Author : Andrew Dawson Quest Newspapers

Who has been named the Justin Hodges Medal winner for Langer Trophy-NRL Schoolboys Cup player of the year? This year we have joint winners.

The NSW equivalent of Queenslands Justin Hodges Medal is the Peter Sterling Medal (OurFootyteam)

The joint Justin Hodges Medal winners – Palm beach Currumbin SHS fullback Keano Kini carrying the ball, and Marsden SHS captain Chris Faagut, No.13, coming across in cover. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Palm Beach Currumbin SHS fullback Keano Kini and Marsden SHS lock and captain Chris Faagutu are joint winners of the Justin Hodges Medal for player of the year.

Kini capped a remarkable debut season in the Langer Trophy with another wholehearted performance in PBC SHS’s NRL Schoolboys Cup grand final victory over Marsden SHS on Wednesday.

Marsden SHS’s Faagutu was typically even-tempered and stoic on grand final day.

WATCH THE GRAND FINAL REPLAYS HERE

PBC SHS’s win means they will now play the winner of the northern conference, St Brendan’s College Yeppoon, who also won a last-gasp thriller of Kirwan SHS in yesterday’s Payne Cup grand final.

That match will be played on September 15, and will again be livestreamed by News Corp around the state, including www.couriermail.com.au, the Gold Coast Bulletin and through the Rockhampton region.

RELATED LINKS

THE BEST 15 PLAYERS FROM GRAND FINAL DAY

Justin Hodges Medal player of the year

REPLAY OF MICHAEL ROBERTS’ TRY

Last year’s inaugural Justin Hodges Medal winner was Wavell SHS fullback Corey Thomas.

The medal is named after Hodges, a Brisbane Broncos and Queensland State of Origin champion who was also a Roosters premiership winning player.

Palm beach Currumbin SHS vs Marsden SHS, Wynnum Manly Leagues Club. Picture: Liam Kidston

A Gold Coast Titans signing, Kini was brilliant as a fullback but became an even more influential player when he was invited by his coach Tim Maccan to also ball play in the front line.

That doubled his potency and enabled him to impact both sides of the field – albeit as a runner and creator..

“Keano has been a massive part of our success this year and has really worked hard on his positional play in defence and returning the ball with purpose to set up our attack,’’ said PBC SHS coach Tim Maccan.

Maccan said Keano’s ability to be on the ball in attack and support in the middle or take on the line made him a dangerous attacking threat.

“He will only improve again next season.’’

Maccan said it was a big sacrifice for his family to move to the Gold Coast from New Zealand at the start of the year “to help their son play at the highest level in schoolboy rugby league’’.

Marsden SHS captain Chris Faagutu drives forward in the final. The Wests Tigers will be well pleased with this recruit. Picture: Liam Kidston.

RELATED LINKS

BEST NEW FACES OF 2021

NRL CLUBS – WHO THEY HAVE SIGNED FROM THE LANGER TROPHY

WHAT THE COACHES THINK; KEY TO MARSDEN’S 2021 RECOVERY

OSKAR BRYANT AND TOM WEAVER – MATES SINCE BIRTH

Faagutu was a model of consistency and fair play throughout the season and is highly respected.

An astute signing by the Wests Tigers, Faagutu is a mobile middle forward whose ruck running, support play and speed made him a handful all season.

Marsden SHS captain Chris Faagutu. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The year 11 student thanked his team mates and family for their support of his career.

“It is an honour to receive this award. I love being captain of the Marsden Makos and without my team, I wouldn’t have achieved this honour.

“It has been an amazing journey and I would like to thank my family for all the support to this point.

“All credit to my mum and dad because without them up my backside I wouldn’t be the player I am today,’’ he said.

Marsden SHS coach Matt Hartigan said Faagutu was a “phenomenal young man’’.

“I have seen him come through the Marsden system across the last five years and I love his attitude and his attention to detail.

“He is a hard worker and deserves every success that comes his way.’’

The winning PBC SHS team.

