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Friday 30 th July 2010

Wagga High centre Mick Mattingly shows great determination to score the team's only try against Warilla High in the Buckley Shield game at Harris Park yesterday.

'DEFENCE LAPSE LET US DOWN'
Story & Photo By : LES MUIR

WAGGA High School coach Andrew Morton blamed critical defensive lapses for the Buckley Shield downfall of the school's talented rugby league team in Wagga yesterday.

Striving to secure a coveted spot in the last 16 teams of the historic statewide under 14 years league competition, Wagga High crashed 26-6 to powerful Warilla High at Harris Park.

Stung by two tries in the opening 12 minutes, Wagga High struck back with a try to centre Mick Mattingly in the 19th minute, but still trailed 18-6 at half-time.

Carrying the momentum into the second half, Warilla High reinforced its advantage by scoring two unanswered tries to leave Wagga High stranded.

Morton later paid tribute to the skill of the Warilla High spearheads, notably five-eighth Kurt Field and second-rower Jordan Fowler.

"They (Warilla High) were just too good," Morton said.

"They had several really dangerous players and they caused us a lot of grief."

Elusive ball-runners, Field and Fowler scored two tries each and were Warilla High's most potent attacking weapons.

Morton, however, made it clear Wagga High had given the suburban Wollongong school far too much latitude with the ball.

"Defence let us down," Morton lamented.

"We missed a lot of one-on-one tackles.

"That really hurt us."

Field and Fowler in particular created havoc with Wagga High's defences, often stepping past three or more opponents without a hand getting near them.

Twice in the second half Field split Wagga High wide open to score long-range tries, while Fowler bolted 45 metres for a try in the first half.

On a day when Warilla High prop Tevita Malai terrorised Wagga High with his size and strength, the hometown forwards were invariably on the back foot.

"We just couldn't get any go-forward," Morton said.

"They (Warilla High) barely missed a tackle."

The aggressive and powerhouse display of Malai was a highlight yesterday -and gave Warilla High a massive head start.

For Wagga High, centre Sharne Robinson was a standout, but five-eighth Campbell Lovell and prop James Hay were also top contributors for the losers.

Lovell set up Wagga High's lone try for Mattingly with an across-field kick and also made several lightning attacking bursts.

For Wagga High, yesterday's Buckley Shield loss came two days after the school's soccer team won a Bill Turner Cup regional final.

FULL-TIME

WARILL A HIGH 26 (K Field 2, J Fowler 2, J Brooker tries; K Field, E Sultana, J Fowler goals) d WAGGA HIGH 6 (M Mattingly try; M Mattingly goal) at Harris Park. Scrums: 5-7. Penalties: 3-5. Referee: Ben Whitby (9)

Dubbo College’s Lachlan Van Dartel and Tony Pellow (around the ankles) work together in a tackle, while Tom Kotzur waits on in support

SOUTH GIVES LEETON BUCKLEY’S CHANCE OF WINNING SHIELD
Story & Photo By : LUCY ROWLES

Dubbo College South Campus have produced their fifth consecutive win in the under-14s Buckley Shield smashing Leeton High 42-16 at Apex Oval yesterday.

The two sides matched up with Dubbo College taking out the Western Area B competition and Leeton High the Riverina B competitions.

With Dubbo’s win they will now advance further into the competition, with their next game likely to be against Sydney’s Eagle Vale.

With an 18-nil lead at half-time, Dubbo College South campus rugby league coach Nathan Jones said it was not all Dubbo as they allowed Leeton to hit back, but the home side were eventually too strong.

“We started well and gained a good lead for ourselves in the first 30 minutes,” he said.

“They then started to hit their straps in the second half and we allowed a few points in.

“Once we started to get into a few combinations they tired and we were able to come away with some late tries.”

Jones made special mention of halfback Dale Simpson, who put on a notable performance, scoring two tries and setting up another three.

“Phillip Combridge also had a good game, he made some good runs, including a couple that were about 40 metres and gave us some good field position,” he said.

“Max Cowley also played well, providing some big hits in defence.”

Although they managed to sneak away with a 28 points margin, Jones said there was still some areas to be fixed, if they were to be competitive against the top sides of the competition.

“We’ve had a few easy wins now but it is going to get much more difficult for us from now on,” he said.

“We need to look at summing up our defence so that we don’t leak points quickly like we did today.

“In attack I think we need to make sure we play with more cohesion, but a few of the guys haven’t played much together so it is just a matter of getting their combinations right.

“I think we are capable of making the semis if we can play to the best of our ability.”

MIXED DAY FOR FARRER
Story By :

THEY didn’t have a happy time in Armidale but Newcastle was a happier hunting ground for Farrer yesterday.

The school had four league sides in action in various competitions.

They had open, U15 and U13 sides competing in the Northern Country Cup finals and their First XIII chasing a Schoolboys Trophy competition (formerly Arrive Alive) quarter-final berth against St Francis Xavier.

They’ll now face All Saints Maitland after recording a 22-10 win over the Newcastle side.

It was their second win in a major competition in the space of a week after booking a spot in the University Shield quarter-finals last Friday.

Yesterday they got the jump on St Francis Xavier early, scoring a couple of quick tries, coach Steve Cavanagh said.

“They came back but we finished the more dominant,” Cavanagh said.

St Francis Xavier, as well as having an expanded player pool, was a big and well-drilled side.

“It was an intense 50 minutes of football,” Cavanagh said.

Farrer’s performance in some areas replicated Friday’s.

“Our defence set up the win. It was pretty outstanding,” Cavanagh said.

It was hard-hitting and effective.

“Our defence rattled them,” Cavanagh said.

“Our marker defence was particularly pleasing.”

Thankfully they didn’t have to do the mountain of defending they did against Kingscliff, Cavanagh said.

“We had a much fairer share of the ball and our attack was good enough to score 22 points,” he said.

“Given the wet conditions I felt it was a good game.

“They tested us right out.”

He singled out Cameron Rodgers, Jack Broughton and Kyle Eather as their best.

“They were the three I thought had exceptional games in a team that played well,” he said.

Last year their campaign ended at the round of 16.

In Armidale, All Saints got one up, defeating the Farrer 15s to prevent them from progressing to the state final, and also the Second XIII in the opens competition.

The Farrer 13s won two of their three games but also missed out on the final.

KEEBRA THIRTEENS AND FOURTEEN THROUGH TO SEMI FINALS OF BRONCOS COMPETITIONS.
Both the thirteens and fourteens premiers have forged into the next rounds of their relative competitions.

The fourteens were too strong for Caloundra SHS who although soundly beaten on the day, did have some talent in key positions in their ranks.

A solid platform set by Max and JJ allowed Riva and Po to exploit the gaps and open up a first half lead that Caloundra could never reel in.

Braidon was solid at the back and Dysharn was tireless in the second row. Well done boys and good luck for next weeks game with Sunnybank.

The thirteens progressed due to a forfeit and although this was not ideal preparation, the boys will be ready for their semi-final encounter.

Well done to Mr Stevens and Mr Campbell on a strong season so far and good luck for the finals.

Wednesday 28 th July 2010

St. Gregory's College win MCS CUP "photo courtesy www.sgobrld.org.au"

GREGS ARE MCS PREMIERS
Story By : Anon St. Greg's Student
After being written off by the media last year as a dying rugby league nursery, St Gregory's College Campbelltown have stormed to their 14th MCS title after defeating pre match favourites Patrician Brothers Blacktown 22 - 10 last night.

In front of an estimated 200 of their students who filled the grandstand at St Marys' Western Weekender stadium with noise in support of their team, St Gregs successfully negotiated the last dance of what has been an undefeated MCS season for them in 2010.

The win crowns what has been an excellent turnaround in fortunes for the College league team, who had not won the MCS competition they used to dominate since 2005. The 2005 team included the likes of current NRL star Chris Lawrence.

