Rockhampton Grammar partners with Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels

Key players from both sides explain what the partnership means and how it will work, and we identify some of the rising talent most likely to benefit.

Rockhampton Grammar School rugby union talent Marnie Whitehead and Henry Kallquist are excited about the school’s partnership with Super Rugby franchise, the Melbourne Rebels.

The Rockhampton Grammar School has forged a partnership with the Melbourne Rebels in a major boost for grassroots rugby union in Central Queensland.

RGS will host clinics and camps, while staff from the Super Rugby franchise will visit the school to support the rugby program, sharing their expertise with players and mentoring coaches and trainers.

Speaking on Tuesday, RGS headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds described the partnership as “an exciting opportunity” for boys and girls who played rugby in the region.

Rockhampton Grammar rugby consultant Steve Anderson, student Marnie Whitehead, RGS headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds, student Henry Kallquist and RGS rugby co-ordinator Clayton Bohan at Tuesday's announcement of the school's partnership with Super Rugby franchise, the Melbourne Rebels.

“RGS has long supported rugby union and looks forward to further strengthening these ties,” he said.

“The school continues to provide playing pathways for our students, and this partnership will broaden further skill development opportunities.”

Melbourne Rebels general manager of rugby Nick Stiles said the franchise was eager to develop pathways for players to continue to grow and chase their rugby dreams.

“Having played my first rugby at the old Rugby Park back in the ‘80s, I fully understand the quality and the hard-working rugby community that is in the Rockhampton region, and the Melbourne Rebels look forward to this exciting partnership with RGS,” he said.

RGS players set to benefit from partnership

Ralph Labor.

Ralph Labor

Year 8

Position: Halfback

Comments: Labor has one of the best passing games in country rugby. He has a quality box kick and is an excellent on-field organiser. His talents have earned him representative honours, including selection in the Queensland Country under-14 team and the 15 years Queensland regional rugby team.

Grady Wight.

Grady Wight

Year 12

Position: Hooker

Comments: A Queensland schoolboys representative who made a big impression at the nationals in July. A quality contributor at the set piece and a strong ball carrier.

Henry Kallquist.

Henry Kallquist

Year 11

Position: Number 8

Comments: A gifted player who has been rewarded with selection in the Queensland Country under-16 team which competed at the nationals in September. A dynamic ball runner with a high workload and outstanding lineout skills.

Dylan O'Donnell.

Dylan O‘Donnell

Year 10

Position: Blindside breakaway

Comments: A workhorse around the park, he is dynamic at the breakdown. Represented the 15 years Queensland regional rugby team in September.

Cormack Werner.

Cormack Werner

Year 9

Position: Fullback

Comments: A good mover who creates plenty of space, Cormack also possesses a long kicking game. Also earned selection in the 15 years Queensland regional rugby team.

Jason Woibo

Year 9

Position: Front row

Comments: New to rugby, he is a natural talent who is fast making his mark. A strong ball runner, he has been included in the 15 years Queensland regional rugby team.

Marnie Whitehead.

Marnie Whitehead

Year 10

Position: Fullback

Queensland Country under-16 representative. Strong defender and drives the team forward with her dynamic runs. Very aware and observant, great under pressure.

Zafeera Gibson.

Zafeera Gibson

Year 8

Position: Scrum half

Queensland Country under-14 representative. Evasive runner with eagle-eyed vision who is quick off the mark and a great tackler.

Kyra Kent.

Kyra Kent

Year 10

Position: Fly half (15s), scrum half (7s)

Central Queensland rep in both under-16 15s representative and under-15 7s. Excellent decision-maker who is a great kicker. A quick thinker with an even quicker set of hands.

Heidi Silvester.

Heidi Silvester

Year 9

Position: Scrum half

Central Queensland under-16 15s representative. She is quick off the mark and can hold her pace, with a broad skill set. Can execute on the fly, with good handling skills, and is a strong tackler.

Eliana Weber

Year 8

Position: Second row (15s), prop (7s)

Central Queensland under-14 15s and under-15 7s representative. Strong at the breakdown, she is aggressive and great at stealing. Throws key passes and reads the play well.