NSWCHS Buckley Shield Archives - OurFootyTeam

From playground to playmaker The schools that make NRL stars

ourfooty — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 02:22:26 +0000

From playground to playmaker

Author : Patrician Brothers CC Blacktown

From playground to playmaker The schools that make NRL stars

In western Sydney, two high schools have become certified champion factories for NRL clubs.

Churning out players for 15 of the NRL’s 17 clubs, Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown and Westfields Sports High School in Fairfield West educated 52 players in the current competition, and their playing fields are teeming with future stars.

Data on the high schools attended by 98 per cent of NRL players, compiled by this masthead, reveals the league’s 500-odd players attended more than 250 high schools, with an almost even split between public and independent education.

Boasting 31 players across 13 teams, Patrician Brothers, in Sydney’s north-west, leads the pack, with Spencer Leniu, Terrell May and Jarome Luai among its alumni. Further south, Westfields Sports High School has 21 ex-students across nine teams.

This masthead categorised schools as either being public, independent, or overseas. The Gold Coast Titans had the highest percentage of publicly educated players, at 77 per cent.

Eighty-one per cent of Sydney Roosters players went to private schools, including Knox Grammar and Newington College, more than any other team.

In fact, more Roosters players attended Bellevue Hill’s Scots College than public school.

High schools that educated the most current NRL players

Public schools were seven top 10 schools for educating players, and 45 per cent of total schools attended by players. Independent schools made up 41 per cent, and overseas schools 14 per cent.

NSW also claimed seven schools in the top 10. Queensland public schools Keebra Park, Palm Beach Currumbin and Wavell State High took out third, fifth and eighth place, respectively.

Patrician Brothers’ head of rugby league, Greg Beacroft, said that the school’s reputation “means a lot” to students, but the competitiveness of the sport meant there was a broader responsibility in ushering players through its halls.

The types of schools NRL players attended

All classifications are Australia-centric. Warriors players educated “overseas” were educated in New Zealand; “public” and “independent” were educated in Australia.

Chart: Nick Newling

“We tell the kids – particularly when they come in year 7: ‘You’re not coming here to play rugby league. Your first priority is to get a good education. Your second priority is to be a good, respectful person.’ We see rugby league as a bonus.”

Of the school’s ex-students in the league, more than half play in local clubs, with four players in the Bulldogs, Eels, Panthers and Tigers, respectively.

The school has up to 15 rugby league teams, with teachers and many former students serving as coaches. Training – typically two or three sessions a week – is scheduled around students’ external club commitments.

Beacroft said the X-factor that made Patrician Brothers so successful was a school community that “as a whole wants to help students achieve their best” and prioritised community outreach, including volunteering missions to feed the homeless.

Patrician Brothers head of rugby league Greg Beacroft at the school’s playing field. Photo credit: Kate Geraghty

“We live in an area where rugby league is very dominant,” said Beacroft. “You put all those factors together, and you get a school that wants to help kids do well and has high expectations in all areas. That’s a perfect partnership for those kids who are looking to further themselves.”

At Westfields Sports High – the alma mater of nine Tigers players – players train three to four times a week on the field and in the gym.

Westfields’ sport director Troy Weeden said each student came with a different set of skills, and he didn’t “want to put a label on them when they’re 12 years old, that they’re going to play NRL or not”.

“They’ve all got their own pathway. Some come here almost ready to go physically, and it might be a matter of upskilling them. Some might have a very different path where it might take them five or six years before they really have the confidence to show that ability.”

However, some players, like Raiders prop Trey Mooney and Tigers five-eighth Lachlan Galvin, show promise for a professional career from day one.

Patrician Brothers head of rugby league Greg Beacroft at the school’s playing field. Photo credit: Kate Geraghty

“From quite an early stage, he had all the makings,” Weeden said of Galvin.

“He had the competitiveness, he had the ability to read the game, he had the skill level, but probably didn’t have the physical nature that some of the other kids have had.

“I don’t think you ever see it when they’re 12 or 13. By the age of 16 or 17, you get a pretty good gauge of whether a kid could kick on. But you could never write off a player at a young age because of the different pathways they’re on.”