September 7

Broncos Challenge grand finals (Carina Easts Leagues)

2pm: Broncos Old Boys (Year 7)

Marsden SHS v Ipswich SHS

3pm: Renouf Cup (Year 8)

Marsden SHS v PBC SHS

4pm: Hancock Cup (Year 9)

Keebra Park SHS v PBC SHS

September 8:

Walters Cup grand final:

PBC SHS v Keebra Park SHS

Langer Reserves grand final

Marsden SHS v Wavell SHS

September 15: Phil Hall Cup (Redcliffe)

St Brendan’s v PBC SHS

The post Justin Hodges Medal player of the year appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Andrew Dawson News Corp Sports

WATCH LIVE TODAY: A triple treat of schoolboy grand finals: 12.30pm: Caloundra SHS v Mabel Park SHS 1.45pm: Redcliffe SHS v Clairvaux MacKillop College 3pm: Palm Beach Currumbin SHS v Marsden SHS.

Great rivals – Marsden SHS and PBC SHS.. (Image/Josh Woning)

A triple treat of schoolboy grand final action will be livestreamed here, at News Corp, today as part of a feast of schoolboy finals this month.

Wednesday’s action includes the NRL Schoolboys Cup decider between Langer Trophy champions Marsden SHS and the most successful south east Queensland in recent years – Palm Beach Currumbin SHS.

But today’s livestreaming of finals from Kougari Oval will also feature:

Gee Cup: Redcliffe SHS v Clairvaux MacKillop College

De Vere Cup: Mabel Park SHS v Caloundra SHS

Palm Beach Currumbin State High School senior rugby league side at training. Picture Glenn Hampson

Then next week we feature the Broncos Challenge grand finals, and in two weeks, the Phil Hall state championship.

Enjoy livestream of the finals and replays at www.couriermail.com.au, the Gold Coast Bulletin and News’ affiliates while unlocking access to the best news site across Australia.

RELATED LINKS

SEMI-FINAL TEAMS, KEY MATCH-UPS

NRL CLUBS – WHO THEY HAVE SIGNED FROM THE LANGER TROPHY

SIX THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE SEMI-FINALS

WHAT THE COACHES THINK; KEY TO MARSDEN’S 2021 RECOVERY

THE TEAMS:

PBC SHS:

1 Keano Kini, 2 Hunter Ploegsma, 3 Reef Sommerville, 4 Deine Mariner, 5 Jett Forbes, 6 Michael Roberts, 7 Tom Weaver (c), 8 Kade Somerville, 9 Oskar Bryant, 10 Jack Cullen, 11 Brock Priestley, 12 Ryan Foran, 13 Jayden Wright, 14 Tanu Nona, 15 Bailey Martin, 16 Reico Ratana, 17 Isaiah Scanlan, 18 Travis May, 19 Sam Sowery, 20 Darcy Townsend.

MARSDEN SHS:

1 Leon Te Hau, 2. Tea-Rani Woodman-Tuhoro, 3. Teapo Stoltman, 4. Kienan Tempest, 5. Rylan Fleming, 6. Jardyn Stilinovich-Watene, 7. Cassius Cowley, 8. Lance Fualema, 9. Tyree Bowman, 10. Xavier Stowers, 11. Will Semu, 12. Jieye Mauai, 13. Chris Faatgutu; 14. Braden Teuila, 15. Hamuera Kingi, 16. Taelon Te Whiu Hopa, 17 Eli Tuli, 18. Mou Taumaletila, 19. Terry Lafaoi, 20. Cody Hamilton, Nat Tangimataiti, 22 Sione Fotuaika, 23 Dom Sandow.

RELATED LINKS

BEST NEW FACES OF 2021

SEMI-FINAL GAME BREAKERS

WATCH SEMI-FINAL REPLAYS HERE

GEE CUP GRAND FINAL

Clairvaux v Redcliffe SHS

Clairvaux MacKillop College:

1 Jesse White, 2 Connor Watson, 3 Luke Anderson, 4 Elijah Maher, 5 James Richardson, 6 Daniel O’Shaughnessy, 7 Nathan Byrne, 8 Keith Obrien-Kerslake, 9 Ryan Pratt, 10 Zane Ford, 11 Dylan Gibb, 12 Chris Wilson, 13 Rory Polich, 14 Blake Mckenzie, 15 Dean Balev, 16 Oliver Kucfir, 17 Will Burns, 18 Zak Ambrosini, 19 Jack Pratt, 20 Jack Boggs, 21 Tim Eleftheriadis.

