Queensland’s best 15-18 years combined schoolboy side
Author : Andrew Dawson Newscorp Sports
Queensland’s best 15-18 years combined schoolboy side; our award winners revealed
Here’s 40 schoolboy league players from the Qld 15 years and 18 years teams we honour in our 17 awards following the ARSSL championships.
Action from the Australian state schools national rugby league championship match between Queensland Maroon and NSW CHS. Picture: Tertius Pickard
Queensland rugby league is still basking in the glory of the state’s 18 years schoolboy side claiming the ARSSL national championship on Friday at Redcliffe.
Wavell SHS’s five-eight Karl Oloapu was named man of the championship and PBC SHS fullback Keano Kini Queensland’s best player across its matches.
And while the two Queensland under 15s missed playing in the grand final, the future of Queensland schoolboy football is in good hands.
WATCH THE GRAND FINAL REPLAYS HERE
PHOTO GALLERY FROM GRAND FINAL DAY
QLD’s Keano Kini. Picture: Zak Simmonds
OUR AWARD WINNERS FOLLOWING THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Best try
It has to be Keano Kini’s (PBC SHS, Qld 18 years) day 5 effort when he burst into action to support a break by Karl Oloapu against NSW CIS.
I spent the early part of the tournament singing the praise of Kini and Oloapu and in one foul swoop, the boys didn’t let me down.
QSS’s Karl Oloapu makes a break during the under 18 ASSRL schoolboy rugby league championship grand final between QLD v NSW CHS from Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe. Picture: Zak Simmonds
Pass of the tournament
Karl Oloapu’s remarkable pass to create a try against NSW CIS when he carried the ball to the line, copped a hit, but still put the ball in the bread basket of an opponent.
That pass, and Kini’s long left ball in Friday’s final to open up space and create a try was also a beauty. But Oloapu’s effort was the best.
Best impersonation of an immortal
Karl Oloapu (Wavell SHS, Qld 18 years) again. His try in the grand final against NSW CHS was Wally Lewis like, the manner in which he came so hard onto the ball, fighting to the death to the tryline.
That was Lewis, filty determind to score in a big match, and Oloapu mirrored the great man.
Action from the Australian state schools national rugby league championship match between Queensland Maroon and NSW CHS. Lui Lee. Picture Tertius Pickard
Best centre award
Pre-tournament we all knew Michael Roberts (PBC SHS) was the best centre in Queensland – and despite limited chances at the nationals, he still is, hence his Australian schoolboy selection.
But with more opportunity, Lui Lee (Marsden SHS, Qld 15 years) Lee was the class centre of his age group, with telling footwork, size and speed. He could also pull off a shot in defence.
The ASSRL school boy 15 years. Queensland White player Ellyjah Birve. Picture, John Gass
Best 15 years age group players
Mereki Warradoo (Wavell SHS, Qld maroons 15 years)
Warradoo was officially the 15 years age group’s best Queensland player, starring from fullback.
But I also loved dummy half Mason Phillips (Wavell SHS, Qld white 15 years). Phillips had a real spring in his step, scorching out of the ruck when the opportunity presented while also feeding his half Dallas Ingram with precision.
And then there was Ellyjah Birve (Caloundra SHS, Qld 15 years)
There was a splash of Chris Sandow (ex-NRL player) in young Birve who snared one man of the match award in one game despite being off colour, and kicked a pressure goal in another to boot his side to victory.
Action from the Australian state schools national rugby league championship match between Queensland Maroon and NSW CHS. QLD celebrates after Marley Mclaren scored a try. Picture Tertius Pickard
The best flying under the radar players
Josh Lynn (PBC SHS, Qld 18 years)
With talent bursting all around him, Lynn was a Cooper Cronk type who was the perfect choice to complement Jye Gray, Oloapu, Kini and Coby Black.
Chris Faagutu (Marsden SHS, Qld 18 years)
What a pleasure it must have been for coach Geoff Eggert to peer across his interchange bench knowing he had versatile mobile middle man Faagutu up his sleeve.