Athletes in Westfields’ rugby program are required to maintain good grades and 90 per cent attendance to play in their teams. Weeden said this was vital as many players are the first in their family to complete an HSC.

“They come to us with a focus on rugby league, but we’ve got to show them that rugby league only gets them 10 to 12 years of a great career.

They’ve got another 30 years where they’ve got to figure out their pathway through work, and not everyone’s going to get there.

There are 230 students in this rugby league program.

At most, we might get 10 to 15 in [the NRL].”

This article was originally published by the Sydney Morning Herald on 22 March 2025. Written by: Nick Newling

Cronulla High School Uni Shield

ourfooty — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:01:59 +0000

Cronulla High School Uni Shield

Author : Cronulla High School

Cronulla High School Uni Shield

Cronulla High School Academy of Excellence NSWCHS University Shield team (Photo : Cronulla High School)

Last Wednesday marked a special day in the calendar for rugby league at Cronulla High School.

We were able to run out in our new opens jersey for the first time, which is hopefully the start of a new tradition at Cronulla High School.

We welcomed many of our Rugby League Excellence Program sponsors in to present the jerseys for the first time which was a nice touch. A big thank you to all the sponsors that were able to make it on such late notice. We hope to build on such events in the future.

We were also able to have many former students in attendance, including current NRLW and representative player Quincy Dodd.

This a was a special touch, not only to have them present jerseys but the fact they want to remain involved in our school community says a lot about what we have to offer at Cronulla High School.

As for the game, the boys played very disciplined footy throughout the game.

Completing the vast majority of sets and spreading the ball around with freedom.

The boys scored some outstanding tries and it was great to see some of the younger boys in their opens debuts put their best foot forward for future selection.

Looking forward to the next round this coming Thursday.

Players of the match:

Will Gray and Luca Pirrello. Keep an eye out for another post on this.

Also a big thanks to our team photographer Zoey for giving up her time. More photos to come.

Bass High School played a friendy against the Central Coast Sports as well

School Footy News

Cronulla High School Uni Shield

Round 4 results

2025 NSWRL Lisa Fioala Cup Rnd 4 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL Tarsha Gale Cup Rnd 4 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL SG Ball Cup Rnd 4 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL Harold Matthews Cup Rnd 4 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL Laurie Daley Cup Rnd 3 results, ladder & top try scorers

2025 NSWRL Andrew Johns Cup Rnd 3 results, ladder & top try scorers

Wests Tigers rnd 2 report

Manly Junior reps wrap rnd 2

SG Ball Cup Rnd 2 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Harold Matthews Cup Rnd 2 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Tarsha Gale Cup Rnd 2 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Lisa Fiola Cup Rnd 2 Full Results, Ladder & Player Stat’s

Tarsha Gale cup Rnd 1 team lists

SG Ball Rnd 1 team lists

Dragons and Warriors ready to defend titles

Auckland enjoy comeback win over Koori U16s

North Coast Bulldogs 2025 Season Preview

Jason Demetriou new Westfields SHS coach

Rising Shark Williams crowned top NSW schoolboy athlete

Rabbitoh’s 2025 Pathways Squads taking shape

Eels announce Junior Rep Summer Squads

England and Wales women name 19-player squads

England Community Lions v Western Australia

Endeavour win Michael Buttner Shield

Second half fightback comes up short for Flegg Sharks

True Blue helps guide the Bulldogs to victory

Wigan Warriors Academy win Grand Final

Bulldogs Eye Consecutive Titles in Grand Final

Sharks dispatch Raiders to surge into Flegg grand final

PBC win in last minute thriller

National Finals Action Photo Galleries

Schoolboy Cup

PBC vs Patrician Bro’s

Schoolgirl Cup

Ipswich SHS vs The Hills SHS

The post Cronulla High School Uni Shield appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Jason Demetriou new Westfields SHS coach

ourfooty — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:15:35 +0000

Jason Demetriou new Westfields SHS coach

Story by : Westfields Sports

Jason Demetriou new Westfields SHS coach

Jason Demetriou new Westfields SHS coach (Photo : Westfields Sports High School)

BREAKING NEWS!

