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

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

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

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The post From playground to playmaker The schools that make NRL stars appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

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

Eels Well Placed For Finals Football

QRL Rnd 6 Junior Statewide Competitions

One up one down for Junior Sharks

Warriors SG Ball celebrating first win of season

Sea Eagles Junior Reps Rnd 7

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Regional Junior Reps Semi-finals

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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

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Tarsha Gale cup Rnd 1 team lists

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

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

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PHOTO GALLERY

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

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)

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

Related Links

sharks.com.au

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

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)

Central Coast Buckley Shield (Photo : NSWCHS)

Central Coast Buckley Shield (Photo : NSWCHS)

Related Links

Central Coast Rugby League

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

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(QRL) Mal Meninga Cup Draw / Results

(QRL) Cyril Connell Challenge Draw / Results

The post Central Coast Buckley Shield news appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Great Lakes Advocate

Great Lakes try hard in Uni Shield final

Disappointment for Great Lakes College rugby league university shield campaign

Great Lakes College’s University Shield squad and coaching staff at Belmore Oval. Picture by Steve Montgomery, OurFootyTeam.com.
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GREAT Lakes College’s University Shield rugby league campaign came to a disappointing end when they were beaten 60-0 by Bass High School in the semi-final played at Belmore Oval.

However, co-coaches Simon Maher and Tom Freeman agreed if was a ‘tremendous effort’ by the team to make it to the semi of the prestigious competition.

“We were patchy, we didn’t complete sets; if we had of completed it wouldn’t have blown out as much and we do lack on our edges a bit,” he said.

“At periods of the game we were in it and could match it, but we didn’t do it for the entire game and that’s were the score line came in.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them up against a quality side,” Maher told Steve Montgomery from OurFootyTeam.com.

“Our two wingers haven’t played football before and there are other boys who haven’t played since Year 5 or 6.

At periods of the game we were in it and could match it, but we didn’t do it for the entire game and that’s were the score line came in.

– Great Lakes rugby league co-coach, Simon Maher

“I can’t speak highly enough of the attitude of those boys, and some of the talent that is there – I’d back them every day.”

Maher coached a number of players in primary school and he knew there was talent in the squad.

“They were a pretty solid team back then and used to do well around our area.

“We’d come down to Sydney a bit so I was looking forward to an opportunity to coach them in high school.

“I knew there was some talent there it was just a matter of getting them all together.”

While the result wasn’t the one the side had hoped for, Maher said the opportunity to play at Belmore and the welcome provided by the Canterbury Bulldogs will long live in the players’ memories.

Pictures by Steve Montgomery/OurFootyTeam.com

Pictures by Steve Montgomery/OurFootyTeam.com

“I said to the boys just enjoy it and soak up the atmosphere,” Maher said.

“When we got here the Doggies ran us through the facility and the boys were in awe. We don’t get to see a lot of NRL games up home as such

“They got us tickets for the Parra game as well and we ran in to (Canterbury star) Josh Addo Carr. It was like Christmas.”

Freeman said Bass Hill was a formidable side and were too strong.

“It wasn’t the result we wanted and we didn’t have much luck today, but our boys have been awesome all year,” he said.

“I’m very stoked they have much it this far.”

Related Links

Great Lakes Advocate

University Shield Rugby League

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NSWCHS Uni Shield (CHS) grand final action photo gallery (coming soon)

The post Great Lakes try hard in Uni Shield final appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Author : Mick McDonald Great Lake Advocate

University Shield Rugby League

A section of the crowd that turned out at the Jack Neal Oval for the University Shield quarter final between Great Lakes College and Murrumbidgee.

A section of the crowd that turned out at the Jack Neal Oval for the University Shield quarter final between Great Lakes College and Murrumbidgee.

GREAT Lakes College’s University Shield Rugby League team will head to Belmore Oval, the spiritual home of the Canterbury Bulldogs, for the semi-final against Bass High School on Friday, September 2.

The Hunter champions, Great Lakes secured a spot in the semi-final with a 26-20 win over Murrumbidgee in the quarter final played at the Harry Elliott Oval, where they were spurred on by a big and vocal home crowd.

Co-coach, Simon Maher said Bass would field a formidable side.

“All of their starting 13 play SG Ball,” he said.

“But then again, a few of our players would have the ability to play SG Ball too.

“According to the shield convenor, Bass would be about the same standard as Murrumbidgee and we handled them okay.”

Top front rower, Trent Blomgren missed the quarter final win after breaking his wrist in a representative fixture.

The support we received from the community was a factor in our win in the quarter final.

– Co-coach, Simon Maher

“He gets the wrist out of plaster four days before the semi,” Maher said.

“But I don’t know if he’ll be playing though.

“It might be too much of an ask.”

However, Maher pointed out that Travis Felsch stepped up in Blemgren’s absence last match, where he scored three tries.

The team will attend Canterbury’s captain’s run at Belmore on the Thursday and also be at the Bulldogs/Storm NRL.

Maher said there would be a strong contingent of Great Lakes College students heading to the game.

“We’ll have a bit of support there,” he said.

“The support we received from the community was a factor in our win in the quarter final.”

The clash will kick-off at 1pm.

Great Lakes College get it on with Bass HS today, Friday 02 September, kick off is at 12:30 Pm at the famous Belmore Sports Ground

Related Links

Great Lakes Advocate

More NSW School footy news

The post University Shield Rugby League appeared first on OurFootyTeam.