COACH Mitchell McClelland and Jason Moon

Redcliffe SHS:

1 Tyler Fishlock, 2 Dean Cara, 3 Jacob Howarth, 4 Tom Lunney, 5 Daniel Dawes, 6. Blake Kehl, 7 Lachlan White, 8 Matt Bennett (C), 9 Jack Cameron, 10 Sefo Faatuono, 11 Jacob Taulani, 12 Braith Major, 13 Kiahl Moore, 14 Julian Mirupasi, 15

Gerhard Matthes, 16 Elijah Brown, 17 Cooper Dunning, 18 Jak Goulding, 19 Jack Soko

Marsden 9. Tyree Bowman scores, Marsden SHS v Ipswich SHS, Langer Trophy semi-finals, Langlands Park, Coorparoo. Picture: Liam Kidston.

DE VERE CUP GRAND FINAL

Caloundra SHS v Mabel Park SHS

Caloundra SHS:

1 Brooklenn Mundraby-Grogan, 2 Brandon Vanegas-Munoz, 3 Boedy White, 4 Matthew Poole, 5 Jacob Thompson, 6 Jack Philp ©, 7 Tully McLellan, 8 Chase Patterson, 9 Nathan Smyth, 10 Lachlan Dunn, 11 Brad Higgins, 12 Zak Zibara, 13 Hayden Gallagher, 14 Memphis Shield, 15 Brodie Halpin, 16 Huey Liston, 17 Gabriel Philemon, 18 Benji Westwood-Pritchard.

Coach Andrew Gercken

Redcliffe SHS

:

1 Daniel Mika, 2 Dion Sandow-Walsh, 3 Nesian Harris, 4 Frazer Pomare, 5 Marshall Vaili, 6 Jordan Kake, 7 Kohen Smith, 8 Ocean Tavita, 9 Thomasi Vakauta, 10 Isaac Ratuere, 11 Danny Young, 12 Tupou More, 13 Elijah Tagilima, 14 Michael Percy, 15 Darius Aumua, 16 Kaizer Pocock-Lui, 17 Joseph Haira-Te Maari, 18 Iverson Levika, 19 Immanuel Setiu, 20. Kael Chilcott, 21 Beau Paddock.

COACH Joey Crompton-Meyer

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE

Wednesday

De Vere Cup (Year 10)

12.30pm: Caloundra SHS v Mabel Park SHS

Gee Cup (opens)

1.45pm: Redcliffe SHS v Clairvaux MacKillop College

NRL Schoolboys Cup southern conference

3pm: Palm Beach Currumbin SHS v Marsden SHS

September 7

Broncos Challenge grand finals (Carina Easts Leagues)

2pm: Broncos Old Boys (Year 7)

3pm: Renouf Cup (Year 8)

4pm: Hancock Cup (Year 9)

September 8: COVID Contingency Week, including Walters Cup and Langer Reserves grand finals

September 15: Phil Hall Cup (Redcliffe)

Northern Conference Final, Southern QLD winner v Northern QLD winner

Related Links

QRL

St. Augustines come from behind to win QLD Schoolboy Trophy

Keebra Park awesome in girls Karyn Murphy Cup win

Phil Hall Cup schoolboy cup grand final day – LIVE UPDATES

Best Langer Cup grand final players

Walters and Hancock Cup grand finals between Palm Beach Currumbin and Keebra Park

Phil Hall Cup

PBC come from behind to win Langer Cup

NRL Schoolboys Cup (Langer Trophy) grand final day Marsden SHS v PBC SHS

The post QLD Schoolboys Cup Grand Final appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Andrew Dawson and David Lems

Palm Beach Currumbin SHS were too good for Keebra SHS in the NRL Schoolboys Cup live and exclusive from Langlands Park on Wednesday.

Marsden SHS will play Palm Beach Currumbin in the NRL Schoolboys Cup grand final after the long arm of Marsden prop Xavier Stowers broke Ipswich SHS’s heart in a knockout semi-final thriller today.

Hulking prop Stowers scored three seconds from fulltime to snap a 10-all deadlock. Marsden SHS won 16-10. (Story below)

Marsden SHS then sat back and watched PBC SHS beat Keebra Park SHS 20-10 (story below).