We are excited to announce that Jason Demetriou is heading the coaching staff at Westfields Sports High School Rugby League program.

With his wealth of experience and proven track record in the NRL, Jason brings invaluable expertise to our players, helping to shape the next generation of rugby league talent.

Jason’s leadership and dedication to developing players will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build on the legacy of excellence at Westfields Sports.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our program and student-athletes.

Westfields Sports High School is the oldest Sports High School in Australia with a proud and very successful history in both schoolboy & now schoolgirl rugby league competing in the following competitions

Westfields SHS 2023 Schoolboy Cup Champions (Photo – Steve Montgomery)

Competition Schedule

NRL Schoolboy Cup
NRL Schoolgirl Cup
NRL 13s & 15s Schoolboy Cup
University Shield – New South Wales Combines High Schools (NSWCHS) State Knockout
Buckley Shield – NSWCHS under 14’s State Knockout
NSW All Schools Knockout – Under 13’s, 14’s, 15’s, 16’s
Michael Buettner Shield – 13’s Sports High Schools Challenge
Chase Stanley Cup – 15’s Sports High Schools Challenge
Sydney South West Under 18’s Regional Championships
Sydney South West Under 15’s Regional Championships.

National Finals Action Photo Galleries

Schoolboy Cup

PBC vs Patrician Bro’s

Schoolgirl Cup

Ipswich SHS vs The Hills SHS

Ipswich too good in National Final

Serbia youth teams claim double over Norway

Hills teach Central Coast lesson in Schoolgirls master class

Sharks on show as Endeavour sails towards schoolboys glory

Peter Mulholland Cup Qualifying Finals

International Junior rugby league news

Norway youth travel to Serbia

Featherstone Lions u16s return from tour to Serbia

Wales u16s smash England u16s

France U17s v England Community Lions U17s First Test

USA and Scotland win ranking matches at u19s Euros

Euro u19s team of the tournament announced

England retain Euro u19s championship in a thriller

England to face France in European u19s Final

Scotland progress to u19s European Championship

Ukraine defeat Serbia in 2024 European u19s championship opener

Squads arrive in Belgrade for European u19 Championship

Australian News

ASSRL Nationals day 1 wrap

Inspiresport RFL Champion Schools

England Academy team announcement

Stewart shines as NSW completes a hat-trick of wins

Kacey Reh stars in NSW strong win over Qld

National Schoolgirl Cup provides new NRLW pathway

NSWRL NSW Under 19s Men’s and Women’s Origin teams

2024 NSWCHS State Rugby League trials a growing success

QRL Emerging Under 18 squad announced

The post Jason Demetriou new Westfields SHS coach appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Endeavour in Buckley & Uni grand finals

ourfooty — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 07:36:04 +0000

Endeavour in Buckley & Uni grand finals

Author : Endeavour SHS

Endeavour in Buckley & Uni grand finals

Buckley Shield semi final win over Westfields SHS

Endeavour in Uni & Buckley grand finals (Photo : Endeavour SHS)

On Tuesday 10 September, our Under 14 NSWCHS Buckley Shield team took on Westfields Sports High School in the semi final of the Buckley Shield competition.

After going down to Westfields in the final round of the competition, we knew we were in for a tough game but were also confident that we could match the boys from Westfields if we played to our strengths.

The game was evenly matched in the opening 15 minutes with both teams trading sets and coming up with high quality play.

A break down the right edge by Jack McKevett was finished off with a try under the posts to Cooper Shephard.

After defending our try line for 2 sets we eventually broke and Westfields evened up the scores 6 all.

Westfields kicked a field goal with 30 seconds to go before half time after a very evenly contested first half.

The second half continued where the first half left off with both teams going end to end.

A try to Chad Kamara after a jinking run back towards the posts gave Endeavour a 12-7 lead.

Westfields hit back with another try after a play the ball error adjacent to the posts. Fortunately, the conversion from right next to the posts, hit the left upright and the score remained 12-11.

A break away run by Chad Kamara was stopped centimetres form the line and Westfields scrambled to prevent us from scoring.