Action from the Australian state schools national rugby league championship match between Queensland Maroon and NSW CHS. Braithen Scott attacks. Picture Tertius Pickard
Braithen Scott (St Mary’s, Qld Maroons 15 years)
While Scott was not the best player in his team, he was consistently in the top three.
A good listener, he mirrored Lynn’s efforts for the under 18s in that he was a quiet achiever.
The young bloke has a future.
Seth Nikitemo (Keebra Park SHS, Qld 18 years)
The edge forward did plenty of grunt work against bigger, grizzly NSW rivals. His defensive efforts did not go unnoticed.
Liam La Blanc (Nudgee College, Qld 18 years)
The stoic Norths Devils junior had a wonderful tournament plugging the middle for Queensland and gaining parity with his runs forward.
Most explosive award winners
Keano Kini (PBC SHS)
QLD’s Jye Gray. Picture Zak Simmonds
When Kini started to make his move down the middle of the ruck, alarm bells would have been sounding left, right and centre.
The word dynamic was evented to describe Kini, I reckon.
Arama Hau (Keebra Park SHS, Qld 18 years)
Hau was one of the players of the tournament.
No one would have been shocked at Hau’s form, such is his raw ability.
But to impact the way he did as a full-time edge player – he is traditionally a No. 13 – enhances his reputation no end.
Jye Gray (TSS, Qld 18 years)
Gray’s reputation for blinding acceleration was on the tip sheet of every opposition side, and his presence would have taken pressure off the incursions for Oloapu and Kini.
True to form he found the tryline in Friday’s final with a brilliant individual burst.
Best mobile big men
Hau again. This bloke is a beast and Keebra Park SHS are blessed to have him for the second half of their Langer Trophy campaign.
Josiah Pahulu (Ipswich SHS, Qld 18 years)
The mobile Pahulu used his agility and speed to hustle go forward around the ruck, while using his body height to attack the ball when the young giants from the NSW school teams marched forward.
QLD’s Arama Hau celebrates his try with team mates during the under 18 ASSRL schoolboy rugby league championship grand final between QLD v NSW CHS from Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe. Picture Zak Simmonds
QLD’s Arama Hau celebrates his try with team mates during the under 18 ASSRL schoolboy rugby league championship grand final between QLD v NSW CHS from Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe. Picture Zak Simmonds
Mace Andrew (Marsden SHS, Qld Maroons 15 years),
Big and mobile, Andrew is an excellent prospect. Andrew and his front row partner Nixon Pasese were imposing go forward props for the Queensland Maroons.
A Marsden Hancock Cup (Year 9) player, Andrew’s footwork, leg speed and occasional ball playing impressed.
Nixon Pasese (Nudgee College)
The prop was a midfield powerhouse, the best across the two Queensland 15 years teams. He had a great one-two, go forward combination with Mace Andrew for the young Maroons.
QLD’s Jye Gray scores a try. Picture Zak Simmonds
Best players kept on ice award winners.
Michael Roberts, Tyreece Tait and Haizyn Mellars.
Roberts saw less ball on his side of the field than fellow centre Tre Fotu, but defensively he was spot on and was always on hand for the tough carry coming out of his end.
It was not a big opportunity week for the Queensland 18 years wingers. Tait saw more action, but both boys had limited chances. But both are class players who will no doubt impact the Langer Trophy when it resumes on Tuesday.
Action from the Australian state schools national rugby league championship match between Queensland Maroon and NSW CHS. Diesel Taylor attacks. Picture Tertius Pickard
The best Cats Out of the Bag award winners
Tre Fotu (Ipswich SHS, Qld 18 years)
The emergence of Tre Fotu continued at break neck speed and he must have been strongly considered for the Australian side.
His powerful runs and rugged defence continued his season to the remember after helping Souths Logan win the Meninga Cup.
Gabriel Satrick (Ipswich SHS, Qld 18 years)
The cat is out off the bag and now the rugby league world knows everything about the dynamic dummy half who hails from Yarrabah in FNQ. Satrick was honoured with the Player of the Match in Friday’s grand final.
