition went.
“There has been a very high standard of play from all teams,” he said.
“The crowds have been good, everyone is taking it seriously and I think we are in for a very close competition.” |
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| BRING HIM DOWN: Kildare’s Pat Geale and Mount Austin’s Dylan Ingram have both been outlined as key players for their teams in this year’s Hardy Shield Schoolboy Rugby League competition. |
SIX TEAMS BATTLE FOR ULTIMATE GLORY
Story & Photo By : Charlie Whiteley
The Hardy Shield is regarded as the pinnacle of school league in Wagga and will open with the first round at Staunton Park today.
Six Wagga teams will compete for the coveted title and Morton said the pressure to succeed will be intense.
“This is the main competition of the year,” Morton said.
“This is what (the competition) everyone talks about all year and what everyone wants to win.”
With all schools picking strong teams which have been training for up to six weeks, the football is expected to be at a high level.
“In the past the football has been of a very high quality, with players playing with a lot of passion,” he said.
Looking to get his team off to a good start is Mount Austin High coach, Steven O’Neill, who is expecting a tough first up hit out against Wagga High.
“If the boys play hard, stick to the game plan then we are in with a shot,” O’Neill said.
“We have good players in our team but it has been a struggle getting everyone to training and because of other commitments, but I’m sure those who play will do well,” he said.
O’Neill will be looking to a number of young players such as centre Dylan Ingram and Alex McKenzie, who will be trying to direct the team around the park from half back.
McKenzie is looking forward to tonight’s challenge, and said all the Mt Austin boys were very pumped up.
“It isn’t the easiest of first round games but we have a good team,” McKenzie said.
“We have been getting around 13 to training and have been working on combinations, hopefully our forwards will set the platform and then we can shift the ball wide,” he said.
The Riverina Anglican College (TRAC) is also looking forward to tonight’s first round, with their clash against Kooringal High being their first match in the Hardy Shield since 2006.
Coaches of TRAC, Brian Lawerence and Ross Kennedy are excited to again be involved in the thick of Wagga schoolboy sport, and can’t wait for their boys to get stuck into tonight’s action. |
WAGGA HIGH FULL OF CONFIDENCE FOR TOURNAMENT
Story By :
Wagga High will play their first match against Mount Austin High at Staunton Park tomorrow, in what is expected to be a tough first-up hit out for the teams.
In the lead-up to the schoolboy league competition, Wagga High has shown good trial form and are set to have a strong side, with over 30 players regularly turning up for training.
“Training has been good, we’ve been getting 35 players at training which is good sign and the boys look pretty keen,” Wagga High School coach Andrew Morton said.
“Jack Littlejohn at five-eight h will be a spearhead for us and David Moore at fullback is another player to watch,” he said.
Wagga High’s team is made up largely by Year 11 students with only three students selected from Year 12, while a handful of students from Year 10 are in the team.
“We have a good group of players, sometimes you can struggle with students leaving to become apprentices, but we are fine with numbers and looking forward to playing,” Morton said.
Morton is expecting the Hardy Shield to be an even and hard-fought competition with all teams capable of taking out the title.
“It is a pretty open competition, Mater Dei (Catholic College) seems to be pretty confident but it will be evenly contested. “The fact that you don’t get to play against every team means every game is very important,” he said.
The Hardy Shield will be played at the Conolly Rugby Park, however Wagga Council has forced the first two rounds, comprising of six games, to be moved to Staunton Park.
The council was concerned the Conolly Rugby Park surface, which was reseeded in February, would not withstand all 12 games to be played in the Hardy Shield.
Rounds 1 and 2 of the Hardy Shield, to be played on March 5 and 11, will now be played at Staunton Park while round 3 and the finals will be played at Conolly Rugby Park.
Round 1 – tomorrow at Staunton Park
4.45pm: Kooringal v TRAC
5.45pm: Wagga High v Mt Austin High
6.45pm: Kildare Catholic College v Mater Dei Catholic College
Round 2 – Tuesday at Staunton Park
4.45pm: Mater Dei v Kooringal High
5.45pm: Kildare v Wagga High
6.45pm: TRAC v Mt Austin High
Round 3 – March 17 at Conolly Rugby Park
4.45pm Wagga High v TRAC
5.45pm Mater Dei v Mt Austin High
6.45pm Kildare v Kooringal High
Finals – March 26 at Conolly Rugby Park
5.15pm: 5th v 6th
6.15pm: 3rd v 4th
7.15pm: 1st v 2nd |
GOOD NEWS IN ARRIVE aLIVE CUP
Story & Photo By :
As the 2008 AAC season nears with the Arrive alive 7's kicking off next week out at St. Mary's, schools all around Australia can breathe a sigh of relief.
17 year old Ben Jones has left school & will not be a part of the Matraville SHS defence of all their 2007 titles.
It's official, the little redheaded terrier has decided not to finish year 12 in '08, which is sad for Matra, but Gr8 from everyone else.
Ben confirmed he has left school at the NRL Rookie camp last week. Ben is happy with his decision to leave school to concentrate on his new job, a full time Sydney Roosters NRL player.
Ben will play in the Roosters Toyota Cup side this year, Ben his hopeful of getting a starting run in the top Roosters team this year. Good luck Ben, we all hope you have a hot season. |
HAPPY NEW YEAR
& RUN@ME '08 |
 Can anyone beat Matraville Sports High School this year?
Matraville SHS, the 2007 Arrive alive Cup, University Shield, St. Mary's Cup champions are an awesome force to be reckoned with in '08 after thier most successful rugby league season in history.
We will have to wait and see. - good luck to every one |
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THE SYDNEY EAST SSA TRIALS
CRONULLA JUNIORS
ARRIVE 
2007 METRO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS RUGBY LEAGUE
NSW UNDER 16's
NSW COMBINED CATHOLIC COLLEGES
Date : Wednesday 9th May 
HUNTER SHS
CORWA HS 
WESTFIELDS SHS
BRISBANE WATERS HS 
ST. JOHN'S WOODLAWN 
TATHRA 
MOUNTAIN CREEK SHS
PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN 
BRISBANE STATE HIGH SCHOOL 
BRISBANE METRO 
ELITE SYDNEY CHS COMP'S
SYDNEY 
2007 COWBOYS CHALLENGE 
OBE GEIA 
Jeff HARDY
