Mackay High's Jorden White is tackled by St Patrick's Matt McCurry. Tony Martin

In what was a scrappy affair, the Milton St boys held off a gutsy challenge from St Pat's to claim honours in the Mackay and district secondary school rugby league grand final.

Mackay High second-rower Corban Duffy was the Alf Abdullah blazer recipient after producing a player-of-the-match performance.

Rake Kelvin Nielsen and Duffy helped the more fancied Mackay High to a blistering 10-0 start before their rivals hit back through back-rower Tom Jacklin to make it 10-6 at the break.

Centre Buchanan Rawiti gave MSHS some breathing room but lock Pat Gregor ensured a tense finish to the match by bringing St Pat's to with a converted try, 16-10.

Duffy then sealed the match with a four-pointer, converted by Dylan Smith.

“There was some solid defence - they came with intent,” Mackay State High Rugby League Academy co-ordinator Bill Esau said of a seemingly rejuvenated St Pat's side, which was bolstered by a strong effort from centre Ryan Jones.

Meanwhile, Mackay State High also won the under 15 schoolboys final with a 34-10 win over Mercy College.

Mackay High's Damon Mooney was recognised as best on ground as his school claimed the Booker Primrose Shield for the third consecutive year.

Daniel Matsen passes during a Mackay High training session.

The Milton Street boys were aiming to progress to the North Queensland final for the third consecutive year but were thumped 44-10 in the NQ semi-final.

The under strength Mackay side “was out of the game at half time,” according to coach Troy Rovelli, who watched his side succumb to a 32-0 deficit against a “very good side.”

“It's been a rough week,” Rovelli conceded after his team was stricken with injury and illness in the lead-up to the contest.

“We had a few blokes out and some that have missed training sessions because of sickness,” he said.

Halves pairing Leon Curry and Dylan Smith were both forced to miss crucial training runs while slick centre Rogan Dean also battled illness.

Meanwhile, Dermot Prior and Ian Brown were among those injured.

“We got off the bus and we were a bit jaded and never really got going in the first half,” Rovelli said.

“We had no footy in the first half and kept turning the ball over. I asked for more consistency in the second half and they gave us that.”

Indeed, the Mackay High boys dug deep in the second stanza with Kelvin Nielsen and Dean crossing for tries.

Rovelli, who has recently taken the coach's reins at MSHS from Don Saunders, said it was perplexing to play the game in Townsville, considering the other semi-final between Townsville's Kirwan High and Yeppoon's St Brendans was played at Mackay yesterday.

Kirwan caused a boilover by beating St Brendan's 17-10 to ensure an all Townsville NQ final.

Local finals

MACKAY State High will now focus on the Tarry Hayes Shield, which is likely to be played next week.

Their opponents in the Mackay district rugby league open schoolboys grand final will be St Patrick's College.

In the under 15 Booker Primrose Shield for under 15s, Mackay High will clash with Mercy College.

• Results from other Mackay district rugby league schoolboys finals, played yesterday.

Year 8: Proserpine SH 18 bt Holy Spirit College 16 (best players Keiran Anderson and Rhys McBride)

Under 15 division 2: Mackay SH 2 28 bt Mercy College 24 in extra time (best players Edan Duffy and Alex Hay)

Mackay SHS Rugby League Academy

CLICK ON THE LOGO TO DOWNLOAD THE MSHSRLA APPLICATION FORM

The Rugby League Academy is unique and the very first of its kind in the Mackay District.

This program rivals the successful Rugby League programs of Queensland schools such as Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and Keebra Park SHS (Gold Coast District), Wavell SHS (Brisbane District) and Kirwan S.H.S. (Townsville District).

This is a unique opportunity for a select group of young aspiring Rugby League players. There is a specific criteria in place which will bring the elite young players together to enhance their development academically, socially and in Rugby League.

Academically, students will be able to select from a wide variety of subjects that Mackay S.H.S. has to offer.

These subjects are outlined in the 2010 school prospectus provided for you in the enrolment pack.

Mackay S.H.S has a proven record of academic excellence over a long period of time. As part of the Rugby League Academy you will be required to meet certain academic goals and expectations, these goals and expectations will be individualised for each participant.