Despite predictions of a rebuilding year for St Gregs, they have beaten all expectations in winning this competition.

Lee Addison, Head Coach of St Gregory's Rugby League said "The boys have worked so, so hard it's untrue. I have never worked with a more dedicated, passionate and honest group of blokes. They deserve every accolade. It's their title.

"The MCS title is a great reward for their efforts.

It also has to be said that Blacktown are a fantastic side, we could never relax. They are a very dangerous team when they are behind and, we were very nervous in the 2nd half, but we held on just about!

"Rugby League is woven into the fabric at St Gregs and it will take more than a few negative rumours to knock it down.

The school is performing excellently at Cricket and Soccer too as they also won their resepective MCS competitions, and the Union team has won the majority of it's fixtures as well.

"The only thing St Gregory's College can be accused of is providing a great variety of extra curricular activities to all it's students.

All it's students really buy into it and would do anything for the college crest. All sports work together at this place, all the students work together at this place and the result was there to see tonight. 17 blokes on the field giving their all, and about 200 giving their all in the stand. It really was special.

"I hope our win can keep the rugby league rumour mill from spinning for another year at least and I want the team and the staff to enjoy every moment."

Nick Walker, James Luff, Tim Sloman and Sabir E Haj were the try scorers, with James Tedesco adding the goals. The victory sparked wild scenes of celbration at St Marys for anyone wearing the Gregs colours.

Pats Blacktown were excellent opponents who caused lots of problems for the eventual Premiers. Credit must go to all their staff and players for an excellent game of footy.

Best wishes to Pats Blacktown for their next Schoolboy Cup fixture against Matraville, and to their year 12 contingent in their forthcoming HSC trials.

St. Gregory's College win MCS CUP "photo courtesy www.sgobrld.org.au"

ST. GREG'S WIN MCS FINAL
Six months ago, the St Gregs Rugby League nursery was reportedly dying

The MCS Grand Final was played at St. Marys yesterday with St. Gregs winning: St.Gregs 22 Blacktown 10

Congratulations to Coach Lee Addisson and the boys, a great reward for all the hard work.

Also Schoolboy cup 22/07/2010..St.Gregs 20 Westfields 0

ARL SCHOOLBOY CUP
HILLS MARCH ON DESPITE STORM
Story By : 'PK'
The Hills Sports High School came from being 14 - 10 down with a minute to spare to record a great win in the miserable wet conditions at Ringrose Park Wentworthville today, winning 16-14 over Bass High.

Eels Toyota Cup star Jacob Loko scored in the corner after following through a well placed kick from newly crowned Australian schoolboy Gerard McCallum.

That evened the scores up and then it was left to fellow Eels toyota cup player Jason Wehbe to convert the try and send the Hills players and supporters into rapturous applause and rejoicing.

This game was probably one that got away from Bass High after leading 10-0 at half time and looking far the better team in the wet heavy conditions. Hills were making simple errors with the football and turned over much ball to the opposition.

Bass trys in the first half went to centre Matthew Fuku Fuka and second rower Josh Rainbow. Fuka Fuka scored after leaving Hills defenders grasping thin air when he left them for dead forty metres out from a Bass scrum win.

Rainbow's try came from a determined run 15 metres out when he bobbed and weaved his way through flimsy Hills defence.

As we know with Hills they are never beaten until the final whistle. Remember the final of the University Shield last year when Hills were down 40-18 in the second half.

Suddenly they just clicked and when the final whistle was blown they had defeated Endeavour Sports High 46-40.

Well something similar happened at Ringrose Park yesterday.

With big games from the genetic freak "Big Willy" Skelton (all 143 kg of him), Jacob Loko and fullback Gerard McCallum they slowly worked their way back into the game. Bass played better than Hills yesterday and were probably unlucky to lose.

But Hills have big game players who can turn a game in the blink of an eye. Well done to both teams for playing a great game of football in difficult conditions.

MATCH PREVIEW

The Hills Sports High School get it on today against Bass High in a second round clash of the ARL Schoolboy Cup. The game will be played at the home of the Wentworthville Magpies Ringrose Park at 12.30 pm.

Both teams go into the clash with good round one form. Bass defeated St Gregory's College Campbelltown 24-10 while The Hills smashed Westfields 50-16.

Bass will feature many players from the Canterbury Bulldogs SG Ball team such as Brendan Santi, Joshua Rainbow, Siua Lapauho and David Minute. The Eels Troy Errington will also feature.

The Hills are also chock-a-block with representative players. Eels halves Jason Wehbe and Jason Seage and Bulldogs Gerard McCallum will figure predominately. Watch out for Hills big prop Jason Havea. He has been in great form of late.

Monday 26 th July 2010

FARRER HAPPY TO WIN UGLY
Story By :

FARRER overcame the tyranny of distance and some possession adversity – some of its own making – to book a University Shield quarter-finals berth at Kingscliff yesterday.

The Steve Cavanagh-coached side produced a somewhat Jekyll-and-Hyde display, fumbling its way to an eight-point half-time lead before dominating the second half for a 30-16 triumph.

“We had to defend for most of the first half,” Cavanagh said.

“We coughed up a fair bit of ball – played pretty poorly.”

“The last 10 minutes we started to come good and we dominated from there.”

He put some of their first half down to rustiness, having not played for over a month.

“We tried to push passes that weren’t on,” he said.

“Our timing was out a little bit and we tried to do things a bit early.”

But they nutted those problems out in the second half to nab a 14-point win.

“It was a tough game. We always knew it would be,” Cavanagh said.

“They’re a big school and have a strong league tradition.”

He had carried some concerns over their match fitness into the clash but their second-half performance alleviated those. “It was good to get away with a scratchy win.”

The tone for the first half was set when Farrer spilt the ball on the first hit-up.

But with some unrelenting defence, they didn’t allow Kingscliff to capitalise on it.

“They had seven sets of six tackles, most on our line and didn’t breach us,” Cavanagh said.

They kept that defence up throughout the game and had to, enjoying little luck.

“We probably had to do three times the defending Kingscliff did,” Cavanagh said.

“We were savaged in the penalty count.”

Toby Key, Ryan Pooley, Joe Lockwood, Joe Mathers, Matt Allwood and Daniel Sykes all found the tryline.

Allwood in the centres was also one of their best. Cavanagh also mentioned Cameron Rodgers, Jack Broughton and Kyle Eather as having very strong games.

“But in this sort of circumstances they all played well. All played their part,” he said.

Their next opponent will come from the Hunter, Sydney North or Sydney East region.

in action last week for the AC

Jack Wighton in action for the ACT Schoolboys at the ASSRL U18 Championships from the Gold Coast (Photo : ourfootymedia)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ASSRL U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS

GREEN AND GOLD FEELS GOOD
Story By :

Photo By :

ORANGE’S Jack Wighton is surprisingly reserved when he talks about wearing the green and gold jersey of the Australian Secondary Schoolboys Rugby League team.

The 17-year-old, who attends Erindale College in Canberra, was selected in the ASSRL team last week to tour France, Wales and England.

It came after the ASSRL Under 18s Championship in Queensland where Wighton’s ACT team lost only one game but missed out on the final.

Wighton had to wait some time to find out if he was selected in the national team because it was announced in alphabetical order.

Once the team was named, they were all presented with Australian uniforms.

“It felt good,” Wighton said of pulling on the green and gold jersey.

The former Orange CYMS junior said he wasn’t sure if he’d be selected in the national team as he still has another year in the senior competition.

There was no way the five-eighth could be left out of the Australian side after a stellar championship.

He scored a try in ACT’s win over NSW Combined Independent Schools and was named ACT’s player of the match.

Wighton ran in another four-pointer against eventual champions NSW Combined High Schools in ACT’s semi-final loss.

On the final day Wighton produced another try in ACT’s win against NSW CIS.

