Watch future stars live as they work to lock up final spot

“Something I just keep telling the boys is you can take confidence in knowing that it doesn’t matter which situation the game is in . . . we are never out of it.’’ See what is driving young footy team.

WITH three draws, a win and a loss, Ipswich State High’s Walters Cup team has displayed plenty of ability in this year’s elite schoolboy competition.

However, coach Shane Harris wants his side to carry two trademark qualities into their vital final round match against Redcliffe at Dolphin Oval on Tuesday.

The first is his team’s “never-say-die’’ attitude, which combined with confidence, can match any opponent in the year 10 competition.

WATCH THE REPLAY: Ipswich v Redcliffe in the Walters Cup

“Something I just keep telling the boys is you can take confidence in knowing that it doesn’t matter which situation the game is in . . . we are never out of it,’’ Harris said.

“They have shown some great fighting spirit throughout the year.

“If we can just play some decent consistent footy across 50 minutes, we are capable of beating anybody.’’

Tuesday’s match is being live streamed as part of News Corp’s ongoing schoolboy rugby league coverage.

The Walters Cup match is the first of three Ipswich State High School encounters being live streamed this week.

The school’s Langer Trophy team is preparing for a semi-final on Wednesday before the Langer Reserves combination finetunes for the semi-finals, having already secured a spot in the top four.

For Harris, the focus is on ensuring Ipswich State High at least draws with Redcliffe after previous deadlocks with Coombabah 14-14, Marsden 24-24 and Palm Beach Currumbin 16-16.

The upcoming Ipswich side beat Keebra Park 16-8, suffering just one defeat to Wavell 28-12.

“If we win (on Tuesday), we can go as high as third,’’ Harris said.

“That would be a nice little confidence boost for the boys.’’

He said beating Keebra Park was a pleasing performance, having set a major goal in that match.

Harris was especially encouraged how Ipswich State High’s team of the future fared having stepped up each week against the best rugby league schools in South East Queensland.

The talented young side is being co-captained by fullback Jeriah Vagana and forward Oliva Iaulualo.

“They are the two most natural leaders in the group,’’ the coach said.

Ipswich State High School year 10 coach Shane Harris backs his team to keep battling until the end.

Harris has given about 25 players exposure to the elite competition, only matched by a state championship.

“It’s definitely the highest level of football these boys can play at their age group,’’ he said.

“It’s a good learning experience for their long-term development.

“The positive thing is the fact that we can do that week-in, week-out.’’

All the footballers in the Ipswich State High program are year 10 students.

Ipswich State High Walters Cup team for Tuesday’s match: 1. Jeriah Vagana, 2. Alijah Reihana, 3. LJ Nonu, 4. Frank Melelosa, 5. Harlyn Westlake, 6. Lesayne Tuiasau, 7. Emmanuel Kasunga, 8. Maaro David, 9. John Kavapele, 10. Brave Taualai, 11. Oliva Iaulualo, 12. Sitivi Poasa, 13. Kane Self, 14. Duran Balogh, 15. Mahonri Tiotala, 16. Iosefa Kolio, 20. Ogden George.

Walters Cup live streaming schedule

Tuesday (2pm): Ipswich State High v Redcliffe at Dolphin Oval

Look out on Tuesday for live streaming details about Ipswich State High’s Wednesday and Thursday matches.