Socially students will continue to develop various skills which they will utilise in real life situations during and after their education at Mackay S.H.S. Academy students will be required to meet strict social expectations which includes in class behaviour and school/community participation.

The Rugby League Academy provides participants with opportunities which will be second to none in the Mackay District.

The program provides exposure for players which have in the past been restricted.

This exposure includes, at State and National and International level as outlined in the academy prospectus which can be downloaded at www.ourfootyteam.com .

As this is a prestigious academy, I encourage you to take up this invitation to apply and would welcome any enquiries that you might care to make about the program.

Pat O'Hanlon is poised to make an impact at Parramatta. (photo : ourfooty media)

The 18-year-old has been enjoying a successful season with the club's under 20 Toyota Cup side, which is currently ninth on the ladder.

And Gagai yesterday added another achievement to his resume when he was named on the wing for the Queensland under 18 side to play New South Wales in the curtain-raiser to the second State of Origin game in Sydney on June 24.

Also named in the team was Pat O'Hanlon, another future star from Mackay who is now based in Sydney with the Parramatta Eels.

Gagai is also a talented rugby union player and was captain of the First XV at Brisbane Boys College last year.

When he finished school, both the Broncos and Queensland Reds rugby union team was chasing his signature, before he eventually chose the rugby league option.

It's a decision he's extremely happy with after settling in well with the Broncos.

“I'm loving it; I'm glad I went with rugby league,” he said.

He has been happy with his form in the Toyota Cup so far this season, where he has played nine games and helped the team move up the ladder after a shaky start.

However, he did miss a couple of games with a finger injury.

Gagai said he was looking forward to playing in the Queensland under 18 team and being part of the Origin spectacle at ANZ Stadium.

“It should be good,” he said.

O'Hanlon, meanwhile, has played seven Toyota Cup games for the Parramatta side, which is currently 13th on the ladder.

Mackay High fullback Ian Read in full flight against St Brendan's College in their Super 8 clash yesterday. Tony Martin

Down 18 - 0 at half time at Shark Park, Mackay High looked out of the game against the Yeppoon side, one of the heavyweights of the schoolboys competition.

But a four tries to one comeback in the second half secured a draw and second spot in the Super 8 pool, and praise from Mackay High's coach Don Saunders.

“They got away to an 18 - 0 start but in the second half we clawed our way back,” Saunders said.

“The wind was with them; they got away and we had a slow start.

“I'm proud of them; they kept battling away which is what our team is about.”

Mackay High ran in two tries by Kelvin Nielsen and one each to Corben Blackie and Jordan White.

Five-eighth Leon Curry, front rowers Daniel Matsen and Cooper Hrida and lock Blake Simpson were among Mackay High's best.

Mackay High produced a similar courageous performance last year to bundle St Brendan's out of the national Arrive Alive Cup.

They play their final match in the Super 8 against Emmaus College at Rockhampton next Thursday, which will determine final placing in their pool for the Arrive Alive Cup.

Saunders said his side would get better.

“We've got a lot of improvement in us; we've just got to keep plugging away.”

St Patrick's College fell to a narrow 6 - 4 loss to Emmaus College in another Super 8 match at Shark Park on Tuesday.

Mackay State High School player Leon Curry trains for today's schoolboys' match. Tony Martin

TRADITIONAL rugby league rivals Mackay State High School and St Patrick's College go head-to-head today when the first round of the North Queensland Cowboys Super 8 schoolboys' competition kicks off at the JRL grounds.

The open competition involves eight schools from Yeppoon north to Cairns and doubles as a grading competition for the North Queensland quarter finals of the Arrive Alive Cup, a prestigious national schoolboys' competition.

Last year, the boys from Milton Street had the upper hand out of the two Mackay schools, defeating St Patrick's and finishing third in the Super 8s.

They went on to reach the North Queensland grand final of the Arrive Alive Cup, where they were knocked out by Townsville's Kirwan SHS.

St Patrick's, on the other hand, had a forgettable Super 8 season, finishing at the bottom of the table.
But, with a new rugby league academy established this year, program co-ordinator Kevin Blakey said things were definitely looking up for St Patrick's.

With the likes of forwards Tom Jacklin and Matt Collins, hooker Jason Lester and halfback Sean Hanley leading the charge, the players are keen to get on the park for today's game.

“Milton Street are a great side, they've set the benchmark,” Blakey said.