The action was livestreamed by www.couriermail.com.au, the Gold Coast Bulletin, and News’ affiliates.

BEST NEW FACES OF 2021

THE GAMES

.
PBC SHS iceman Tom Weaver and one of the competition’s best new faces Keano Kini delivered the goods to guide their team to a thrilling sudden death semi-final win over Keebra Park SHS in NRL Schoolboys Cup action.

Weaver engineered a critical try with an astute grubber kick 15 minutes from fulltime, and then fullback Kini blazed over to score after a rollicking run by Del Wigmore.

At that point PBC SHS were up 20-10, 10 minutes from fulltime after Keebra Park SHS had drawn level 10-all. That ended up the winning score.

Earlier in the half Keebra Park SHS No.6 De’ontae Perese produced two magic tricks in three minutes to hoist his side back into the semi-final.

The pulse of Keebra Park SHS quickened when lightning fast winger Elijah Lui swept onto a long pass by five-eight Perese to score minutes into the second half.

What a ball it was from Perese, who on the run put the ball wide to Lui who had out-flanked his rival, reducing the deficit to 10-4.

Then, off the back of an up tempo resurgence by Keebra Park SHS, the dancing feet of Perese beat the PBC defenders to score beneath the posts, making the score 10-all.

PJ Poutasi had announced himself after the break for Keebra Park, producing several inspiring runs to take his side forward.

Earlier, PBC’s blanket defence paved the way for a 10-nil first half lead.

The red and white swarm were all over Keebra Park SHS at both ends of the field.

The all-embracing defence led directly to PBC’s second try, an intercept effort by Jett Forbes as Keebra Park were trying to make headway out of their own end.

PBC’s defence, and Tom Weaver’s astute kicking game, applied the blow torch to Keebra Park.

Two thumping runs from Keebra Park prop Herman Tofaeono against the tide twice put his side onto the front foot, but both times PBC recovered.

Hooker Blake Mozer also tried to work PBC’s defenders over on attack ball, but the red and white wall stood firm.

Keebra Park SHS’s Arama Hau was a big threat close to the line with his strength and unloading skills, but nothing could breach the PBC line.

PBC opened the scoring early when Michael Roberts’ speed off the mark helped him squeeze over in the right hand corner.

Marsden SHS v Ipswich SHS

The extra long arm of Marsden SHS prop Xavier Stowers broke Ipswich SHS’s heart in a knockout semi-final thriller today.

Hulking prop Stowers scored three seconds from full time to snap a 10-all deadlock. Marsden SHS won 16-10.

Marsden’s Xavier Stowers scored the winning try. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The match seemed certain to plummet into extra time when Stowers, ironically an Ipswich Jets junior, surged one last time when all seemed lost, launching his 194cm frame head long at the try line, extending his arm to score.

After scoring the most important match-winning try of his schoolboy career, emotional Marsden State High forward Stowers just wanted to hug his family and friends.

“The boys did all the effort. I just finished it off,’’ Stowers said, receiving multiple hugs.

He thought he had knocked on before safely grounding the ball to the delight of the Marsden State High faithful.

When asked if that was the best try of his career, the towering forward left no doubt it was being circled for more hugs.

As Stowers prepared to join his jubilant teammates post game, head coach Matthew Hartigan was clearly relieved to escape with victory, especially after Marsden had beaten Ipswich 48-10 in the second round.

Tyree Bowman scores. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“We were just really poor today,’’ Hartigan said.

“You have got to give credit to Ipswich. They just hung in. They stuck with it. They were really gutsy.

“They showed up and showed why they should be in the finals.

“They were definitely a massive challenge for us.’’

It was a great final.

Ipswich surged back into the match 10 minutes from fulltime when left winger Ariki Wallace scorched over after a wide left shift against a 12 man defensive line.

Wallace’s try – one minute after Marsden five-eight Jarydn Stilinovich-Watene had been sin-binned – reduced Marsden’s led to 10-4.

Both teams were fired up.Picture: Liam Kidston.

Then from the kick-off centre Damien Burrows burst through, putting his hooker Tom Luhrmann sprinting between the posts.

Jake Self’s conversion raised a 10-all scoreline and set the scene for a grandstand finish.

