Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Rugby League grand finals: TCC down St Brendan’s in Open A final

The Cathedral College broke a 17-year drought with their win in the Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Rugby League Open A grand final. Read why the victory was doubly special for coach Tony Martin.

The Cathedral College’s win in the Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Open A division grand final was doubly special for coach Tony Martin.

The team’s 18-8 win over St Brendan’s College broke a 17-year drought for the Rockhampton school and Tony son’s Tana, who graduates this year, was instrumental in the victory.

It was also the first time this year that TCC had beaten St Brendan’s.

The team was presented with the Stephen Parle Shield by the man after whom it was named.

Parle, now the wellbeing and education manager with the Brisbane Broncos Academy players, was a long-serving teacher at TCC and the coach who took the Open A side to their last RDSSRL title back in 2005.

See photos from games on day one of the finals series here

The Open A decider rounded out four days of grand final action at Browne Park.

Eleven schools were represented in the 17 games played, with St Brendan’s featuring in 14 of them (see full results and award winners below).

Year 10D, The Cathedral College and Rockhampton Grammar School faced off in the Year 10D grand final.

Tony said the win was exciting for everyone involved with the rugby league program and TCC.

“It was a tough game, they’re obviously two good sides,” he said.

“We led throughout and controlled the game fairly well.

“It certainly wasn’t the best performance we’d put in all year but under the circumstances, obviously young kids and pressure, I think they dealt with it well and were professional about their approach.

See photos from games on day two and three of the finals series here

“We always felt comfortable and in control. We hadn’t beaten St Brendan’s this year so it was nice to get the result.”

Tony said Ryder Huth was a deserved winner of the Matt Scott Man of the Match award, and had been probably TCC’s best all year.

“Special mention must go to prop Jack Seibold and hooker Zac Bryce who were very good for us as well,“ he said.

“Our forwards played really, really well. They laid a very good platform and were really tough for us in the middle.”

See photos from games on day four of the finals series here

Tony said it was wonderful to have the chance to share the win with his son.

“I’ve never coached him at rugby league before so it has been nice to get to do that and enjoy this whole experience together,” he said.

2022 RDSSRL grand final results

Year 7C: Heights College 24 def St Brendan’s College 10. Tim Glasby Man of the Match – Jett Hogan; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Preston Clancy.

Chanel College, Gladstone, and Glenmore State High in the 8C final.

Year 8C: Chanel College, Gladstone 26 def Glenmore SHS 12. David Taylor Man of the Match – Caleb Rebel; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Ethan Clarke.

Year 9C: St Brendan’s College 5 22 def St Brendan’s College 4 4. Rhys Wesser Man of the Match – Gareth Walkbue; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Ambrose Tibbs.

Year 10C: Rockhampton SHS 12 def Chanel College, Gladstone 10. PJ Marsh Man of the Match – Chris Smith; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Sam Churchwood.

Year 7B: North Rockhampton SHS 14 def St Brendan’s College 4. Corey Oates Man of the Match – Daulton Dwyer; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Raishon Ebsworth.

Year 8B: Rockhampton SHS 12 def St Brendan’s College 10. Cameron Munster Man of the Match – Alex Toon; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Gareth Treadwell.

Year 9B: St Brendan’s College 26 def Yeppoon SHS 4. Steve Crear Man of the Match – Connor Lees; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Tyler Calleah.

Year 10B: Marist College, Emerald 28 def St Brendan’s College 10. Jason Hetherington Man of the Match – Jake Oberhardt; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Jack Gibson.

Year 10D: The Cathedral College 34 def Rockhampton Grammar School 8. Harry Grant Man of the Match – Lachlan McKenzie, Runner-Up Player of the Match – Riley Hansen.

St Brendan’s College and The Cathedral College in the Open D final.

Open D: St Brendan’s College 16 def The Cathedral College 12. Sid Domic Man of the Match – Jett Langham; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Riley Edminstone.

Open C: St Brendan’s College 12 def Yeppoon SHS 0 Paul Bowman Man of the Match – Isaac Green, Runners Up Player of the Match – Emerson Clarke.

Open B: St Brendan’s College 18 def The Cathedral College 6. Duncan Hall Snr Man of the Match – Jeremy Green; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Ky McGilvray.

Year 7A: The Cathedral College 32 def St Brendan’s College 6. Ben Hunt Man of the Match – Andrew Watene; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Jahqkeem Dempsey.

Year 8A: St Brendan’s College 22 def Rockhampton Grammar School 12. Gary Larson Man of the Match – Jay Marsh; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Cormack Werner.

St Brendan College and The Cathedral College in the 9A grand final.

Year 9A: St Brendan’s College 22 def The Cathedral College 20. Matt Sing Man of the Match – Jake Murphy; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Archie Lloyd.

Year 10A: St Brendan’s College 28 def Emmaus College 25. Rod Reddy Man of the Match – Braelan Marsh; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Josh Nilon.

Open A: The Cathedral College 18 def St Brendan’s College 8. Matt Scott Man of the Match – Ryder Huth; Runner-Up Player of the Match – Alistair Lasker.