These performances resulted in Wighton being named player of the championship.

The ASSRL team will complete their five-week tour later in the year where they are expected to play around seven games against a number of top level junior teams.

Thursday 22 nd July 2010

NATIONAL HONOUR: Bathurst Rugby League product Harry Siejka, in action for NSW CCC at the recent ASSRL U18 Championships (Photo : ourfootymedia)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ASSRL U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS on the Gold Coast

SIEJKA GRABS THE ATTENTION OF AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS SELECTORS
Story By : BRENDAN ARROW

Photo By :

RISING rugby league talent Harry Siejka is set to don the green and gold after he was selected in the Australian Schoolboys under 18s squad.The former Bathurst Panthers junior will tour Wales, England and France at the end of the year after impressing at the Australian Schoolboys Championships held in Burleigh Heads last week.

Siejka, now at Patrician Brothers College, took to the field for the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) and scored a try in his side’s 28-22 win over Queensland on July 11.

Unfortunately for Siejka, NSWCCC were beaten in their second game 28-6 by the eventual champions NSW Combined High School.

Despite his team being out of contention, Siejka knew he had plenty to play for and produced a stellar effort against the Combined Affiliated States racking up 20 individual points in NSWCCC’s 56-12 victory.

“I probably could have played a little better at the Schoolboys Championships, but I am delighted to have made the team,” he said.

“There are a few guys in the team that I have known for awhile, including Jack Wighton who is from Orange and is playing in the ACT.”

Siejka said he expected to have a few family members on the sideline for at least part of the tour to help cheer him on and make sure he was playing at his best.

“I’ve talked to one of the assistant coaches and he said when we get there that the Pommy players are really rough and dirty,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Since Siejka landed a rich three-year contract worth $225,000 at the age of 15 in 2008 he has experienced a whole new world filled with plenty of opportunities.

Now aged 17, Siejka has overcome a knee injury sustained in motorbike incident to become a regular starter again in Penrith’s under 20s team and has even had a taste of the top level.

“I had a trial in the top grade [NRL] at the start of the year and that was really good, I learnt so much and it improved me heaps,” he said.

“I’ll be looking to run the ball more as I had a knee injury last year and everything is starting to come right.”

Having played eight games in this year’s Toyota Cup competition, compared to a total of 17 last year, Siejka said he hoped his latest opportunity would help push his name higher up the list for selection in the NRL side either at the end of this season, or for the start of next year.

“Everything is just going well, I can’t really explain it, but it is just an awesome and unreal experience,” he said.

“I always wanted to go to France and it will be a great thrill to wear the green and gold jumper.”
Siejka, who is expecting to slot into halfback, five-eighth or fullback while on tour, will met the rest of the Australian team in Canberra on November 15 before flying out on November 19 for the three nations tour.

The Australian under 18s team is due back into the country on December 21.

HOT AND COLD COLLEGE SIDE FACES SHIELD TEST
Story By :

Dubbo College’s open rugby league team will take on Riverina B champions Yanco Agricultural High School at Apex Oval this morning at 11am in the University Shield competition. According to Dubbo College coach Craig May his side have some great potential but have unfortunately shown only glimmers of this in their games this year.

So far in the University Shield competition they’ve defeated West Wylong 84-14, Mudgee High 36-0 and Gilgandra High 64-20 to progress as Western Area B champions.

Dennison College Bathurst High will be the other Western Area representative after winning the Western Area A playoffs.

“Unfortunately the last two games for the Dubbo College have not been great,” May said.
“After entering the Peel Knockout in Tamworth the team had three strong wins over St Mary’s Gunnedah, Peel High and Tamworth High.

“Then in the final they were outplayed by schoolboy powerhouse Farrar Agricultural High School by 24-0, with ill discipline and costly mistakes proving critical.”

In their last match against Bathurst High in the Astley Cup they were defeated by 40-24.
May said poor preparation and a much more committed opposition highlighted Dubbo College’s first loss in an Astley Cup rugby league match since 1999.

The Dubbo College team contains some outstanding talent, with Jyie Chapman, EJ Fernando, Charly Runciman and Tom Alchin all having played first grade in the local Group 11 competition.
Add to that the talents of Group 11 under-18s representatives Corey Cox, Kieran Cubby and Matt Toole and the Dubbo side are a very promising unit.

The addition of NSW Country under-18s prop Jackson Merritt will be welcomed by the team to add both go forward and starch in defence.

Merritt missed the loss to Bathurst High due to his commitments with the NSW Country team.
Putting out the same team onto the paddock has also been a problem throughout the year for the Dubbo College side, with injuries and unavailability playing a big part in their mixed success.

The winner of the match will take on Sydney South West Champions Sarah Redfern in the next round.

DUBBO COLLEGE OPENS SIDE:
Charly Runciman, Nathan Ryan,EJ Fernando, Jyie Chapman, Luke Taylor, Kieran Cubby, Jordan Boney, Jackson Merritt, Matt Toole, Jarryn Powyer, David Hoyt, Tom Alchin, Hayden Chapman, Bill Barnes, Corey Cox, Leeroy Toomey, Tom Carey Edwards, Alex vandartell, Daniel Runciman, Chris Combridge.

PATIENCE PAYS DIVIDENDS AS KEEBRA UPSET COOMBABAH IN THE UNDER 15'S

Patience and composure saw Keebra Park defeat the much fancied Coombabah Under 15's at Runaway Bay this week after a slow start saw Keebra down by three tries in the opening ten minutes.

Slow line speed, and a lack of commitment in defence allowed Coombabah to race away to a 14-0 lead before a Guy Hamilton inspired rally lead to Keebra scoring the next 22-points and run out winners, 22-20.

It was a typical start by Keebra who seem to play their best football when behind.
Coombabah will be looking for answers after an opening stanza blitz turned into a second half of pain for the team that many saw as competition favourites.

Michael Vella, Cameron Marshall and flying winger Kye were standouts for Keebra and Guy Hamilton was inspirational in the halves.

Keebra now move onto the last 8 while Coombabah will be pinning their hopes on the under 13's and 14's as those competitions move into the knockout phases.

Well done all and heres looking to the next round.

CRUSADERS UNDER 16
‘The Crusaders under 16s Scholarship team are also hosting a touring Australian Schools team from Brisbane in Cavendish Road High School on Friday evening at Ponyclun RFC at 7.15pm.

The best of our under 16s will be pitted up against the Cav Road 15s team which includes three Queensland under 15s representatives and a host of players of the future who attend the Rugby League school of Excellence based in Brisbane.

We welcome Ben Ward and his students.

They defeated our Crusaders under 15s on Monday evening by 30-20 in a very good game of Rugby League, they take on the Panthers from Pontyclun tonight, then we look forward to this final fixture on Friday evening’.

Monday 19 th July 2010

TIGERS TOO GOOD FOR GIANTS
Balmain Harold Matthews Cup Side played the visiting Huddersfield Giants Under 16s Development Squad on Saturday 17th July 2010 at Leichhardt Oval.

Balmain proved too strong and won easily in the end, 40-12


2010 Australian Secondary Schoolboys Team Photo (Photo : ourfootymedia)
NSW CHS	29 - 12	QSS

AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS TEAM ANNOUNCED
Story & Photo's By :

After a fantastic week of schoolboys rugby league at the Australian Secondary Schoolboys Under 18 Championships, the ASSRL Executive have announced the 2010 team to tour France, Wales and England.

The likely line up for this 5 week tour is 2 games against the French Juniors, 1 game against the Welsh National team, the Community Lions, BARLA and a couple against the highly fancied England Academy side of professional juniors.

NSW Combined High Schools celebrate winning the Australian Schoolboys Championships (Photo : ourfootymedia)

NSWCHS WIN 2010 SCHOOLBOY IMMORTALITY
Story & Photo's By :

NSWCHS have played the game of their lives to defeat the Queensland U18 schoolboys in the championship Final of the ASSRL 2010 Championships.