Earlier, Ipswich State High’s quest to cause a massive NRL Schoolboys Cup upset suffered an early second half setback with Marsden halfback Cassius Cowley breaking into the clear to dash 40m to score from a charge down.

Marsden’s Tyree Bowman scores Picture: Liam Kidston.

The competition leaders were looking to apply the blowtorch to Ipswich State High having built a 10-0 lead.

Hooker Tyree Bowman had earlier dived over close to the line capitalising on a penalty.

Teapo Stoltman’s successful conversion put Marsden up 6-0 heading into the break.

Late in the match, as both teams looked set for extra time, it was Stowers who made the most of last minute pressure.

“He really wanted the ball at the end there when the big moments were on the line,’’ Hartigan said.

Ipswich’s Caleb Jackson. Picture: Liam Kidston.

THE TEAMS

Marsden SHS v Ipswich SHS

Marsden:

1 Leon Te Hau, 2. Tea-Rani Woodman-Tuhoro, 3. Teapo Stoltman, 4. Kienan Tempest, 5. Rylan Fleming, 6. Jardyn Stilinovich-Watene, 7. Cassius Cowley, 8. Lance Fualema, 9. Tyree Bowman, 10. Xavier Stowers, 11. Will Semu, 12. Jieye Mauai, 13. Chris Faatgutu; 14. Braden Teuila, 15. Taelon Te Whiu Hopa, 16. Mou Taumaletila, 17. Eli Tuli. Emergences: 18. Cody Hamilton, Sione Fotuaika, 20. Terry Lafaoi, 21, Dom Sandow, 22. Nathananiel Tangimataiti.

Ipswich SHS’s Gabriel Satrick Picture: Liam Kidston.

Ipswich SHS:

1. Caleb Jackson, 2. Kulu Baruani, 3. Shannon Stewart, 4. Damien Burrows, 5. Ariki Wallace, 6. Mason Pintegne, 7. Jake Self, 8. Josiah Pahulu, 9. Tommy Luhrman, 21. Rene Bagon, 11 Josiah Patea, 12 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 13, Jarvis Yeatman, 14. Tyrese Weatherby, 10. Samson Sauaso, 15. Gabriel Satrick, 18. Richard Mala.

Keebra Park SHS v Palm Beach Currumbin SHS

PBC SHS:

1 Keano Kini, 2 Hunter Ploegsma, 3 Reef Sommerville, 4 Deine Mariner, 5 Michael Roberts, 6 Travis May, 7 Tom Weaver (c), 8 Jack Cullen, 9 Oskar Bryant, 10 Kade Somerville, 11 Brock Priestley, 12 Ryan Foran, 13 Jayden Wright, 14 Tanu Nona, 15 Bailey Martin, 17 Isaiah Scanlan, 18 Reico Ratana, 19 Jett Forbes

Keebra Park SHS:

1 Tawera Toia, 2 Levi Jones, 3 Nathaniel Cama, 4 Nella Lotaki, 5 Elijah Lui, 6 De’ontae Perese, 7 Cooper Maytom, 8 Immanuel Kalekale, 9 Blake Mozer, 10 Herman Tofaeono, 11 Seth Nikotemo, 12 Del Wigmore, 13 Arama Hau, 14 Philip Hakaraia-Ngamotu, 15 Louruce Brown, 16 Jeremiah Tamepo, 17 PJ Poutasi, 18 Wailer Whaiapu, 9 Jaxsen Yow, 20 Malakai Rhind, 21 Haze Tai-Rakena

Ipswich SHS’s Ariki Wallace scores. Picture: Liam Kidston.

STATE WIDE

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE, NRL Schoolboys Cup

Wednesday, August 25

Mackay Jnr Rugby League

11am – Kirwan SHS v The Cathedral College (Aaron Payne)

12.15pm – Ignatius Park v St Brendan’s (Aaron Payne)

1.30pm – Ignatius Park v Mercy (Cowboys Challenge)

Webb Oval Yeppoon

5.30pm – St Brendan’s v Emmaus (Cowboys Challenge)

Langlands Park

3.30pm – Marsden SHS v Ipswich

5.00pm – Palm Beach Currumbin SHS v Keebra SHS

Thursday, August 25

Mabel Park SHS

2.00pm – Mabel Park v Ipswich (Langer Res)