Action from the Australian state schools national rugby league championship match between Queensland Maroon and NSW CHS. Jared Horne attacks. Picture: Tertius Pickard
Discovery player award:
Who from the general public or NRL talent scout departments knew about Jake Carsburg (Grace Lutheran, Qld White 15 years) before the tournament
Like Braithen Scott from the Queensland Maroons 15 years), right centre Carsburg was not his team’s best player, but was a very good player who got better and better.
There is something to work on there, that is for sure.
Ellyjah Birve (Caloundra SHS, Qld 15 years) was mentioned earlier, but we feel he deserves a second plug.
QLD’s Coby Black . Picture Zak Simmonds
Rookies on the Rise award
Coby Black (Marsden SHS, Qld 18 years)
The baby of the Queensland 18s, Black gave Queensland another dimension as coach Geoffrey Eggert excellently found a way to best use his squad. He was prepared to back his skill with some bold passes that kept Queensland on the attack.
QLD’s Elekana Suavai. Picture Zak Simmonds
Raw talent award
Benson Tau (Marsden SHS, Qld Maroons 15 years)
Tau had the most impact of any of the Queensland wingers playing outside Lui Lee and the tall, athlete Logan winger sure lived up to his hype.
Elekama Suavai (Kirwan SHS, Qld 18 years)
A powerhouse edge player with untapped potential. He would have gained so much from the camp and should be a better player as a result when the Payne Cup resumes.
Zac Bateman from The Cathedral College in Rockhampton.
Duquan Talaepa (Mabel Park SHS, Qld 15 years)
The Canterbury Bulldogs signed Talaepa got better as the tournament unfolded, with his edge running proving a handful for opponents.
Joseph Tupuse (Keebra Park SHS)
Tupuse was not far behind Lee for impact and the Keebra Park rookie enhanced his reputation playing for the Queensland Maroons side.
Qld’s Nixon Pasese attacks. Picture Tertius Pickard
Hard yakka award winners
Zac Bateman (The Cathedral College, Qld white 15 years
Bateman was a middle field work-a-holic for Queensland while Nikotemo edge defence for the title winning 18 years state side did not go unnoticed.
Charlie Dickson (Wavell SHS, Qld 15 years)
Dickson was a true unsung hero and would have impressed the Dolphins officials who have signed the hard working, no nonsense No. 13.
QLD’s Gabriel Satrick makes a break, Redcliffe. Picture Zak Simmon
Nate Berrigan (Redcliffe SHS, Qld 15 years)
Berrigan was a true unsung hero in the middle for the Queensland white side, with his mobility leading a fast moving defensive line was challenging any defender in front of him when he carried the ball.
Damascus Neemia (Qld 18 years)
The breed them big in NSW and both Neemia and Immanuel KaleKale held up their end of the bargain every time they was handed the interchange card. Neemia did nothing flash, nothing special – just a big bloke doing his bit for the side.
Cohen Jackson hails from Mercy College, Mackay
Cohen Jackson (Mercy College, Mackay)
We loved the enthusiasm of the Mackay Souths Sharks junior playing middle off the bench in the Queensland white 15s. The Broncos like him as well – they signed him at the tournament.
Seth Nikotemo (Keebra Park SHS, Qld 18s) was mentioned earlier, but deserves another plug.
Queensland celebrate after winning the under 18 ASSRL schoolboy rugby league championship grand final between QLD v NSW CHS from Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe. Picture Zak Simmonds
Wildcard watch award winners
Fa’apale Feaunati (Terrace, Qld white 15 years)
Lets monitor the progress of this tall, athlete, hard working middle forward who has desire and excellent skills.
Nelson Makaafi (PBC SHS, Queensland Maroons)
A raw talented Titans signing is going places.
He was strong and steady for the Qld Maroons. He will return to his school’s Hancock Cup (Year 9) campaign a better player.
Keoki Koraba (Wavell SHS, Queensland White 15 years)
Koraba and his fellow centre Jake Carsburg made impacts via contrasting styles, with Koraba’s physical presence catching the eye.
Marley McLaren (PBC SHS, Queensland Maroon 15 years)
McLaren was a perfect foil to halves partner Braithen Scott and will be a Player to Watch in the months ahead having had that invaluable experience.
