Trinity Bay Rugby League School of Excellence keeping FNQ talent

In 2023 an elite pathway for the young rugby league players in the Cairns region supported by an NRL team will commence: How to get into the Rugby League School of Excellence

A Cairns educational institution is ready to launch its rugby league school of excellence in order to nurture and retain local talent – and it has signed a memorandum of understanding with a leading NRL club.

Trinity Bay State High School Rugby League School of Excellence program manager Shannon Riles said their official launch of November 3 has been preceded by 20 boys and six girls in Years 11 and 12 being accepted into the cohort which kicks off in 2023.

“For a long time now we have seen Cairns-based school rugby league players leave the region to follow an elite level pathway, which included (Cowboys) Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jeremiah Nanai and (Raiders) Xavier Savage,” he said.

“Now with our memorandum of understanding with the North Queensland Cowboys, our school of rugby excellence means the students involved can progress their sporting career while remaining in their homes and local community.”

Trinity Bay State High School student Vai Nanai, 17, said he is very excited to have been accepted in their Rugby School of Excellence which commences in 2023.

For Trinity Bay student Vai Nanai, 17, the chance to concentrate on an NRL career like his older brother Jeremiah, 19, is a fantastic opportunity.

“I’d like to try and have a crack at playing in the NRL,” he said.

“This program means we can play in the big school leagues.”

Nanai said he’s keen to learn about playing strategically.

“I like to be part of the team and make plays and control the game,” he said.

“This opportunity means we can train harder, get bigger, fitter and stronger as a team.”

Riles said the program offers huge benefits to the youngsters and their families as well as the larger school and FNQ communities.

Youngsters from the Cairns region can apply to be part of the Rugby League School of Excellence which will be managed by Trinity Bay State High School in 2023.

“It’s important the kids can remain in Cairns as elite sport is such a difficult pathway away from family and friends, very few make it and even fewer make it moving away from family.”

Riles said while so far the 2023 intake comprises mostly TBSHS students, others include one boy relocating from Canberra and two from other FNQ schools.

Riley said the boys 16s coach Zach Spinella and 18s coach Dan Weston are also working with the NQ Cowboys Academy, but the girls Karen Murphy Cup coach is yet to be appointed.

Interested players can contact [e-mail]

Originally published as Trinity Bay Rugby League School of Excellence keeping FNQ talent