Mabel Park SHS

2.30pm – Marsden v Forest Lake (Walters Cup)

Palm Beach Currumbin SHS

3.00pm – PBC v Wavell (Walters Cup)

4.00pm – PBC v Wavell (Langer Res)

NRL Schoolboys Cup

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE

August 25:

Semi-finals: Langlands Park

3.30pm: Marsden SHS v Ipswich SHS

5pm: PBC SHS v Keebra SHS

September 1: (Wynnum)

Southern QLD Schoolboy Cup final

September 8: COVID Contingency Week

September 15: Phil Hall Cup (Redcliffe)

Northern Conference Final, Southern QLD winner v Northern QLD winner

Related Links

St. Augustines come from behind to win QLD Schoolboy Trophy

Keebra Park awesome in girls Karyn Murphy Cup win

Phil Hall Cup schoolboy cup grand final day – LIVE UPDATES

Best Langer Cup grand final players

Walters and Hancock Cup grand finals between Palm Beach Currumbin and Keebra Park

Phil Hall Cup

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Catholic U18s hold on in schoolboy nailbiter

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All Saints too good for Farrer in Schoolboy Cup

QRL.com.au

nswrl.com.au

The post Palm Beach Currumbin v Keebra in NRL Schoolboys Cup appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Andrew Dawson News Corp Sports

Langer Trophy finals countdown: Just three days from the semi-finals – all to be livestreamed by News Corp – the best new faces of 2021

Three, two, one … it is just three days to Langer Trophy finals takeoff, with Marsden SHS, Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, Keebra Park SHS and Ipswich SHS set for action at Langlands Park on Wednesday.

News Corp will be there to livestream the action via www.couriermail.com.au, the Gold Coast Bulletin and News affiliates.

It has been a bumper season featuring an exciting array of new faces.

Some, like Palm Beach Currumbn SHS fullback Keano Kini and Keebra Park SHS winger Keebra Park Elijah Lui are game-breakers, while others, like Wavell’s Drew Timms and Coombabah SHS’s Jay Blazek, are unsung heroes.

Today we feature the competition’s best New Faces of 2021.

COOMBABAH SHS

JAY BLAZEK

Every team needs a Jay Blazek. The Coombabah SHS middle forward worker started the season as just another face in the off-season training squad, but he blossomed the more the competition unfolded.

Indeed the rookie who nominates Roosters pair Clive Radley and James Tedesco as his role models improved to such a degree, he played first grade with his junior club the Helensvale Hornets.

Coombabah SHS rugby league player Jay Blazek. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“I didn’t think I would reach A-grade level this quick. The game against men is much more aggressive and fast,’’ he said.

Blazek said Coombabah’s return to the Langer Trophy highlighted to fellow students they did not have to leave their community to play in the elite schoolboy competition.

“I had my mates and the same coaches around me and it also helped the team as we had such a good culture at Coombabah,’’ Blazek said.

HARRISON SCHWENKE (St Mary’s College)

St Mary’s College coach Matt Jahnke rates Harrison Schwenke as the best newcomer to the team in 2021.

The Warwick-born, Texas-raised forward has stepped up to the mark for St Mary’s, despite being just 16 years old.

Harry Schwenke playing for St Mary’s. Picture: Nev Madsen.

He scored a barnstorming try against Mabel Park, and Jahnke praised the attitude Schwenke has brought to the team.

“He brings an enthusiasm and willingness to learn,” Jahnke said.

“Harrison is keen to engage in the process and he works hard.

He’s still a lean front rower, but he’s working hard to improve his gym work and all that.

“He’s not afraid to take blokes on defensively and reminds me a bit of Thomas Flegler.

He’s very versatile.”

ELIJAH LUI (Keebra Park SHS)

Speed demon Lui entered the season on the front foot having helped Tweed Seagulls win the Meninga Cup state wide competition in May.

A capable fullback, he has found a home on the wing in the top flight competition where his pace gives Keebra Park SHS enormous threat from any position on the field.

Lui has had to work for his place, having earned his stripes coming through the Titans Cup premiership winning side of 2020 before earning promotion in the Langer Trophy for 2021.

