‘Job’s not done’: Ipswich boys brewing for Phil Hall Cup Grand Final on Wednesday

Ipswich SHS won the Langer Trophy. But, an inside scoop from Josiah Pahulu, Tre Fotu and Tyler Peckham-Harris reveal hopes of bringing more silverware home to Ipswich.

Ipswich SHS won the Langer Trophy for the first time on Wednesday when they beat prolific winners Palm Beach Currumbin 16-12 in a nail biter at Kougari Oval.

But, the Ipswich boys are far from content. This week, they will face Townsville’s Ignatius Park College in the Phil Hall Cup state schoolboy rugby league grand final.

In the meantime, we take a look at perhaps the turning point of Ipswich SHS’ season.

LANGER trophy schoolboy rugby league grand final between Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and Ipswich SHS. Ipswich SHS player Josiah Pahulu celebrates with teammates after a try. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Ipswich SHS captain and grand final man of the match Josiah Pahulu had to be the difference in that Langer Trophy classic. But a week earlier, there were doubts as to whether the brilliant young prop would be able to take part in the big dance.

In the semi-final against Marsden SHS, Pahulu was sent off and the chances of Ipswich’s captain running out to verse PBC looked slim.

But, once big Pahulu was given the all clear, only he knew what that would mean for PBC’s chances at the Trophy.

We caught up with Pahulu after the win and this is what he said:

“A a lot of weight came off my shoulders when I got the news that I was cleared to play. It made me feel like I had to prove something. I owed it to these boys. And this one today was for Ipswich.”

My word did he deliver.

LANGER trophy schoolboy rugby league grand final between Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and Ipswich SHS. Ipswich SHS player Josiah Pahulu celebrates with teammates after a try. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“I can’t believe it right now. I felt we were due for the Langer Trophy so it feels good to bring it home. And for the Old Boys to come and support really meant a lot for us,” Pahulu said.

“I’m just trying to live in the moment right now. But, it’s time to move on to the next job. That’s the mentality that got us here. That’s when the job is done and when everyone can celebrate—when we win next week.”

LANGER trophy schoolboy rugby league grand final between Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and Ipswich SHS. Ipswich SHS players celebrate the win. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Tyler Peckham-Harris, otherwise known as Mr Reliable, has not missed a game in Ipswich colours all year. That would explain his blistering form.

The fullback said keeping the same line up each week has been a huge factor in their success.

“The bond between one another just stays there. We have been winning non-stop with the same team, so why change the winning recipe,” he said.

And the deceptive No.1 intends on staying in the winning column. “The job’s not done first of all. It was the first time our school had made the grand final so it was a privilege to even be in it. To win it has urged all us boys to take all of it out and bring it all home.

“It’s been a great ride. I love the boys so much and we are all willing to do our jobs. Singing that song felt good. The happiness it brings to one another. Even hearing the song and being a part of it is just like a big family,” Peckham-Harris said about writing history for Ipswich.

LANGER trophy schoolboy rugby league grand final between Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and Ipswich SHS. Ipswich SHS players celebrate a try before half time. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Centre Tre Fotu was another happy camper on grand final day, having made the move “from Wavell SHS last year because of the distance.”

“We started this year with a goal and I think all the boys were disciplined enough. We had the same focus and all wanted to work hard and it showed on the field. Everyone was there for eachother. When someone went down, it was an easy fix,” Fotu said.

“I am proud to be from Ipswich. It feels good to make our families proud. It wouldn’t have been possible without the coaching staff pushing us. Even though we went undefeated they made sure we didn’t slack off.”

LANGER trophy schoolboy rugby league grand final between Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and Ipswich SHS. Palm Beach Currumbin SHS Cooper Cambey. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Future teammate, Ipswich SHS Old Boy and Cronulla Sharks speedster Ronaldo Mulitalo, delivered some “inspirational words” to Fotu and teammates before their finals clash.

”He’s been in tough situations. Hearing it come from someone in the NRL brought the boys confidence and gave us that feeling just to be happy when we play footy and just enjoy it,” Fotu said.

“That was the message. Work hard. You’ve come a long way, the Old Boys are proud, but at the end of the day enjoy the game and all will go well.”