St Patrick’s Mackay beats Padua to win Confraternity Shield

St Patrick’s College held off a fast-finishing Padua College to celebrate a long-awaited victory at the Confraternity Carnival in Rockhampton. See which players starred in the epic clash.

Pam McKay

2 min read

July 4, 2025 - 8:04AM

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St Patrick's College Mackay players celebrate their Confraternity Shield win.

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Two NRL-contracted schoolboys showcased their star power in St Patrick’s College Mackay drought-breaking Confraternity Shield win in Rockhampton.

Halfback Adam McSherry and towering edge forward Declan Grady led the way in the team’s nail-biting 10-8 win over a fast-finishing Padua College in the grand final at Kettle Park on Friday.

It is the first time since 2003 since St Pat’s have won the Shield and the joy and relief was evident in the players’ celebrations at full-time.

St Patrick's College Mackay players celebrate their long-awaited victory.

It was an incredible result for coach Shane Mau, who stepped up to the top job this year after eight years as assistant.

“It doesn’t get any better than that,” he said.

“It was insane.

“Credit to Padua, they came home really well.

“We rode it all the way but the boys hung in and got there.”

St Pat’s made a strong start to the decider, and their early pressure forced some uncharacteristic errors from Padua.

They opened their account 10 minutes in through centre Jack Renehan and extended the lead to 10-nil when hooker Darcy McFarlane crossed 10 minutes later.

St Patrick's Mackay halts an attacking raid from Padua.

The half-time break allowed Padua to regroup and they came out a more cohesive-looking unit in the second.

Tries to their classy captain Damon Humphrys and winger Cooper Roggenkamp got them within two points.

They scrambled hard to add to the scoreboard but St Pat’s muscled up, holding firm in defence as they eyed their place in Confraternity history.

An elated Mau said the victory was a fitting reward for his players’ commitment and buy-in.

“They’re really, really tight. I think that’s the tightest group I’ve ever been involved with in my time at St Pat’s,” he said.

St Patrick's Mackay goes on the attack.

“We’ve got some super stars in there and they did what they had to do but all the other boys came up to the same level and it was a massive team effort.

“I’m just really pleased for them.

“They’re a young group too. We’ve got nine Grade 11s in this squad so they’re going to roll on really well next year.”

Mau said McSherry showed his class in an inspired performance, along with Grady who was named Player of the Final.

He said front rower Caleb O’Brien produced another huge performance, while fullback Lachie Brown was a standout at fullback.