KEANO KINI (Palm Beach Currumbin)

Kini gets another mention this season after making the Surprise Packets of 2021 story earlier in the month.

A year 11 student signed by the Gold Coast Titans, he is a schoolboy prodigy who has shone in the New Zealand system before moving to PBC SHS to complete the final two years of his schooling.

His strong carries and footwork makes him a handful, both entering the attack from the back or hunting around his halves in the middle of the ruck.

But he can also ball play, which adds to his arsenal.

Keano Kini playing for Tweed. Picture: Scott Powick Newscorp

Kini has been a great discovery and a shrewd addition to the high profile PBC SHS program.

He is also a winner, having helped Tweed Seagulls to the Meninga Cup state final.

XAVIER STOWERS (Marsden SHS)

The 196cm tall, 114kg Stowers is big and strong and he has used that asset to the best of his ability in his Langer Trophy debut season.

From a rugby union background, Stowers learned his craft while at the Ipswich Jets in 2020 but his game has gone to another level this season.

Xavier Stowers and Jardyn Stilinovich-Watene were the best New Faces at Marsden State High School. (News Corp/Attila Csaszar)

A big bloke who craves the physical confrontation, Stowers was given a simple message at Marsden – run hard and play the ball quickly.

He would not be a dummy runner, he would be a primary runner and he has filled that role to perfection.

Indeed he twice scored close to the line tries from seemingly impossible positions – including against the heralded PBC SHS defensive line.

Signed by the Gold Coast Titans, Stowers has fresh legs for the code and his development over the next three years will be fascinating to monitor.

RENE BAGON (Ipswich SHS)

Ipswich State High School head coach Josh Bretherton said Bagon had impressed stepping up as a prop in the Langer Trophy competition this season.

“He has been new and he is young and he has played excellent football,’’ Bretherton said.

“He has been one of our better forwards consistently across the whole season.

“He has competed very well and he’s new to this level.’’

Bagon, who has just turned 16, has been one of Ipswich State High’s most determined performers.

“He gives us a bit of physicality and grit,’’ the coach said.

“He just wants to get in and do the dirty work and throw his body around and be physical … and the guys get energy from that.’’

Bagon was initially seen by Manly as a Walters Cup player at Forest Lake SHS.

Ipswich State High School rugby league player Rene Bagon has been a leading performer in the 2021 Langer Trophy competition.

BEN TE KURA (Wavell SHS)

Tall and lean, Te Kura is one of the elite young players of the Langer Trophy.

A left edge backrower, the Brisbane Broncos signed forward had a disrupted pre-season and late start to the competition after recovering from injury.

BEN TE KURA (Wavell SHS).

But he impressed in every outing, including scoring two tries to rally his side from an 18-nil deficit against Keebra Park.

A Norths’ Devils Meninga Cup player, Te Kura was named in the Queensland schoolboys 16-18 years team merit side after helping the Wavell-laden Metro North to the state championship earlier in the year.

DREW TIMMS (Wavell SHS)

Timms was the glue of the Wavell SHS pack.

He is a no-frills middle forward who tackles and works, then tackles and works some more.

Timms is the type of player every successful side needs.

A 2019 Queensland under 15 teammate of Langer teammates Junior Taungatua and Tahrell Feaveai, Timms was also one of the Redcliffe Dolphins’ best players in a frustrating Meninga Cup campaign earlier in the year.

ARAMA HAU (Keebra Park SHS)

Arama Hau has been a tremendous asset to Keebra Park SHS, with his powerful running and deceptive footwork at the defensive line.

A South Coast representative, he is a Coombabah SHS junior who shone in age group competitions before switching to Keebra Park where he chased his dream of playing in the Langer Trophy – understandably not knowing Coombabah would be promoted to Langer status in 2021.

He is capable of scoring close to the line tries if opposition forwards do not get well balanced and commit aggressively in defence, and it is little wonder the Gold Coast Titans have identified him.

CALEB GOULD-WAIARIKI (Coombabah SHS)

CALEB GOULD-WAIARIKI (Coombabah SHS)

Gould-Waiariki rose to the occasion for Coombabah SHS when they lost their leader and No.1 player, Tim Sielaff-Burns, early in the season.

A Gold Coast Titans contracted halve, Gould-Waiariki led his team superbly while never letting his own standards slide.