The final minutes saw heart rates rising and tensions building but the scramble defence and will to win from the Endeavour boys prevailed.

Despite a last second charge down the field and a kick over the defensive line, we held on for a memorable 12 -11 win.

The boys will play in Cessnock next Tuesday for a chance to win the NSWCHS Buckley Shield.

NSWCHS University Shield Semi Final win over Illawarra SHS

Endeavour in Uni & Buckley grand finals (Photo : Endeavour SHS)

In a thrilling University Shield clash, Endeavour SHS triumphed over Illawarra SHS in a hard-fought contest.

Endeavour’s standout performances came from Jamie Curran and Cruz Parkin, who were outstanding after they returned from their Peter Mulholland Schoolboy Cup campaign, driving the team forward.

Spencer Swann and Liam Challenor expertly navigated a tough first half, battling against a huge breeze to maintain momentum.

Both teams displayed immense spirit, respect, and determination throughout.

Illawarra SHS fought valiantly, but Endeavour’s superior tactical execution proved decisive, earning them a well-deserved victory in a competitive encounter.

Endeavour will now play Hunter SHS in the Grand Final on Tuesday 17 September at Cessnock.

Final Score: 32-4

Tries : Brodie Johnsen 2, Jamie Curran 2, Jayden Rawson and Cortez Matthews
Goals : Liam Challenor 4

National Finals Action Photo Galleries

Schoolboy Cup

PBC vs Patrician Bro’s

Schoolgirl Cup

Ipswich SHS vs The Hills SHS

Australian News

ASSRL Nationals day 1 wrap

Inspiresport RFL Champion Schools

England Academy team announcement

Stewart shines as NSW completes a hat-trick of wins

Kacey Reh stars in NSW strong win over Qld

National Schoolgirl Cup provides new NRLW pathway

NSWRL NSW Under 19s Men’s and Women’s Origin teams

2024 NSWCHS State Rugby League trials a growing success

QRL Emerging Under 18 squad announced

Nigeria season set to begin

Tweed Seagulls crowned premiers – MMC Grand Final Action photo’s

City overcome early deficit for impressive U18s win

City U16s prove too good for Country

Dellow cleans up at Sharks boys junior rep presentation

NSWCHS greater Sydney trails huge success

PHOTO GALLERY

NSW u17s vs WARRINGTON ACADEMY

The post Endeavour in Buckley & Uni grand finals appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Endeavour SHS Targeted Sports Program

sharksmedia — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 07:53:49 +0000

Endeavour SHS Targeted Sports Program

Author : Sharks Media

Endeavour SHS Targeted Sports Program

Having long been a nursery for the Sharks with an extensive list of NRL and junior representative players coming through the school program.

Endeavour Sports High in Caringbah is the perfect place to combine a quality education with elite level sport.

Offering quality coaching and a unique Rugby League experience, Endeavour Sports High is accepting registrations for trialists interested in being a part of the Year 7 Rugby League Targeted Sports Program in 2024.

2022 Endeavour SHS rugby league presentation night (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Mr. Brad Kelly and Alex Johnston speak at the 2022 Endeavour SHS rugby league presentation night (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

2022 Endeavour SHS rugby league presentation night (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

The trials are scheduled to take place early in Term 2 on Tuesday, May 2 and Friday, May 5.

Endeavour Sports has enjoyed a successful association with the Sharks extending over two decades.

With senior school coaches Dave Howlett (2023 Sharks SG Ball) and Brad Kelly (2023 Matthews Cup) currently involved in the Sharks junior representative and pathways program.

Howlett also enjoyed a stint as a Sharks NRL assistant coach from 2018-2020 and has wins in the SG Ball and Jersey Flegg competitions on his coaching resume.

“While the Rugby League program is a significant part of the schooling experience.

Education still comes first at Endeavour Sports High School,” Howlett said.

“Students are supported with both their studies and sport in a caring and nurturing environment, geared to bring out the best in each individual.”

Current Sharks NRL squad members Will Kennedy and Teig Wilton are Endeavour ‘old boys’.

