Don’t write off the Langer Cup or Payne Cup says school rugby league president Andrew Peach

The state schoolboy rugby league competition which gave players like David Fifta and Jaydn Su’a a start could still be played in 2020, with Queensland Schools Rugby League president Andrew Peach saying it was “far too early’’ to make a decision either way.

The state schoolboy rugby league competition which gave players like David Fifta and Jaydn Su’a a start could still be played in 2020, with Queensland Schools Rugby League president Andrew Peach saying it was “far too early’’ to make a decision either way.

The prestigious Langer Cup is contested in southern Queensland and the Payne Cup in country Queensland and is a prime resource for all NRL clubs.

Kirwan High Bears celebrate with Cowboys legend Aaron Payne (centre) after taking out the Aaron Payne Cup final over St Brendan's College. Picture NRL Photos

“We are very conscious of our role in being responsible in how we respond to the COVID-19 challenge, and ultimately will be guided by the Department of Education,’’ Peach said.

“But we are very keen to see our year 12 students have the opportunity to represent their school in their final year,’’ he said.

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“I’m not confirming it’s off and I’m not confirming that it’s on, it’s far too early to call.

“It’s a pandemic that we’ve never experienced … so it’s something that you have to take day by day and make those assessments closer to the time.’’

The gutsy, unheralded Ipswich SHS squad under coach Joshua Brethreton which finished equal first in the Langer Cup, only to roll back to second on points for and against.

The two senior Cup competitions were scheduled to start in May and continue into June before the competition reverts to state finals in July-August. It then culminates in a national final in September.

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While the running of a full season was extremely unlikely, there may be scope, for example, to play parts of the competition in July-August or September if the coronavirus crisis eases.

Blake Cesari, St Mary's. St Mary's vs Wavell State High School, Allan Langer Cup. Wednesday, 19th Jun, 2019.

This would at least enable students with a chance to represent their schools while play for either of the Cups.

Last year Kirwan State High School beat Marsden SHS in the state grand final.

Peach said the competition “is the only truly elite competition based on the talent of the team, with an avenue for any school to be national champions.

Trey Peni of Keebra Park. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“With so many great opportunities being removed or reduced for our current year 12 students it is important that we work as hard as we possibly can to provide them with an opportunity to play for their school this year,’’ he said.

Flynn Daniel of Palm Beach Currumbin. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“We have had great support from the clubs, the QRL and NRL, News and Foxtel in the past and I’m sure if we can get the all clear later in the year, the players will be ready to go, and the support from our various communities across Queensland will be keen to get behind their schools.

Aaron Payne Cup final between Kirwan High and St Brendan's College at 1300Smiles Stadium. Kirwan's D'jazirhae (Mia) Pua'avase. Picture: Evan Morgan

“You only have to look at the impact in Townsville of Kirwan SHS winning the national title to know how uplifting sport can be for a community.’’

Last year News livestreamed the state competitions through The Courier-Mail, the Townsville Bulletin and Cairns Post.

Ignatius Park College and Kirwan State High School played for the Aaron Payne Cup. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

In season 2019 there was an army of talent players picked by NRL clubs hoping to unearth the next star.

Already this year Kirwan SHS past student Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow was glimpsed by the NRL community when he starred for the Cowboys in the pre-season 9s tournament.

Langer Cup rugby league played between Ipswich State High School and St Mary's College Toowoomba.

JJ Clarkson (Canberra) from Wavell SHS, the coast’s Todd Sexton (Titans), Ativalu Lisati (Panthers) from Ipswich SHS and TC Robati (Broncos) of Marsden SHS were particularly eye-catching players.