The NSWCHS boyz sealed the game late in the 2 nd halve with a Jason Wehbe field goal to make the Championship score 29 - 12.

Victorian U 18 Schoolboys win a 3rd Sam DAVEY Plate (Photo : ourfootmedia)

Victorian U 18 Schoolboys celebrate winning a 3rd Sam DAVEY Plate (Photo : ourfootmedia)

VICTORIA WIN HATRICK IN SAM DAVEY PLATE
Story & Photo's By :

The Victorian Schoolboys Rugby League team have defended their Sam Davey Plate with a good team win over the Northern Territory yesterday on the sunny Gold Coast

The White V's were far too good for the NT on the day smashing them 46 - 8 in a good Sam Davey Plate Final.

Thursday 8 th July 2010


NEW SOUTH WALES U 16's	24 - 14	QUEENSLAND U 16's
TRIES : (Tyrone Phillips, Joshua Walker, Kelepi Tanginoa, Robbie Kamoto GOALS : Clinton Gutherson 4		TRIES : Anthony Milford 2, Jordan Dulay GOALS : Scott Doyle

YOUNG BLUES STRIKE EARLY
Story & Photo By QRL.com.au
QUEENSLAND fullback Anthony Milford scored two brilliant tries in today’s representative clash at ANZ Stadium but it wasn’t enough to prevent his team from falling to a 24-14 loss to New South Wales.

Milford scored a brilliant touch down in the opening minutes when he beat two NSW defenders and sprinted 50m.

But Queensland’s 4-0 advantage didn’t last long, with the home team responding in the 13th minute through Penrith centre Joshua Walker.

Maroons interchange forward Sam Harrold then did his best to inspire the Queenslanders, rattling the NSW side with a number of big hits and strong charges.

However, NSW came up with a decisive play on the stroke of half-time when Kelepi Tanginoa crossed near the posts.

The conversion put NSW 10-4 in front at half-time.

After a tight struggle early in the second half, Queensland coach Brendan Lam and his charges got a sniff of victory when Gold Coast youngster Jordan Dulay showed a blistering turn of foot on the right flank to score.

NSW responded with two quick fire tries to take the game away from Queensland.

Milford capped an outstanding match by scoring his second in the final minute.

NSW 24 (Tyrone Phillips, Joshua Walker, Kelepi Tanginoa, Robbie Kamoto tries; Clinton Gutherson 4 goals) def QUEENSLAND 14 (Anthony Milford 2, Jordan Dulay tries; Scott Doyle goal) at ANZ Stadium

Wednesday 7 th July 2010

COWBOYS & YWAM PARTNERING FOR PNG HEALTH SERVICES
Story & Photo By : North QLD COWBOYS media release
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have joined forces with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) to promote the important work of the YWAM Medical Ship in improving vital health care services in PNG.

In late 2010, the Townsville-based YWAM Medical Ship – with the support of the Cowboys – will deliver primary health care, dentistry services and ophthalmology surgeries, plus distribute spectacles in the Gulf Province in PNG.

The venture aims to work alongside existing health clinics to help PNG achieve the Millennium Development Goals of combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other curable diseases, and addressing infant and maternal health.

Cowboys Steve ‘Bluey’ Southern and Ray Thompson recently toured YWAM’s Medical Ship docked in Townsville with students from Rasmussen State School to learn about the mission and launch the Cowboys-YWAM partnership.

“North Queensland and Papua New Guinea both share a real passion for the game of rugby league,” said Cowboys Executive Director Peter Parr.

“As a club, we want to do what we can to make a tangible difference in the lives of our near neighbours.

"We see this partnership as an ideal way for us to achieve that.”

Ken Mulligan, Managing Director of the YWAM Medical Ship said, “This is a significant time in PNG’s history and we are enthusiastic about working with the Cowboys to help enhance health care service delivery in PNG.”

Cowboys Community Relations Manager Fiona Pelling is looking forward to the opportunity to extend the 'Cowboys in the Community' program into PNG.

"There are many Cowboys supporters in PNG who follow the NRL competition as avidly as North Queenslanders," Ms Pelling said.

"We know from our previous visits and from our existing PNG membership base that our players have a huge following over there.

"Players like Matthew Bowen and Johnathan Thurston will be excellent mentors in raising awareness of issues such as good nutrition and preventable health care."

Through the strategic partnership, the Cowboys will assist YWAM in achieving its goals of helping young people gain a sense of purpose through helping others, offering medical and humanitarian aid to people in PNG, providing training for youth and professional development to increase capacity of Australians, and improving the linkages between PNG and Australia.

For more information on the YWAM Australia & PNG Ship Tour, visit www.ywamships.org

Preston Campbell plays footy with the kids

TITANS ‘INTRODUCE THEMSELVES’ TO EAGER YOUNGSTERS
Story & Photo By : Gold Coast TITANS media release
He’s won a Dally M medal, a premiership and is verging on his 250th NRL match.

But today Jetstar Gold Coast Titans dynamo Preston Campbell was still ‘introducing himself’ as he and the entire Titans’ NRL squad joined more than 300 eager young rugby league players for a Kids to Kangaroos (K2K) Coaching Clinic at Pizzey Park, Burleigh.

“We’re introducing ourselves to the kids,’’ beamed Campbell, after helping run coaching drills and participating in games of touch football with the kids.

“They know who we are but they don’t know who we really are, so this is a time to have fun with the kids and let them get to know us.

“They get a kick out of playing footy with us or getting a pass from us.

“This clinic, it’s all about getting them involved.’’

Jestar Titans squad members kick started the day with an open training session before joining in on the K2K Coaching Clinic, which was run in conjunction with Australian Rugby League Development (ARLD).

The K2K boasted over 300 participants from ages of 5-12, as players took the opportunity to give a helping hand back to the Gold Coast community.

Players taught school holiday children a variety of skills, before signing posters and holding meet and greets.

Face painting, a jumping castle, sausage sizzles, merchandise stall and a Tug-o-War with ABC Bricks mascot also took place.

The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans regularly hold coaching clinics across south east Queensland and northern NSW in an aim to educate and promote the celebration of a great Australian sport that has so much to offer.

The Jetstar Titans will hold their next special coaching clinic at Oakes Oval, Lismore on Thursday (July 8) from 10am – 2pm. Cost is $20 per child. To register or for more information, please phone 1300 780 447 or email getbusy@busybodiesaustralia.com.au

The Titans will also hold clinics next week at Cabarita (Tuesday, July 13) and Lennox Head (Thursday, July 15).

“I think it’s a great day”, said Campbell.

“Personally for myself, when I was younger I know how great it was to play with your heroes. It’s great for the kids to interact with us and get involved.’’

The Titans clash with the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night.

Monday 5 th July 2010

FINAL DAY STATE TITLE RESULTS
Story By : QRL.com.au
THE Capras wrapped up the Under 14 title today with a big 44-6 win over the Poinsettias.

In the Under 13s, the Kookaburras finished well clear of the Marlins after recording another impressive win.

The Marlins were the most dominant team in the Under 16s, finishing six points in front of the Poinsettias.