“Our aim is to go out and match them.”

And, despite St Patrick's unconvincing form last year, Mackay SHS coach Don Saunders said his side would not underestimate their opposition.

“We always expect a hard game from St Patrick's,” Saunders said.

“We'll have to be at our best to win.

“But I think if we can do the little things right, we'll have a good chance.”

Saunders said Mackay SHS's squad was shaping up well, with players like hooker Leon Curry and Kelvin Nielsen set for big seasons.

Meanwhile, in the under 15 division today, Mackay SHS meets Mercy College.

GAME DAY

MACKAY SHS Rugby League NEW PLAYING & TRAINING GEAR

In the Mick Shew Shield the Year 8 firsts and seconds both recorded wins.

The MSHS 2’s took on the Mirani SHS 2’s on the school oval in what proved to be a very tight contest.

With some gutsy defence late in the game the MSHS boys hung on to claim victory 22 - 20. Coach Tom Williams said, he was pleased with the early season effort and the boys really enjoyed themselves.

The MSHS 1’s travelled to Magpies to take on Mackay North.

This was coach Sam Granville’s first chance to look at his full strength side and they certainly impressed him.

The boys attacked for the majority of the game and ran out winners 68-0.

This is a promising start for the young side but they must continue to work hard as stronger opposition will surely follow.

In the Col Grosskreutz Shield (Under 15) the MSHS 2’s just hung on to claim victory 24 - 22.

Mackay North scored first from a fifth tackle option to have the MSHS boys on the back foot.

With some strong running from forwards Damon Mooney and Jacob Pinyon, and with Bradley Boyd and Stuart Wingate directing traffic MSHS took an 8 point half time lead.

To Mackay North’s credit they continued to fight with the game going done to the wire in a frantic final minute. MSHS’s best was Kyle O’Brien who ran exceptional lines on the fringes.

The final game of the night was the Open boys in the Mick Aprile Shield.

The MSHS 2’s played consistently to grind out a 22 - 0 win.

The performance pleased interim coach Don Saunders as a number of the players in the side were bottom age.

Ross Padget, Jordan Grayston and George Griffin with the kids from Calen Primary School

Tim Nuggent QRL/COWBOYS, NQ Sports Blue with Ross Padget, Jordan Grayston and George Griffin

Ross Padget, Jordan Grayston and George Griffin all 16 have been attending Mackay High this term, training with the schools Academy teams and playing for local teams in the local club competition.

Ross, Jordan and George are all living with the families of Academy players Matt Ahern, Clinton Hewitt and Brandon Hassan.

All three boys attend Outwood Grange College in Wakefield and play Rugby League for the Stanley Rangers in the Yorkshire League.

The lads arrived in Australia just in time to join a Mackay High Academy team on the Gold Coast for the Titan’s Country Challenge, eventually winning the carnival after the Mackay High Academy team moved through the competition undefeated.

Ross and George are hard working back rowers and Jordan is a strong running centre that hopes to play rugby league professionally in the future.

Back home all the boys follow their local Super League team the Wakefield Wildcats and brought Wildcats jerseys as presents for their host brothers.

All three boys agree that our lifestyle is a lot more easygoing than they experience at home but also agree that the football is a bit faster. Ross has been playing for Sarina, Jordan has linked up with Souths and George has joined Norths where despite some minor injuries they have all enjoyed a degree of success.

Although the lads have missed their family and friends at home they have enjoyed their adventure immensely and remain impressed with Mackay’s winter weather which they enjoy because it is so ‘warm’. While in Mackay the boys have regularly joined our local ARL development officer Brad Henry travelling to district primary schools to help with his rugby league program.

They visited schools and worked with students at Hampden, Mirani, Calen and Proserpine, Brad also found time to take them on a crocodile spotting expedition in the creeks around Proserpine.

A group of Under 16 Mackay High Rugby League Academy players will be touring England in September 2009, playing games against school and club academy teams in London and the northern counties including a team from Outwood Grange College in Wakefield, a school with over two thousand students and winners of this years Wakefield Cup and finalist in the regions Yorkshire Cup.

All the boys think that the Mackay High Academy team will do well on their England tour next year. Jordan says that particularly in the north of England, the colder, harder fields will suit our up-tempo style of play.