As are the likes of Alex Johnston (Souths), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Martin Taupau (Broncos), Paul Momirovski (Roosters), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Scott Sorensen (Panthers), Shaun Lane (Eels) and Luciano Leilua (Cowboys).

A number of players in the current Sharks Jersey Flegg team are also recent graduates of the school and the targeted sports Rugby League program.

Kennedy arrived from Bathurst largely unheralded but with perseverance and the support of his teachers and rugby league coaches at Endeavour, has grown into a leading player for the Sharks at the NRL level.

“I really enjoyed my schooling experience at Endeavour. They certainly assisted with my Rugby League development,

I have no doubt the culture and educational opportunities at the school also helped to make me a better person,” Kennedy said.

Will Kennedy and Bryce Sait 2022 Endeavour SHS rugby league presentation night (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Talonoa Penitani (center) 2022 DAU Medalist with fellow Dau Medalists at the 2022 Endeavour SHS rugby league presentation night (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

2022 Endeavour SHS rugby league graduates (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

“Will is a great example of the opportunity that the school and Targeted Sports Program can offer students who are good characters, have a passion for Rugby League and are willing to work hard to achieve their goals,” Howlett added.

Students currently in Year 6 interested in being part of Endeavour Sports High School and their Rugby League Program in 2024.

Please see the flyer below, with more information to be made available upon registration.

Prospective students or parents wanting to find out more, contact 9524 0615.

Endeavour SHS targeted Sport Program Rugby League trials for year 7 – Register Now Ph ; 3524 0615

Action Photo Galleries

Semi Final Laurie Daley Cup Action Photo’s

More NSWRL Junior Rep’s news

More Women’s Rugby League news

Harold Matthews Cup Draw / Results

SG Ball Cup Draw / Results

Tarsha Gale Cup Draw / Results

HNWP Draw / Results

Andrew Johns Cup Draw / Results

Laurie Daley Cup Draw / Results

(QRL) Mal Meninga Cup Draw / Results

(QRL) Cyril Connell Challenge Draw / Results

The post Endeavour SHS Targeted Sports Program appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Central Coast Buckley Shield news

ourfooty — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:31:47 +0000

Central Coast Buckley Shield news

Author : NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association Buckley Shield – CENTRAL COAST

Central Coast Buckley Shield news

Well done to Kincumber High and TLSC who will represent the Central Coast in the next round of the Buckley Shield after winning last weeks Central Coast Semi Finals at Morry Breen Oval.

Congratulations also to the following schools who proudly and enthusiastically represented their schools last week.

– Gorokan High School
– Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Tumbi Umbi Campus
– Wyong High School
– Northlakes High School
– Kincumber High School
– Narara Valley High School
– Brisbane Water Secondary College
– Terrigal High School
– Lisarow High School – DoE NSW
– Wadalba Community School
– Erina High School

A massive thanks to the Central Coast Rugby League Referees Association for their help officiating the games and thankyou to the Wyong Roos for their outstanding support of the day also.

Central Coast Buckley Shield (Photo : NSWCHS)

Sydney East schoolboy trials

Sydney East Opens Rugby league team (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

Sydney East rugby league held their schoolboy trials today at Heffron Park, Maroubra

A total of 215 studdents turned up for today’s trails with 105 trying out for Opens selection and 115 for the under 15s selection.

Sydney East will play

The next step for these talents young men is to represent Sydney Red in the NSWCHS State trials.

NSWCHS State trials will be again held at Collegians Stadium, Figtree NSW with the ultimate goals of representing Australia in the Australian Schoolboys teams. Friday 21 st May to Wednesday 24 th May 2023

Opens National Schoolboy trials will be at the Redcliffe Dolphins home ground at Redcliffe in Queensland

Under 15 National trial are held this year in Port Macquarie. LEARN MORE

Sydney East U15’s Rugby league team (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

More NSW School footy news

More NSWRL Junior Rep’s news

More Women’s Rugby League news

Harold Matthews Cup Draw / Results

SG Ball Cup Draw / Results

Tarsha Gale Cup Draw / Results

HNWP Draw / Results

Andrew Johns Cup Draw / Results

Laurie Daley Cup Draw / Results