The “Don’t forget about …’’ Award Winners
Jeremy Trappett (Iona College, Qld 18 years) and Tory Bath (Nudgee College, Qld 18 years)
With all the justified hype around Keano Kini, it is easy to forget Queensland had another two outstanding No. 1s good enough to make the state’s top 20 squad.
Wynnum-Manly junior Trappett was used a centre replacement while Norths Devils’ junior Bath added a dimension to the Queensland attack with his pace and passing game.
Action from the Australian state schools national rugby league championship match between Queensland Maroon and NSW CHS. Picture Tertius Pickard
WHAT’S COMING UP
NEWS CORP’S LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE
Langer Trophy, Walters Cup, round 4
Tuesday:
Slacks Creek
2.30pm: Walters Cup – Mabel Park SHS v Forest Lake SHS
3.30pm: Langer Trophy – Mabel Park SHS v Coombabah SHS
Tugun
3pm: Walters Cup – PBC SHS v Ipswich SHS
4pm: Langer Trophy – PBC SHS v Ipswich SHS
Dolphin Oval
3.30pm: Langer Trophy – Redcliffe SHS v Marsden SHS
Caloundra
2.30pm: Caloundra SHS v Marsden SHS
Saturday:
CBUS Stadium
5pm: Langer Trophy Keebra Park SHS v Wavell SHS
Related Links
ASSRL Champ’s Day 6
Australia’s top 50 Under 18 Rugby League Players
Australia’s top 50 Under 15 Rugby League Players
Saturday, July 2 – WATCH REPLAYS HERE
3:00 pm: Queensland Maroon 10 – 6 NSW CHS (15)
4.10 pm: Queensland 58 – 0 ACT (18)
Sunday, July 3 – WATCH REPLAYS HERE
9.30 am: Queensland White 22 – 22 NSW CIS (15)
10.40 am: NSW CCC 74 – 0 CAS (18)
11.50 am: NSW CHS 20 – 22 NSW CIS (18)
1:00 pm: NT 10 – 40 ASSRL Goannas (15)
2.10 pm: WA 26 -18 Victoria (15)
Monday, July 4 – WATCH REPLAYS HERE
10.30am: ACT v NSW CIS (15)
11.40am: NSW CCC 16 – 18 NSW CHS (15)
12.50pm: Victoria 36 – 0 NT (15)
2:00 pm: ASSRL Goannas 16 – 18 WA (15)
Tuesday, July 5 – WATCH LIVE HERE
Game 12: 9.20am – 15 Years Pool A Group 2 – QSS White v ACT
Game 13: 10.30am – 18 Years Selection Match 1 – ACT 26 – 6 CAS
Game 14: 11.50am – 15 Years Pool A Group 1 – NSWCCC 6 – 18 QSS Maroon
Game 15: 1.00pm – 18 Years Semi Final 1 – NSWCCC 8 – 30 NSWCHS
Game 20: 2.20pm – 18 Years Semi Final 2 – QSS v NSWCIS
Wednesday, July 6
10.30am: NT v WA (15)
11.40am: ASSRL Goannas v Victoria (15)
12.50pm: 15 Years Semi Final 1 QLD Maroon v NSWCIS
2:00 pm: 15 Years Semi Final 2 NSWCHS v NSWCCC
Thursday, July 7
10.30am: 15 Years Play-Off (3rd Pool B v 4th Pool B)
11.40am: 15 Years Game X (2nd Group 2 v 3rd Group 2)
12.50pm: 18-Years Selection Match 2
2:00 pm: 18-Years Selection Match 3
Friday, July 8
9.30am: 15-Years Consolation (Loser Semi 1 v Loser Game X)
9.30am (Field 2): 15-Years Consolation (Loser Semi 2 v Winner Game X)
10.40am: John Allen Trophy (15) (1st Pool B v 2nd Pool B)
12.20pm: 15-Years Championship Final (QSS 32 – 16 NSWCHS)
2:00 pm: 18-Years Championship Final QSS 32 – 16 NSWCHS
Confraternity Carnival set for thrilling finals day
Marymount College claim historic Confraternity title
Confraternity Carnival semi-finalists set
Mini Maroons Carnival season comes to town
Confraternity Carnival heavyweights flex muscle
NSW Under 19s return to Origin arena with a vengeance
NSW Women’s Under 19s claim Origin three-peat
Finals results
Boys
(Listed in order of rankings of divisions from top-down)
Confraternity Shield final
Ignatius Park College, Townsville 32 – 0 St Patrick’s College, Mackay
Positional play-offs:
St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon 38 – 6 The Cathedral College, Rockhampton
Iona College, Lindum 10 – 4 Marymount College, Burleigh Waters
St Mary’s College, Toowoomba 16 – 6 St Augustine’s College, Cairns
Bob Lindner Trophy final
Shalom College, Bundaberg 18 – 16 Padua College, Kedron
Positional play-offs:
St Peter Claver College, Riverview 16 – 16 Marist College, Ashgrove
Emmaus College, Rockhampton 32 d- 10 St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
Rockhampton Grammar School 22 – 6 Aquinas College, Ashmore
Neil Bloxsidge Plate final
Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby 28 – 10 St Edmund’s College, Ipswich
Positional play-offs:
Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers 36 – 10 St Michael’s College, Merrimac
St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane 34 – 6 Holy Spirit College, Mackay 6
Assumption College, Warwick 16 – 12 Marist College, Emerald
Confraternity Bowl final
Clairvaux MacKillop College, Mt Gravatt 30 – 12 St Columban’s College, Caboolture
Positional play-offs:
All Souls St Gabriel’s College, Charters Towers 36 – 10 St Thomas More College, Sunnybank
St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie 36 – 6 Blackheath & Thornburgh College, Charters Towers
St Joseph’s College, Toowoomba 28 d Faith Lutheran College, Plainland 4
Confraternity Cup final
Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay 30 – 0 Mt Maria College, Mitchelton
Positional play-offs:
Chanel College, Gladstone 20 – 8 Good Shepherd College, Mount Isa
Unity College, Caloundra West 34 – 12 St Patrick’s College, Gympie
St John’s School, Roma 26 – 6 St Mary’s College, Woree
Men of League Challenge final
St Anthony’s College, Townsville 24 d- 10 Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham
Positional play-offs:
Emmaus College, Jimboomba 20 – 8 Trinity College, Beenleigh 8
Chisholm Catholic College, Cornubia 16 – 14 Ryan Catholic College, Townsville
St Augustine’s College, Augustine Heights 28 – 4 St James’ College, Spring Hill
ROUND 2 SCHEDULE
Wednesday, June 22
2022 Peter Mulholland Schoolboy cup Rnd 1 Draw, Results, Ladder & Players’ Stat’s
12pm: St Dominic’s College v Hunter Sports High (Action Photo’s SOON)
12.30pm: Patrician Brothers Blacktown v Westfields Sports
1.30pm: Hills Sports v Endeavour Sports High ACTION PHOTO’S
Wednesday, June 29
11am: Farrer MAHS v All Saints Maitland
TBC*
Illawarra Sports High v Hallam College
Erindale College v The Grange P-12 School
Patrician Brothers Fairfield v Holy Cross College, Ryde
Bass High v St Gregory’s College
*Games expected to be scheduled for start of Term 3
RE-WATCH THE ROUND 1 ACTION
Tuesday, May 31
ROUND 1 SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 31
11am: Patrician Brothers Fairfield 64 – 0 Farrer MAHS
Wednesday, June 1
11am: Holy Cross College 38 – 24 All Saints Maitland
11.30am: Erindale College 64 – 0 Illawarra Sports High
12pm: Endeavour Sports High 20 – 14 Patrician Brothers Blacktown (Action Photo’s Monday 13 June)
Wednesday, June 8
12pm: St Dominic’s v Bass High
1.30pm: Hunter Sports High v St Gregory’s College
11am: The Grange P-12 College v Hallam College
Thursday, June 9
Westfields Sports High v Hills Sports High
Queensland Results
Langer Cup
Ipswich SHS 24 – 16 Keebra Park SHS
Aaron Payne Cup
Mackay State High School 0 – 32 St Patrick’s College
Related Links
Action Photo Galleries