Selectors today announced the Queensland Maroons Under 16 team to play NSW Country in Bundaberg. - see below

UNDER 13

NORTHERN MARLINS 24 (Alex Walker 2, Peter Ahmat, Agassi Stowers, Myles Romanello tries; Bren Foster 2 goals) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 4 (Hayden Hartwig try)

KOOKABURRAS 22 (Liam Bain, Luliano Muaula, Nathan Prostamo, Jesse Savage, Keanu Dawson tries; Nathan Prostamo goal) def WIDE BAY 12 (Luke Fleming, Lachlan Lanskey tries; Tom Rafter, Tim Venning goals)

SOUTH EAST QLD POINSETTIAS 18 (Calvin Pritchard, Enoka Kalapu, Albert Tanoi tries; Joshua Fauid 3 goals) def CAPRICORN CAPRAS 10 (Jake Ainsworth, Elijah Edwards tries; Jay Russell goal)

UNDER 13 PLAYER OF CARNIVAL: Jake Ainsworth – Capricorn Capras

FINAL POINTS: Kookaburras 23, Marlins 16, Wide Bay Bulls 14, Poinsettias 13, Mustangs 4.5, Capras 4.5

UNDER 14

NORTHERN MARLINS 42 (scorers unavailable) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 8 (Brodie Sharman, Wade Clewley tries)

SOUTH EAST QLD KOOKABURRAS 52 (Jayden Heu 3, Isaac Nathan, Sam Swift, Dylan Scrocca, Daymeric Pelo, Shem Vaoa, Jackson Jennings tries; Joshua Willetts 8 goals) def WIDE BAY BULLS 0

CAPRICORN CAPRAS 44 (Brendan Dow 2, Brendan O’Neill, Mathew Milner, Julyess Jarvis, Cooper Bambling, Sheldon Bobbert, Josh Moloney,tries; Sheldon Bobbert 6 goals) def SOUTH EAST QLD POINSETTIAS 6 (Thomas Sili try; Max Taamaletoa goal)

UNDER 14 PLAYER OF CARNIVAL: Sheldon Bobbert- Capricorn Capras

FINAL POINTS: Capras 20, Kookaburras 18, Marlins 14.5, Poinsettias 14, Wide Bay 7.5, Mustangs 1.

Under 16

UNDER 16 PLAYER OF CARNIVAL: Dwayne Duncan – South West Mustangs

FINAL POINTS: Marlins 14, Poinsettias 9,SEQ Kookaburras 9, Capras 5.5, Wide Bay Bulls 5.5, Mustangs 2

QUEENSLAND MAROONS UNDER 16

1. Dwayne DUNCAN - South West Mustangs
2. Charles TAGO - SEQ Poinsettias
3. Patrick CURRY - SEQ Poinsettias
4. Jake BERKERS - SEQ Kookaburras
5. Cameron HOOKER - Northern Marlins
6. David CUTLER - Wide Bay Bulls
7. Aquila GELA - Northern Marlins
8. Jahley PAKAU - SEQ Poinsettias
9. Hayden HANSON - SEQ Poinsettias
10. Sheldon KYLE - Northern Marlins
11. Shalom MEO - SEQ Poinsettias
12. Teofilo LAULU - SEQ Kookaburras
13. Blaise HARTLEY - Capricorn Capras
14. Samsen O’NEILL - Northern Marlins
15. Adam ROBERTS - Northern Marlins
16. Daniel AUGUSTINE - Wide Bay Bulls
17. Daniel NOTHDURFT - South West Mustangs

Sunday 4 th July 2010

DAY 3 JUNIOR CARNIVAL RESULTS
Story By : QRL.com.au/
THE Under 13 Kookaburras continue to set the pace at the QRL Junior Championships.

Jesse Savage scored two tries in the Kookaburras' 38-6 win over the Capras in Rockhampton.

Under 13

SOUTH EAST QLD KOOKABURRAS 38 (Jesse Savage 2, Luliano Muaula, Gavin Luka, Keegan Hipgrave, Nathan Prostamo, Keanu Dawson try; Nathan Prostamo 5 goals) def CAPRICORN CAPRAS 6 (Rhys Martin try; Dan McKellar goal)

SOUTH EAST QLD POINSETTIAS 36 (Arrion Ngatuere-Wroe 2, Johua Fauid 2, Calvin Pritchard, Edward Hill, Cameron Jones try; Joshua Fauid 3, Puke Tawa Garland goals) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 6 (Brodie Croft try; Brodie Croft goal)

NORTHERN MARLINS 18 (Kyle Seckington, Jye Del-Simone, Myles Romanello tries; Aaron Bertuola 3 goals) def WIDE BAY BULLS 8 (James Moorehead, Kelvin Bambling tries)

Points after Day 3: Kookaburras 15, Poinsettias 8, Wide Bay Bulls 8, Marlins 6.5, Mustangs 4.5, Capras 3,

Under 14

SOUTH EAST QLD KOOKABURRAS 18 ( Sani Tasi, Jenan Wenan-Parish, Jackson Jennings tries; Joshua Willets 3 goals) def CAPRICORN CAPRAS 12 (Sheldon Bobbert, Josh Moloney tries; Cooper Bambling 2 goals)

SOUTH EAST QLD POINSETTIAS 38 (Jacob Karene 2, Joel Hagan, Max Taamaletoa, Jayden Nikorima, George Fai, Kessin Guilfoyle tries; Max Taamaletoa 5 goals) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 0

WIDE BAY BULLS 22 (Reece Carroll 2, Sam Burns, Harrison Elliott-Howell, Jesse Domic tries; Andrew Thomas goal) drew NORTHERN MARLINS 22 (Linton Enoch, Tristain Nelliman Liam Blyth, Tyrone Hussey tries; David Nogar 3 goals)

Points after Day 3: Poinsettias 14, Capras 11, Marlins 8.5, Kookaburras 8, Wide Bay 2.5, Mustangs 1.

Under 16

NORTHERN MARLINS 24 (Wilhelm Launstein, Cameron Hooker, Sampson O’Neill, Jordan Piggott tries; Peter Boniface 4 goals) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 22 (Brandon Cubby, Jarmarl Hazard, Michael Fletcher, Liam O’Dempsey tries; Dwayne Duncan 3 goals)

SOUTH EAST POINSETTIAS 22 (Lachlan Jowitt, Hayden Hanson, John Tasi, Shalom Meo tries; Charles Tago 3 goals) def CAPRICORN CAPRAS 20 (Tyren Nicholls 2, Darcey Davey, Blaise Hartley tries; Will Badyk 2 goals)

Points after Day 3: Marlins 9, Poinsettias 9, Capras 5.5, Kookaburras 4, Mustangs 2, Wide Bay Bulls 0.5

Popular Kids to Kangaroos clinics at two venues will be packed in the school holidays.
TIME is running out to book in for the Kids to Kangaroos school holiday footy clinics.

HOLIDAY FUN CLINIC FILLS FAST
Story & Photo By :

ARL development officer Mike Castle said two venues would host activities, with bookings closing tomorrow.

“The first clinic is at Advocate Park on Tuesday, July 13, with another camp at Coramba Sports Ground the following Thursday,” he said.

“Activities begin at 10am and the event is suitable for children between 5 and 12 years of age as these are non-contact, games-based days.”

Orara Valley Axemen and Coffs Harbour Comets players will assist at both venues.

For a $30 fee, each child receives a boot bag, kicking tee, game-size football and morning tea.

Bookings may be made on www.arldevelopment.com.au/coffs harbour or phone Mike on 0402 892 474.

Meanwhile, the Group 2 junior league premiership season is in recess until July 17 to allow for age representative commitments.

A huge program is scheduled this Saturday at BCU International Stadium at Coffs Harbour when the under-13 and 14-year sides contest the CRL Northern Cluster titles.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOLIDAY CLINICS WITH THE ARL D

Saturday 3 rd July 2010

DAY 2 JUNIOR CARNIVAL RESULTS
Story By : QRL.com.au &
In day 2's action of the QRL Junior Championships in Rockhampton has seen some good football and some close games including an amazing 2 draws.

The Under 13's opened with a 4-4 draw between the Capras and Bulls Poinsettias drew 6-6 with the Marlins

In the other Under 13 games completed today we saw a result with the Kookaburras defeating the Mustangs 28-6 and the .