Dare To Dream- But When You Do, Dream Big!

Special Report by : Craig Holmes, Coach and Head Teacher PDHPE
Photo’s By : Steve Montgomery / OurFootyTeam.com

The beauty of sport is that if everyone in the team buys into a dream, works hard, has a great attitude and never gives up on that dream … special things can happen, and we did it.

Heathcote High School won the Comprehensive Schools University Shield Rugby League competition. This is the oldest school competition in Australia, and has been running since 1922.

Over 450 schools participated in the competition in 2019 and we are number ONE! Heathcote High rose to defeat Bass High, the much bigger and more fancied opponent.

I use a quote from Vince Lombardi: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”

The dream started in November 2018. The players committed to the goal of winning the University Shield in 2019. We trained at least once a week in the morning at 7:30am and devoted some time at lunch too.

Our University Shield path looked like this:

SYDNEY EAST

Game 1 v Gymea HS – Won 36-10
Game 2 v Engadine HS – Won 64-0 (game stopped with 12 minutes remaining)
Game 3 v Port Hacking – 20-6

NSWCHS FINALS
Round 16 v Ashcroft HS – Draw 12-12. Progressed on first try scorer rule.
Quarter Final v Oxley HS, Tamworth – Won 32-6
Semi Final v Chifley HS – Won 28-10

Campbelltown Stadium hosted the Grand Final and it was bathed in sunshine for the battle. Straight from the kickoff, Heathcote High made their point clear with committed carries and enterprising play.

Heathcote quickly took advantage of a gap in Bass High’s defensive line and Kobi Paynter scored in the corner. Blake Barden potted the ball from the sideline to make it 6-0.

Within minutes, the Rams were in again, as Luke Mason masterminded the set move to see Kye Mayne score our second try. Once again Blake Barden’s radar was on and he slotted the ball from the sideline to make it 12-0.

Kye Mayne then repeated his efforts with a determined run and exhibited Fred Astaire fancy footwork to crash over the try line to make it 16-0. Blake Barden added the extras to bring the scoreline to 18-0.

Heathcote turned the screws and put the pressure on Bass. Blake Hosking sliced through the defensive line like a hot knife through butter. This “metre eater” set up the following try with great field positioning.

After a shift in the football, Jacob Masters used his sharp footwork to evade four defenders and slam the ball over the line to make it 22-0. Blake Barden sent the ball sailing over the posts to make the score 24-0.

After a short passage in play, Bass were awarded penalties and saw their own try line. After repelling Heathcote’s advances, the Bass team put on a scrum move to see the score turn to 24-4.

They converted to see the score be 24-6. Heathcote responded quickly and was able to dominate the much bigger team. Heathcote was able to find gaps in Bass High’s defensive structure.

The Ram engine room, led by Logan McKinley, continually peppered the defensive line of Bass. This committed approach left Bass unable to cut Heathcote down, which saw our cheeky number 9, Eli Ferguson, scoot over the line from dummy half. Blake Barden converted to see the half time score end 30-6.

The second half showed Heathcote High’s determined attitude, and a steeled focus saw our Rams continue with the same purpose as the first half, which led to an early second half try to Blake Hosking who toyed with the Bass defensive line to have the score race out to 34-6.

Blake Barden added the extra and the score was 36-6. Heathcote fell into the trap of allowing some easy penalties against them.

Three in a row presented Bass with great field position again. After firing several shots at the Heathcote defensive line, Bass scored and converted to see the score move to 36-12.

However, a year built on work ethic and knowing your role within the team saw Heathcote wrestle back the momentum.

Jacob Masters danced his way over the line again, evading several defenders, but they were far too slow for our 5/8 who scored his second try to make it 40-12.

Blake Barden added the extras again to make it 42-6. Heathcote then put the foot down and pressured the Bass defensive line again.

Blake Hosking with his Man of the Match Trophy in the Uni Shield Grand Final (Photo : Steve Montgomery / OurFootyTeam.com)

The determined effort saw Blake Hosking easily make it over the line for his second try to make it 46-12. Blake Barden added the two to see the score soar to 48-12.

Not being tempted to put the cue in the rack, the Rams kept pressing forward which saw Kobi Paynter bust through the defensive line to make a 65 metre gain.

On the back of a great field position, Ryan Barden dribbled a cheeky kick into the in goal to his big brother which saw the “point machine” score his first try of the day.

Blake, who was eight from eight, missed the opportunity to convert his own try to see the score extend to 52-6. Heathcote pressed on, aiming to make as much as they could of their lead.

The crafty halves worked together late in the second half to see a quick shift to the right side, and fancy passing saw the baby of the team, Jake Quinlivan, score in the corner to make the score 56-12.

Blake Barden missed the kick so the score remained 56-12.

Congratulations to Blake Barden who had a personal points tally of 20 points and to all the Ram players – you were amazing.

However one player stood out in the pack and that was Blake Hosking.

He was named ‘Player of the Match’ and then ‘Player of the University Shield’. A massive achievement. These players were amazing.

They were quick learners, dedicated, and a credit to their families and the school.

The year of 2020 promises so much with only four players not returning. It will be back to the drawing board in November when the training for the 2020 University Shield campaign begins.

Blake Hosking and Blake Barden with the 2019 NSWCHS Uni Shield (Photo : Steve Montgomery)

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