A gun touch football player, Gould-Waiariki is a Burleigh Bears junior who scored the match winning try when the Bears upset state champions Tweed Seagulls in the Meninga Cup competition.

Palm Beach Currumbin’s Tanu Nona in the 2020 Walters Cup where he was a star. (Image/Josh Woning)

Palm Beach Currumbin’s Tanu Nona in the 2020 Walters Cup where he was a star. (Image/Josh Woning)

TANU NONA (Palm Beach Currumbin SHS)

Nona has been a class act for Palm Beach Currumbin, initially starting the season at dummy half when the injured Oskar Bryant was unavailable, and then as a back-up halve.

Indeed the most celebrated combination in the Langer Trophy competition is the Bryant-Tom Weaver, hooker-halfback pairing, but PBC SHS never lost a beat with Nona starting in place of the unavailable Bryant.

He served his apprentice in Walters Cup last season where, playing No.9, he was a driving force in PBC’s success, and has now doubt been inspired by the professional, winning culture within the Langer Trophy group.

Palm Beach Currumbin’s Tanu Nona in the 2020 Walters Cup where he was a star. (Image/Josh Woning)

Alex Leapai of Mabel Park State High School. (News Corp/Attila Csaszar)

ALEX LEAPAI (Mabel Park SHS)

Mabel Park SHS were the babies of the Langer Trophy and within thet nursery Mabel Park had the best 15-year-old in the competition.

Prop Alex Leapai junior played with maturity beyond his years in a team which played its heart out, without victory.

Tall and imposing, Leapai led the way in the middle of the ruck and it is little wonder the Sydney Roosters have signed him.

Leapai has an iron-willed work ethic.

He grew up watching his boxing father train in a home gym, and will never forget the off-seasons when his uncle, Queensland great Josh Papalii, would train with his dad as he tried to get an edge over fellow Raiders’ squad members.

Leapai junior loves his boxing but wants to play in the NRL – both for himself and for his dad.

JARDYN STILINOVICH-WATENE (Marsden SHS)

Jardyn Stilinovich-Watene has been slightly underrated for his contribution, but not by his teammates.

Indeed some of his best work is never seen by spectators and our online subscribers.

“He likes to talk and having him as my half, he directs you where to go wherever you are on the field,’’ said Marsden SHS backrower Jieye Mauai.

The cousin of NRL star Dallin, Stilinovich-Watene came to Logan to live after playing reserves with Keebra Park SHS.

But he has been a quiet achiever and never lost his way despite losing his dominant halfback, Cassius Cowley, for a long period.

LANGER CUP Semi Final Draw

STATE WIDE

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE

Tuesday 24 August

3.00pm – Keebra v Coombabah (Walters Cup)

Wednesday 25 August

Mackay Jnr Rugby League

11am – Kirwan SHS v The Cathedral College (Aaron Payne)

12.15pm – Ignatius Park v St Brendan’s (Aaron Payne)

1.30pm – Ignatius Park v Mercy (Cowboys Challenge)

Webb Oval Yeppoon

5.30pm – St Brendan’s v Emmaus (Cowboys Challenge)

Langlands Park

3.30pm – Marsden SHS v Ipswich

5.00pm – Palm Beach Currumbin SHS v Keebra SHS

Marsden SHS

3.00pm – Marsden v Forest Lake (Walters Cup)

Dolphin Oval

2.00pm – Redcliffe v Ipswich (Walters Cup)

Slack Creek RLFC

4.00pm – Mabel Park v Ipswich (Langer Res)

Thursday 26 August

Palm Beach Currumbin SHS

3.00pm – PBC v Wavell (Walters Cup)

4.00pm – PBC v Wavell (Langer Res)

LANGER TROPHY

LIVESTREAM SCHEDULE

August 25:

Semi-finals: Langlands Park

3.30pm: Marsden SHS v Ipswich SHS

5pm: PBC SHS v Keebra SHS

September 1: (Wynnum)

Southern QLD Schoolboy Cup final

September 8: COVID Contingency Week

September 15: Phil Hall Cup (Redcliffe)

Northern Conference Final, Southern QLD winner v Northern QLD winner

Related Links

qrl.com.au

Keebra Park development day

Queensland Footy

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