DAY 2 RESULTS

Under 13

WIDE BAY BULLS 4 (Angus Fitzgerald try) drew CAPRICORN CAPRAS 4 (Elijah Edwards try)

NORTHERN MARLINS 6 (Peter Ahmat try; Aaron Bertuola goal) drew SOUTH EAST POINSETTIAS 6 (Aaron Ulai try; Moses Kele goal)

SOUTH EAST KOOKABURRAS 28 (Kaleo Tupai, Lewis Huckstep, Sheaziah Compain, Keegan Hipgrave, Jerome Veve tries; Nathan Prostamo 3, Maranatha AJ Raeli goal) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 6 ( Brayden Josephs try; Brayden Josephs goal)

Points after Day 2: Kookaburras 10, Wide Bay Bulls 7, Mustangs 4.5, Capras 3, Poinsettias 3, Marlins 2.5

Under 14

SOUTH EAST KOOKABURRAS 26 (Andrew Peti, Sam Swift, Braydon McMahon, Daymeric Pelo, Dylan Pelo tries; Joshua Willets 3 goals) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 10 (Ben McGrath, Travis Skinner tries; Ben George goal)

CAPRICORN CAPRAS 36 (Cooper Bambling 3, Brendan O’Neill , Julyess Jarvis Brendan Dow, Josh Moloney tries; Cooper Bambling 2, Sheldon Bobbert 2 goals) def WIDE BAY BULLS 6 (Vincent Law try; Lachlan Price goal)

SOUTH EAST POINSETTIAS 16 (Joel Hagan, Geogre Fai, Kessin Guilfoyle tries; Max Taamanletoa 2 goals def NORTHERN MARLINS 10 ( Adrian Aiden, Reece Coutts tries; Adrian Aiden goal )

Points after Day 2: Capras 10, Poinsettias 9, Marlins 6, Kookaburras 4, Mustangs 1, Wide Bay 0.

Under 16

SOUTH EAST KOOKABURRAS 28 (Justin Proud, Alex Profke, Jack Hoath, Jai Sheridan, Marino Allen tries; Adrian Mehew 4 goals) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 22 (Dwayne Duncan, Neil Hooper, Marley Tane, Daniel Nothdurft, Lincoln Cutmore tries; Dwayne Duncan goal)

SOUTH EAST POINSETTIAS 28 (Sinbad Malaitai, Rhys Benney, Michael Van Wyk, Tommy Sparks, Harlen Theodore-Wanoa tries; Dwayne Malone 4 goals) def WIDE BAY BULLS 6 (Brodie Ashby try; David Cutler goal)

Points after Day 2: Marlins 5, Poinsettias 5, Capras 4.5, Kookaburras 4, Mustangs 1, Wide Bay Bulls .5,

Friday 2 nd July 2010

Red Bend Catholic College opens player Cameron Clarke in action.

RED BEND QUALIFY FOR FINALS
Story & Photo By :

Red Bend Catholic College has had two sides qualify for the Southern Rugby League Finals to be played at Cootamundra on July 29.

Red Bend coaches Todd Healey and Steven Hooper were both delighted with their sides' two wins.

“We’ve already got our Opens team into the Southern Final so it’s good for the school to have two sides in there.

“We were overall winners of the Opens last year so things are on track for a good end to the series,” Hooper said.

In their two games on Tuesday Red Bend defeated Dubbo South Campus 20-16 and then James Sheahan Orange 16-10 after Forbes led 16-0 midway through the second-half.

Country Cup results:

Previously, Red Bend claimed two out of three divisions of the Forbes round of the Country Cup contested in Forbes yesterday week.

Games were held at Red Bend and the local Catholic school claimed honours in both the under 13s and opens divisions.

The under 15s went to Condobolin High School.

The day saw sides from Red Bend, Condobolin High School, Cowra High School, Miller Technology High in Sydney, St Johns in Dubbo, James Sheahan, Kelso High School and West Wyalong High School gather to pit their skills against each other.

Games were shortened to two 15 minute halves and some top junior rugby league talent was on display.

Steve Hooper, rugby league convenor at Red Bend said he was “very happy, particularly with the 13s, they showed they’ve got a great little side.”

The under 13s travelled to Dubbo this week for the next round of the competition.

“The opens, we were very happy with how they went,” Hooper added.

Hooper said this was particularly the case with the side missing talented young Red Bend and Forbes Magpies under 18s half Blake Baxter.

The opens have 10 representatives in the Southern Country Catholic Schools side.

“They’re a very good side again this year,” Hooper said.

Red Bend under 15s also took to the field and acquitted themselves well despite the absence of multiple key players.

The Country Cup is a state-wide competition and rounds for our region have previously been held in both Dubbo and Blayney

QSSRL 15's 2009 Champions - Adeliade '09

QUEENSLAND u 15's AUSTRALIAN
2009 SCHOOLBOYS RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

OLD FOES DO BATTLE AGAIN
Story By :

THe Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championship Final is on today at 1:30 PM in Canberra

Long time enemies, New South Wales and their North of the boarder foe's Queensland, both teams get it on in this years National Schoolboys Under 15 Championship after a weeks fantastic junior rugby league

Queensland White have been the outstanding team in the comp, can they remain undefeated and over come a fastly improving NSW Combined High School side bursting with young talent?

Queensland White are the defending 2009 Australian ASSRL Under 15 Champions as are the Queensland SSRL U18 team defending Champions.

The other big game is once again the John Allen Trophey which this year will be played between emerging Rugby League States Victoria and Western Australia who are starting to show promise with good schoolboys comp's in the States with help from the ARLD.

We will have to wait and see | CHECK OUT THE U15's SCOREBOARD |

The NSW v QLD Under 16 State of Origin is scheduled to be on again at the 3 State of Origin, this game will also have the furiousness of the main game

Queensland Junior Rugby League Carnival

DAY 1 JUNIOR CARNIVAL RESULTS
Story By : QRL.com.au
Photo: Fiona Harding - Photos courtesy of ImageTec
THE South West Mustangs kicked off their Under 13 campaign with a strong 22-16 win over the Capricorn Capras in Rockhampton today.

Under 13

SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 22 (Tristian Hope 2, Kurtis Shayler, Thomas Packer tries; Brodie Croft 2, Brayden Josephs goals) def CAPRICORN CAPRAS 16 (Elijah Edwards, Mace Hartley, Jace O’Neil tries; Jay Russell 2 goals)

WIDE BAY BULLS 14 (Tom Rafter, Liam Ireland, Joe Curran tries; Tom Rafter goal) def SOUTH EAST POINSETTIAS 0

SOUTH EAST KOOKABURRAS 14 (Jerome Veve 2, Sheaziah Compain tries; Joshua Ralph goal) def NORTHERN MARLINS 4 (Peter Ahmat try)

Points after Day 1: Kookaburras 5, Mustangs 4.5, Wide Bay Bulls 4.5, Capras .5, Poinsettias .5, Marlins 0

Under 14

CAPRICORN CAPRAS 28 (Julyess Jarvis 2, Sebastian Stegler, Wade Fickling, Brendan Dow, Sheldon Bobbert tries; Sheldon Bobbert 2 goals) def SOUTH WEST MUSTANGS 0

SOUTH EAST POINSETTIAS 28 (Joel Hagan 2, Riva Pati, Max Taamaletoa, George Fai tries; Max Taamaletoa 4 goals) def WIDE BAY BULLS 14 (Lachlan Price, Sam Burns, Vincent Law tries; Andrew Thomas goal)

NORTHERN MARLINS 24 (Recce Coutts 2, Ralph Daniels, Linton Enoch tries; David Nogar 4 goals) def SOUTH EAST KOOKABURRAS 4 (Benjamin Hoskin try)

Points after Day 1: Poinsettias 5, Marlins 5, Capras 5, Kookaburras 0, Mustangs 0, Wide Bay 0.

