Watch Palm Beach Currumbin and Redcliffe State High School in the Langer Trophy

Schoolboy rugby league powerhouse Palm Beach Currumbin have taken on Redcliffe and Caloundra in Langer Trophy and Walters Cup action. WATCH THE REPLAYS

Success seems to follow Palm Beach Currumbin halfback Zane Harrison, and now the 16-year-old will be tasked with sending a message to the rest of the Langer Trophy competitors.

The teenager shone in his elite rugby league debut for his school, scoring a try and guiding the team around the park with a degree of composure that defied his youthful years.

WATCH PBC v REDCLIFFE IN LANGER TROPHY DOUBLE HEADER LIVE FROM 3PM, TUESDAY

On the back of triumphant campaign for the Northern Rivers Titans in the Andrew Johns Cup, during which he claimed man of the match honours in the final, Harrison set about converting the form which garnered him New South Wales Country representation to PBC’s title pursuit.

But it were not the moments of flashy brilliance that impressed Reds coach Tim Maccan in Wednesday’s 44-0 victory over Marsden State High School.

Rather it was the fact the blossoming talent stuck to his strengths and refused to play beyond his role even as the scoreline began to extend.

REPLAY: PBC vs Caloundra in Walters Cup

“He just didn’t overplay his hand, he directed the team around well with Josh Lynn. They bounced off each other really well, and his defence was really good,” Maccan said.

“He made about 18 tackles when they targeted him and he didn’t miss any; he’s not afraid to put his body on the line.

“He seems to have a calm head at the moment and when he’s in that position they (his teams) seem to just go about their business really well.”

With a battle against Redcliffe, one of the newest members of the Langer Trophy, ahead of them on Tuesday, Maccan said much of his preparation would be spent ensuring his squad did not get ahead of themselves.

Zane Harrison in action for the Northern Rivers Titans. Picture: NSWRL.

It is why his key focus out of last week’s win was not about the expansive attack his side showcased, but the fact they were able to keep their rivals scoreless.

That mentality began with his middle forwards, the coach said, with the likes of Will Taylor and Reico Ratana laying a formidable platform upfront.

In Taylor, Maccan saw a young man who was determined to simply be there for the teammate on either side of him, backing up on Marsden attacking raids to make sure his fellow red jersey-clad athletes were not left on their own.

Meanwhile Ratana was described as “a handful” whenever the ball was in his hands, fighting with each hit up to turn out of a tackle and find a second-phase option.

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But for all the attacking prowess his side possesses, and the inexperience of the Redcliffe outfit they are preparing to face, Maccan said they could not get caught up in their early season success.

“My big point to my team is if they’re in the competition they deserve to be in it, so we need to respect that, stick to our plan and focus on what we’re doing to repeat the same performance,” Maccan said.

“We have to make sure we knuckle down and focus on the next team we play and ensure we keep that focus no matter who they are. It’s that same mentality each game, no matter who the opponent is.

“With 16-year-olds they can sometimes let their minds wander a bit, it’s keeping them on track and focused on sticking to it.”

PBC and Redcliffe will kick off from 5.30pm, with the game to be livestreamed here at the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Originally published as Watch Palm Beach Currumbin and Redcliffe State High School in the Langer Trophy