Two try hero, Prop Andrew Ward on the charge

Andrew Ward from MSHS on his way to his 2 try

Marmin Barba converts the winning try in the AA Cup NQ Semi-Final 2008

MSHS Wrecking Ball Andrew Ward scores his second try under a tangle of SBC defenders in the AA Cup NQ Semi final 2008

Blockbusting Mackay High Centre Peter Hassall makes a clean break in the early stages of the AA Cup NQ Semi final 2008

MSHS jam the SBC attack late in the AA Cup NQ Semi final 2008

Mackay High's lock received a special mention from coach Saunders for his efforts after the AA Cup NQ Semi final 2008

Story By : CHARLIE PAYNE

The 18-14 win over arch-rivals St Brendan’s, Yeppoon, has propelled MSHS into the NQ final, against Kirwan High or Ignatius Park.

The two Townsville sides clash next week, with the final to be played the following week at a venue to be decided.

Mackay coach Don Saunders described the win as “ugly”.

“It was a bit scrappy as it was played in very windy conditions,” he said.

“The first 20 minutes was just sorting each other out, but our defence was excellent and across the park we were strong.”

Halves Leon Curry at five-eighth and halfback Marmin Barba led the side well, and the forwards were strong.

Saunders said front rower Andrew Ward, who scored two tries, and lock Brad Simpson were outstanding.

Jordan Richardson scored MSHS’s other try, and Barba kicked three goals.

Saunders wasn’t in the least concerned about how his side won the game.

“It’s always good when you can play ugly and still win the game,” he said.

“We were not perfect with the ball control but our defence held on well and we did a lot of the little things right, and our attitude in defence was good.”

St Brendan’s beat Mackay in the NQ grant final last year, and had beaten them 16-10 in this year’s Super 10 series, so the win was satisfying for the coach and team.

A bonus for the team was that many of the side which played yesterday were in Year 11.

“Today 12 of our players were in Year 11, and last year 15 of the 17 were from the 11s,” Saunders said.

“We’re going to have a lot of the Year 12s back for the final.

“I think it shows the depth that we have, we’re comfortable.”

Saunders said he wasn’t sure which of Kirwan or Ignatius Park would make the final.

“We’ve beaten Ignatius Park this year and they’ve beaten us.

Highly touted back-rower Pat O'Hanlon is one of three Mackay and district products to be named in a Queensland under 18 side which will tackle nemesis New South Wales in a State of Origin II curtain-raiser at Suncorp Stadium on June 11.

The 17-year-old sensation will play in front of a packed house alongside Souths junior Ryan Williamson and Proserpine prospect Chris Faust after the trio's impressive foray at the Queensland titles at Proserpine last weekend.

"I'm pretty stoked," O'Hanlon said after being named in the side.

As a wide running second-rower, O'Hanlon has a rather simplistic yet successful formula for success on the footy paddock.

"I just try to whack blokes when they're running at me and when I'm running I just try to make as much of an impact as I can," he said.

At 198cm and 98kg, O'Hanlon is growing into a force to be reckoned with.

He was man-of-the-match in the Northern Marlins' loss to Central Capras on Sunday and is a regular starter for the A grade Brothers side in the Mackay competition.

He earned a late call-up to the Queensland open schoolboys side last year despite being only 16 and was also named in a state under 16 merit side.

O'Hanlon is just one of three players in this year's state squad not to be aligned with a Toyota Cup under 20 outfit.

The Mackay State High student, who is on a three year deal with Parramatta, will link up with the Eels next year after admitting to more pressing concerns in 2007.

"We talked about it at the beginning of the year and I decided that school was my priority," he said.
Stand-out second-rower Faust is in the Cowboys under 20 outfit while winger Williamson is currently with the Sydney Roosters Toyota Cup side.

The strongly-built three-quarter was in the Australian open schooboys side last year when they toured New Zealand and is expected to be in contention again when the national side is named.

Fellow Mackay product and under 20 Cowboy Steve Eliott has been named in the Queensland Maroons side to tackle New South Wales Country at the Sunshine Coast on July 19.

Promising Mackay under 16 back Leon Curry, who was last year named in an Australian under 15 merit side, will play for a Queensland under 16 outfit against New South Wales in a curtain-raiser to State of Origin I at ANZ Stadium on May 21.