Under 16

NORTHERN MARLINS 28 (Aquilia Gela, Cameron Hooker, Windsor Bowie, Samson O’Neil, Kale Hogan tries; Peter Boniface 3, Windsor Bowie goals) def SOUTH EAST KOOKABURRAS 12 (Adrian Mehew, Matthew Brown tries; Adrian Mehew, Jarrod Ross goals)

CAPRICORN CAPRAS 20 (Tyren Nicholls, Matt King, Will Badyk, Blaise Hartley tries; Dean Allen 2 goals) def WIDE BAY BULLS 6 (David Cutler try; David Cutler goal)

Points after Day 1: Marlins 5, Capras 4.5, Wide Bulls .5, Kookaburras 0

UNDER 18 MAROONS TEAM
Story By : QRL.com.au/
THE QRL has today announced the Tyres & More Queensland Under 18 Maroons team to play NSW Country at Bundaberg on July 10.

Mark Tookey will coach the Queensland team, which enters camp in Brisbane on Tuesday, July 6.

TYRES & MORE QUEENSLAND UNDER 18 MAROONS

1. Isaiah MARSH - Gold Coast Blue
2. Michael LUCAS - Norths Devils
3. Gary FUIMAONO - Townsville Stingers
4. Tim CASSIDY - Gold Coast Green
5. Daniel GILLEN - Wide Bay
6. Kurt FRENCH - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
7. Sam FOSTER - Townsville Stingers
8. Edward MURPHY - Gold Coast Blue
9. Henry AH SAM - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
10. Daniel ALVARO - Easts Tigers
11. Elijah UMU - Ipswich
12. Dylan NAPA - Norths Devils
13. Ben BUCHHOLZ - Mackay Cutters
14. Ben REUTER - Toowoomba Clydesdales
15. Simon GREGORY - Central Comets
16. Tom HANCOCK - Northern Pride
17. Ryley JACKS - Easts Tigers

18-year-old Ben Picker goes into camp tomorrow for the Under 18s State of Origin Blues side. This is the second time he has pulled on the NSW jersey.

YOUNGEST PICKER IN A BLUE'S STATE OF MIND
Story & Photo By : KRISTEN FROST

The 18-year-old Crookwell High student, chosen in the hooker position, will go into camp tomorrow to prepare for the big game on Wednesday.

This is the second time Ben has worn the Blue's jersey after playing for the side in the Under 16s in 2008.

"I'm pretty stoked about it all," said Ben.

"And I'm looking forward to going into camp with the other boys to get some comradely between us going before we take on Queensland."

Ben was named in the 17-man starting side early last week

"Selectors have been watching them all year to chose the team," said Ben's father, Grant Picker.

"After captaining the Canberra Raiders SG Ball side, Ben has started training with the Toyota Cup team just three weeks ago.

"So hopefully they will float him into the side a couple of times this year," Grant said.

"Ben has coped the rough end of the stick in some ways though.

"We drove the other two boys (Joe and Mick) to Canberra for training most of the time, but poor Ben has had to drive himself!"

"But really I think he is about ready to move to Canberra in the near future," said Grant.

But Ben said he doesn't mind the traveling for training to and from Canberra, he can stay the night with his brothers if need be.

"I'll finish Year 12 off and complete my HSC, then I will look at making the move to Canberra," said Ben.

Both of Ben's parents, Grant and Jenna, and brother Dennis will be flying up to Queensland to see the young star in action on the 16th.

Ben Buchholz will play for the Queensland under-18s against NSW.

BUCHHOLZ EARNS A MAROONS SPOT
Story & Photo By : Charlie Payne

SARINA'S Ben Buchholz will line up for the Queensland under-18 Maroons against NSW Country at Bundaberg next Saturday.

Buchholz, who also played for the under-18 Mackay Cutters this season, has been playing for the Sarina Crocodiles in the Skills Training Cup since last year.

He and twin brother Chris, who also plays in the back row, have been key players for the Crocs who are currently third on the Skills Training Cup ladder.

Chris also played for Queensland last year, while it is Ben’s first state representation.

“He shows all the skills and a lot of aggression,” Crocs assistant coach Brian Doyle said of Buchholz.

“He’s been excellent for us in a hard competition.”

Mark Tookey will coach the Queensland team, which enters camp in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the QRL junior championships in under-13, under-14 and under-16 age groups kick off in Rockhampton today.

Mackay has 11 players selected in the various age groups following the NQ championships in Cairns last month.

Under-13s selected included Brothers players Daniel Boyd, Mitchell Dunn, Kellen Jenner, Jacob Anderson, Alec Walker and captain Jye Del Simone, and Wests player Kye Gosper.

Under-14s representing NQ are Shane Wright (Proserpine), Liam Blyth (Sarina) and Regan Grieve (Magpies).

Souths forward Kelton Dorante will play for NQ under-16s in the state championships.

St Patrick’s College’s Brenton Benson in action against Mackay SHS

ST PATS KEEN TO WIN BACK SUCCESS
Story & Photo By : Charlie Payne

ST PATRICK'S College is looking to win back its title as a successful rugby league school in Queensland at the Confraternity Shield in Brisbane next week.

St Patrick’s College’s Brenton Benson in action.

ST PATRICK'S College is looking to win back its mantle as one of the most successful rugby league schools in Queensland at the annual Confraternity Shield in Brisbane next week.

St Patrick’s hasn’t won a Confraternity Shield since 2003, but has taken a total of eight including two golden eras under coach Mick Aprille, 1988-1992, and Troy Rovelli, 1999, 2001 and 2003.

“The team has been competitive in the 2010 Super 8s and if they play with the same level of passion that many St Pat’s teams have before them, they can definitely defeat any opposition at the Confraternity Shield,” St Patrick’s manager Kevin Blakey said.

“After finishing 14th from 40 teams in 2009, the team will be hoping to improve on this result.

“This will be no easy task for the boys who will need to play exceptional football in the first two days of competition if they are to progress through to the division one quarter finals.”

Blakey said ‘Confro’ is the largest rugby league carnival in Australia and is unique in that it is a college carnival. It is being hosted by Clairvaux McKillop College in Brisbane from next Monday to Friday.

The team was put through its paces at an opposed training session with the Mackay Cutters at the Mackay Junior Rugby League grounds yesterday, where STM Cutters coach Paul Bramley presented them with their kits.

The team will be coached by Mick Baker and includes Matthew Surha, Brendan Mansfield, Lachlan Hull, Brandon Vella, Adam Davidson, Ryan Jones, Sean Hanly, Brett Simpson, Matthew Collins, Patrick Gregor, Malachai Harrison, Brenton Benson, Jackson Hong, Aiden Daniel, Jake Fortescue, Steven Jones, Andrew Herbert, Brett Cuddihy, Eamon Kelly and Alex Hay.

Obe Geia has been included in the Queensland Country line-up.

CUTTERS FLYER GETS COUNTRY CALL-UP
Story & Photo By : Steele Taylor

MACKAY Cutters flyer Obe Geia has received a late call-up to the Queensland Country team.

The 21-year-old, who is an ex-Australian Schoolboys representative, replaces Steve Michaels in the squad.

Rated one of the fastest men in the game, Geia has been hindered by apparent hamstring problems during the season and was again forced from the field with what was believed to be a hip-flexor problem during Mackay's victory over Redcliffe at the Junior Rugby League grounds on Saturday.

But the dual-registered North Queensland Cowboy, who played two NRL games for the club in 2008, is expected to be fit for Saturday's representative clash against City in Gympie.

He joins fellow STM Cutters Tyson Martin, Justin Hunt, Liam McDonald and Donald Malone in the Country side and will vie for selection in the Queensland Residents team.

Malone will shift from the wing to centre to accommodate Geia's inclusion.

