St Pat’s coach names next NRL stars, and which juniors will step up next season

St Pat’s coach Michael Comerford has identified two departing players who will make the leap to professional football, and three junior players ready to step up next season. Read the list here.

Tears flowed from the faces of the schoolboy rugby league players who reached the end of the road in their junior careers.

The St Patrick’s College teammates embraced after their clash with Rockhampton Grammar; a game they won 28-16 but fell short of the 40-point margin required to progress to finals.

St Pat’s coach Michael Comerford said the boys were devastated, but he wanted them to remember the legacy they left on the program.

“The season as a whole was a positive one and there were plenty of positive memories for them,” he said.

“That win against Kirwan, we spoke about that win and how it was bigger than just a football game, for our program it’s been 20 years since that happened.

“That’s what these boys achieved and that’s part of their legacy for the program, there will be plenty of moments for the boys to look back over and refer back to.”

Comerford said he expected players like Ethan Cocco and Baden Robinson to play higher levels of football after they graduated school.

“Anyone who has watched our games would agree Ethan is on the pathway to high-level footy,” he said.

“He’s shown he’s got the potential to kick on and hopefully through the Cutters and the North Queensland pathways but if not I’m sure someone will find a place for him.

“Baden (Robinson) is also in that under-21s squad for the Cutters, and I think he showed his class throughout the season and I’m sure we’ll see him push for higher honours in the future.”

St Patrick Mackay's Baden Robinson with the ball

Almost half of the St Pat’s squad are year 11 students, with injuries to key players throughout the season testing the depth of the younger squad members.

Comerford said he was impressed with Henry Thorpe, Liam Doherty and Bray Tait’s seasons, and was excited to watch their development in 2022.

“I thought Harry Thorpe was a standout at 13, he played well above his weight as a 16 year old against 18 year olds and being quite dominant, so I’m keen to see how he can go next year,” he said.

“Liam Doherty, who got injured and missed the last three games, was probably the most damaging ball runner when he was playing and we definitely missed him in this last little phase.

“Bray Tait was another one, he was very dominant, fast, strong, good footwork and we definitely missed him, and considering he hasn’t played since Confraternity Shield that’s another factor that comes into it.

“Our depth was tested and some of our boys stood up and showed they’re at this standard and will be better next year.”