St Patrick’s College rugby league program proud of first women’s Confraternity Shield team, despite cancelled competition

It was not the ideal way to finish an undefeated run at a sporting tournament, but a Mackay rugby league team is using the disappointment of the cancelled carnival as motivation for 2022.

It was a disappointing end to an otherwise promising tournament, but the St Patrick’s College rugby league program is ready for redemption.

The school, which will host the Confraternity Shield and the Queensland Independent Secondary School Netball carnivals at the end of June, 2022, was undefeated at the last tournament for both the boys’ and girls’ teams.

St Pat’s footballer Sophie Novosel said it was an honour to be a part of the first women’s Confraternity Shield.

Sophie Novosel (left) and Henry Thorpe are excited for the Confraternity Shield in Mackay next year. October 27, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“It was really disappointing to go down to Brisbane only for the tournament to get pulled out from under our feet when both sides were doing really well,” she said.

“But I’m really proud of all the girls, being in the first women’s Confraternity Shield, we’re a part of history there and that’s great.

“Having it in Mackay is really exciting, not only for the region but also for St Pat’s, we’re really keen to showcase our ability and our great program to the state.”

Both St Pat’s teams were undefeated halfway through the carnival, but had to abandon the shield and leave Brisbane because of an impending south east Queensland lockdown.

(From left) Sophie Novosel, Rebecca Symons, Janelle Agius, Henry Thorpe and Paige Zeller are excited for the Confraternity Shield in Mackay next year. October 27, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

St Pat’s player Henry Thorpe said the disappointment of missing out of the final days of Confraternity Shield in 2021 made the squad hungrier for next year.

“The fact that the tournament was cancelled has made the younger boys even more keen to rip in because we were undefeated down there before Covid cancelled it all,” he said.

“We were in a really good spot to contend and maybe win it all, so we’re really excited to get the chance to play for it on our home fields.

“We know the weather, we know the pitches, and we’ll be playing in front of our friends and family, so hopefully that helps get us across the line.”