Thursday 1 st July 2010

“Team St Laurence’s” after their historic win in the Russell Richardson Cup: (back) Russell Richardson, Reece Williams (Cronulla Sharks), coaches Ron Gibbs and Martin Nelson and manager Monique Donougue. Team members were Matt Burton, Sam Fraser, Seamus Gibbs, Callum Hosking, Jordi Madden, Kai Maslen, Jed McIntosh, Thomas Nelson, Will Parnaby, Tom Quinn, Will Stellmarcher and Josh Wilesmith.

FIRST TIME’S A CHARM FOR ST LAURENCE’S SIDE
Story & Photo By : BARRY HILDEBRANDT
Captain Matt Burton was man of the match when St Laurence’s Dubbo scored an exciting 16-8 win over St Mary’s Orange in the final of the Russell Richardson Cup yesterday at the riverbank ovals.

Sixteen teams qualified for the Year 3-4 final series of matches with Dubbo’s St Laurence’s involved for the first time.

They dominated their pool matches, winning all three games then eliminated Orange’s Bletchington Public in a semi-final while St Mary’s came through in the top half of the draw with three pool wins and then a semi-final success over St Michael’s Dunedoo.

School principal Pauline Walkom was on hand to see the win by St Laurence’s, a side coached by Martin Nelson.

“This was our first year in this competition and the boys have done very well. We had a couple of footy kids among the 12 boys and everyone had blended together nicely,” Nelson said.

“It’s been a very exciting day for the kids and for them to win first time is a credit to them all.”

Both teams in the final were presented with their trophies by former NRL and Australian Super League back Russell Richardson, a former Dubbo junior who now lives in Newcastle.

In the David Peachey Shield final yesterday for Year 5-6 players, Cowra’s St Raphael’s, coached by Scott Hudson, was the winner by 12-4 over Lithgow’s Cooerwull Public.

Both teams were standouts with three wins in pool games.

St Raphael’s Nick Wilkinson was man of the match and like Matt Burton in the Richardson Cup won an X-Box.

All the kids in the finals were presented with goodies provided by the sponsors.

Dubbo South went down to Cooerwull in one semi-final while Warren was the beaten side to St Raphael’s.

“This has been our 10th year in these competitions and it’s great to know that this year we had 250 teams involved,” Richardson said.

“The success of it all shows on the faces of the kids here today and they’ve had a lot of support from their parents and teachers.”

Peachey reminded the kids that one of the competition’s first players was Daniel Mortimer, who played in the NRL grand final with Parramatta last year and is now one of the marquee players in the league.

“Daniel is a graduate from our carnival and it just goes to show what you can achieve,” Peachey said.

“If you do well in the game that’s good, but if down the track you decide not to play, then that is your decision. We hope you’ve enjoyed the experience here today.

“We have a carnival that is good for the sport and good for the kids.”

Peachey and Richardson also praised the efforts of Country Rugby League and Austral Rugby League development officers who run the carnival, sponsors Toyota and Kombat guernsey's and the referees and teachers who helped make it the success that it has been.

Special guests with Peachey and Richardson were David Williams from the Manly Sea Eagles and injured Cronulla Sharks player Reece Williams.

Another feature of the day was naming of a merit team in both divisions.

Peel Schools Carnival-winning trio (from left) Daniel, Thomas and James Sharman. Photo: Barry Smith

BROTHERS PULL OFF RARE TREBLE AT CARNIVAL
Story & Photo By :

TAMWORTH’S Sharman brothers completed a rare family feat during the Peel Schools Carnival last week.

The three boys played for three different schools but all won their respective age

divisions.

18-year-old Daniel helped the Farrer High First XIII win the open secondary title on Wednesday, McCarthy Catholic College 14-year-old James won the under 15B title with his side and little Thomas scored a win with the St Edward’s Primary under 9s on the Saturday.

It was far from the first time Year 12 student Daniel has won a Peel Schools title, having been at the carnival every year since under 7s, but it will be his last.

“We won at St Ed’s when dad (Greg) was coaching,” Daniel said.

“We won the 10s, 11s and 12s.”

This year the Farrer opens dominated.

“In the final we beat Dubbo,” Daniel said.

“They were a pretty good side but we played really well.”

The 30-nil win helped make the school one of the most successful of the day.

The McCarthy 15s beat St Catherine’s Singleton 24-8 in the final to give James his first Peel Schools success.

Eight-year-old Thomas also tasted his first success when St Ed’s won the 9A final 24-22 against Gunnedah South.

And it was extra special for the youngest member of the trio when he was named player of the final.

The three boys also play in the Tamworth Minor League on Saturdays with Collegians and Farrer.

Wednesday 30 th June 2010

The St John’s College’s Ty Huggins appears to have the better of Blayney High’s Alex Turner in yesterday’s thrilling 8-6 win in the Country Cup under-15s played at Apex Oval. Photo: BELINDA SOOLE

LONDON ANSWERS CALL IN ST JOHN’S’ THRILLING VICTORY
Story & Photo : BARRY HILDEBRANDT

A Zac London try on the full-time siren has gifted St John’s College a passage into the Southern Final of the Andrew Ryan Country Cup Under-15 series.

Down 6-4 against Blayney High at Apex Oval yesterday, the Dubbo boys gave it their last shot and London was the right man to get the job done with a try in the left corner for an 8-6 victory.

Earlier St John’s was credited with a win when they scored the first try in a 18-all draw with Condobolin High School.

St John’s coach Shane Alderice - who was standing in for Andy Haycock - gave a big wrap to his side.

“They may be on the small side for under-15s but they’ve certainly got a lot of ticker,” he said.

“We went into today’s games without two of our best players - Billy Sing and Luke Anderson - but everyone chipped in”.

Sing is away with New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges at the under-15s national carnival in Canberra, while Anderson is playing for New South Wales in the Australia Junior Basketball Championships.

“Like in the Dubbo qualifying round these kids just keep turning up and that was obvious here today in both our games,” Alderice said.

“It could easily have gotten away from us but Zac (London) was the one boy we needed to have the ball in hand in those last few seconds.”

St John’s captain and hooker Ben Marlin had a creative game for the winners while his hooker Jordan Reynolds was also strong - but in the main it was job well done by all the team.

In the win over Blayney, Zac London and Tavis Vaughan scored the tries while London, Mitch Dunlop and Stuart Speirs crossed in the game against Condobolin.

St John’s and Red Bend College in the under-13s, have both qualified for the Southern Final to be played at Cootamundra on July 29.

Red Bend College coaches Todd Healey and Steven Hooper were both delighted with their side’s two wins.

“We’ve already got our Opens team into the Southern Final so it’s good for the school to have two sides in there. We were overall winners of the Opens last year so things are on track for a good end to the series,” Hooper said.

In their two games yesterday Red Bend defeated Dubbo South Campus 20-16 and then James Sheahan, Orange 16-10 after Forbes led 16-0 midway through the second-half.

Tuesday 29 th June 2010

Coombabah Shs 2010 Titans Challenge Cup Winners

LEARN MORE ABOUT COOMBABAH SHS RUGBY LEAGUE

COOMBABAH SHS 2010 TITANS CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS

Well done to the Coombabah SHS open B team who took out the Titans Challenge Cup with a hard fought 22-20 win over St Michaels.

It was a classic grand final with the game going into to extra time and being won on a penalty goal in the dying seconds.

Man of the match was Natal Tuia.

This wasn’t the only title won by Coombabah this year with the under 13 B side winning the Gold Coast final and will progress well into the greater metropolitan finals.

COOMBABAH IN 2010 SCHOOL ON THE MOVE

Coombabah the school on the move has their opposition looking over their shoulder.

After the completion of the round games Coombabah are in a great position to make the Grand final in all grades of the top 8 Broncos competitions.

Coombabah SHS current standings include;

U/13 Steve Renouf – 2nd place (undefeated)
U/14 Micheal Hancock – 1st place (undefeated)
U/15 Steve Walters – 3rd place
Opens Allan Langer – 4th place

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