Souths Sharks win Crocs to Cane Toads carnival after captain breaks arm

Schoolboy rugby rivals put allegiances to one side for the weekend and won the U15s carnival after losing their captain to injury.

Schoolboy rivalries were put on the backburner for Souths Sharks under-15s side as they competed in the Crocs to Cane Toads carnival in Sarina.

The squad prominently featured Mercy College and Mackay High players, who were able to overcome cross-town rivalries to hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament.

Noah Levitz (L), Bailey Anderson, Ty Ison and Tom Kelly won the Crocs to Cane Toads carnival for the Souths Sharks, July 2, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Souths coach Ray Seymour said he was ecstatic with how the side came together.

“We had a couple of little sidetracks and injuries, our captain had his arm broken and pinned the week before the tournament,” he said.

“All the boys go to different schools so they compete against one another in the school footy and Cowboys Challenge, so it was good to see that rivalry go in the bag for the carnival.”

Noah Levitz (L), Tom Kelly, Ty Ison and Bailey Anderson won the Crocs to Cane Toads carnival for the Souths Sharks, July 2, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Noah Levitz broke his arm in the lead up to the Crocs to Cane Toads carnival, but the Sharks pulled through in his absence.

Seymour said he was concerned with how the side might react to the loss of Levitz.

“It was interesting to see how the boys would gel without his leadership,” Seymour said.

“The side showed they could actually compete without him, not in the same style, but they still got the job done.”

Seymour said the future of rugby league in Mackay was bright, with a number of the Sharks side capable of making professional careers out of their love for the sport.

“There are a number of players here that could go into the RISE program and get as much outside, elite coaching as they can,” he said.

“A lot of the players are interested in bettering themselves and pushing themselves into the elite programs and levels.”

Tom Kelly (L), Bailey Anderson, Jai Ison, Frank Crowley, Ty Ison and Noah Levitz were a part of the Croc to Cane Toads carnival premiership. Picture: Matthew Forrest