Confraternity Carnival 2022: Chance of all-Central Qld final with TCC and St Brendan’s through to semis

The Rockhampton team has shown plenty of courage on their way to the semis. Read what assistant coach Mick Busby has to say about their performances here.

The Cathedral College assistant coach Mick Busby.

History beckons for The Cathedral College at the Confraternity Carnival 2022.

The Rockhampton outfit is through to the top four and has the chance to claim the coveted Shield for the first time.

They will take on the host school, St Patrick’s College, in Thursday’s semi-final.

There is the prospect of an all-Central Queensland final, with St Brendan’s College up against Townsville powerhouse Ignatius Park in the other semi.

TCC and St Brendan’s are both unbeaten at the secondary schools rugby league carnival being played in Mackay.

TCC advanced to the semis with a thrilling 14-10 win over Marymount College in Tuesday’s quarter final.

The game pitted former Melbourne Storm premiership-winning teammates Tony Martin (TCC) and Matt Geyer (Marymount) against each other.

It came down to the wire, with Marymount receiving a penalty and mounting a desperate attacking raid after the siren only to fall short.

TCC assistant coach Mick Busby said it was an exciting game.

“We didn’t play that well in the quarter final but we got through, we did it,” he said.

“We’re through to the top four so it’s great.

“Now we get to play the hosts. They’re a big side and they’ve trained all year for this carnival so it’s going to be tough.

“We’re down a couple of troops but it’s Confraternity. It’s a different sort of beast; it’s a battle of attrition and it’s all about how you can keep the boys going.

The Cathedral College assistant coach Mick Busby.

“Hopefully, we and St Brendan’s can get the wins and make it a Central Queensland final. That would be fantastic.”

Busby said that his players had shown plenty of courage, in particular Jesuah Winni who is playing with a suspected broken hand.

The star centre has been one of the team’s best, producing a Man of the Match performance in the quarter final.

Halfback Tana Martin and front rower Jack Seibold have also been outstanding.

Busby said TCC was sweating on the fitness of fullback Matua Brown, who had not played since injuring his ankle five minutes into the second pool game on Monday.

“We’re a bit busted but every team is,” he said.

“Apart from the quarter final, we’ve been very disciplined and our defence in every game has been excellent.

“The boys are in great spirits.

“Our message to them on Thursday will be go out and do your best and whatever happens happens.”

The two semis will be played at 3.30pm.