Undefeated Confraternity Shield side set for Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge restart

The undefeated Confraternity Shield team was ‘shattered’ when the tournament was cancelled, but the side is ready for the Cowboys Challenge return. Catch the livestream here.

Mercy College v Mackay SHS, round one of the Cowboys Challenge 2021. Hunter Harris. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Schools are back from the mid-year holidays and state-wide rugby league tournaments are heating up again across Queensland.

Students from St Patrick’s College and Mercy College will play Ignatius Park in the Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge, while Mackay High will have a chance get the first win of 2021 against the ever-contending Kirwan High.

St Pat’s players were “shattered” after the Confraternity Shield was cancelled because of the snap lockdown in Brisbane.

Mercy College’s assistant principal Scott McSherry said the teams across the two colleges were excited to get back to playing football.

“Both the boys and girls teams were undefeated at the Confraternity Shield a few weeks ago,” he said.

“Those teams were looking to go deep in the shield, and for it to be called off by lunchtime on Tuesday was devastating.”

Mercy College's assistant principal Scott McSherry (from left) and Teresa Dreghorn ahead of the return of the Cowboys Challenge. Picture: Matthew Forrest

The St Pats boys’ team was on the field as the lockdown was announced, which left hundreds of players and coaches rushing to leave the greater Brisbane area before restrictions came into effect.

“I don’t think it was just our squads who suffered,” Mr McSherry said.

“I think every school felt that pain when it was called off, especially after the whole carnival was cancelled in 2020.”

Mercy College will play Iggy Park on July 20 at 10.45am, with St Pats following at 11.45am, while Mackay High will battle with Kirwan High at 12.05pm and 1.15pm.

The Aaron Payne Cup and the Cowboys Challenge matches will be livestreamed at The Daily Mercury.