League legend PJ Marsh thrilled about sons getting to enjoy ‘unique experience’
PJ Marsh’s sons will have the chance to match their dad’s schoolboy footy success at the Confraternity Carnival, but they won’t be the only second-generation talent out to make a name for themselves.
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The 2024 Confraternity Carnival will be something Central Queensland’s Marsh family will “cherish forever”.
Brothers Braelan and Jay Marsh will play for St Brendan’s, hoping to together replicate the success of their father and 158-game NRL legend PJ Marsh, who won the coveted Confro shield with the Yeppoon college in 1996.
Hooker Braelan did it last year, an integral part of Brendan’s outfit that claimed victory over Emmaus in a hard-fought grand final.
Centre Jay gets his shot this year and is ready to make his mark after showing some good form in the opening rounds of the Dolphins Cup.
Fifty-two boys and 12 girls teams will contest the carnival, the premier rugby league competition for Catholic and independent secondary schools in Queensland.
It will be played from June 24 to 29 in Townsville.
Like Brendan’s boys, The Cathedral College from Rockhampton will be gunning for back-to-back titles in the girls division.
The girls final will be played as the curtain-raiser to the historic Game III of the women’s State of Origin series at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 27.
PJ said it would be amazing if his two boys were able to help build on a proud legacy for Brendan’s, which is the most successful team to play at Confraternity, having won 14 times.
“I’m unsure but I would think that not too many father and sons have achieved this,” he said.
“This will be a unique experience for them to play together and possibly win a championship.
“Regardless of the outcome, I’m so proud of my boys.
“This is something they will never forget, and our family will cherish forever.”
PJ harked back to his own schoolboys success, which is clearly something he still holds dear.
“In 1996, I was in Year 11 and selected for the First XIII due to injuries in the team,” he said.
“Being called up from the Second XIII, I played in the semi-final and grand final, contributing to our victory.
“To now see my sons following in my footsteps is beyond incredible. It’s a feeling that’s more than words can describe.”
The sibling selection is also a significant one for head coach and NRL cult legend Scott Minto, whose own son Samson will also play at Confro.
“It’s pretty cool having PJ’s two boys represent the college in the same team in 2024,” he said.
“This is even more special given PJ and I played Q-Cup together before we went to NRL clubs, so coaching them both is a little surreal, to be honest.
“Braelan, Jay and Samson have been mates for a long time so it’s going to be a special time for all involved.”
Minto said that PJ epitomised what St Brendan’s was all about.
“He’s loyal as heck, loves the game and is always willing to lend a hand where need be,” he said.
“Both his boys have continued this legacy so now all that’s left to do is join the Confraternity winner’s circle.
“Braelan did that as part of our 2023 success and now Jay gets his first chance.
“It’s really exciting.”
PJ speaks fondly of his time at Brendan’s and the influence it had on him as a player and a person.
“St Brendan’s was a massive part of my footballing development and my growth as a young man finding my way in life,” he said.
“I considered myself so fortunate to attend such an amazing school through the support of the Christian Brothers and my parents.
“For every football player at St Brendan’s, you aspire to wear the gold shorts that are reserved for the privileged First XIII players only.”
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