Marsden SHS school’s rugby league team remains grounded despite euphoria of making final

Perhaps the most impressive part of Marsden SHS’s thrilling win over St Brendan’s Yeppoon yesterday came after the match, not during the 42-18. Despite the victory carrying their side into the NRL National Schoolboys Cup final, celebrations were subdued.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Marsden SHS’s thrilling win over St Brendan’s Yeppoon yesterday came after the match, not during the 42-18.

Despite the victory carrying their side into the NRL National Schoolboys Cup grand final against Kirwan SHS, celebrations were subdued.

PHOTO GALLERY OF MARSDEN’S ROAD TO THE FINAL

The side walked over to their many elated supporters but, unlike their delirious supporters, they did not over do the celebrations.

Marsden SHS supporters in full celebration yesterday at Langlands Park.

They posed for a team photo in front of fans, then left the field an even faced mob as if already thinking about the grand final to be played on September 11.

The Marsden boys could then be heard doing a singalong in the dressing room, but when it finished the celebrations were over.

Marsden SHS coach Jesse Maclean with his subdued players after the semi-final win and, to his left, co-captain Konrad Tu’ua, whose steady reaction is typical of his understated role in the side.

When Marsden SHS coach Jesse Maclean was asked was there a message he would like to get across after qualifying for the state grand final, he said: “It is not over. The boys are not satisfied now it is so close,’’ Maclean said.

“The boys did not carry on. They showed maturity after the game.’’

The Marsden SHS school mascot with supporters at Langlands Park.

The team’s understated celebrations were a reflection on the leadership of their co-captain, Konrad Tu’ua, who shares the job with ace fullback Tyrone Sa’u.

He is the glue of the side, a steady citizen which every successful squads needs.

Marsden SHS supporters at Langlands Park.

As a player he is the perfect link between his eye-catching forwards like Keenan Timu and TC Robati, and his matchwinning backs.

You don’t notice him because he is doing the job, steering his side around and getting ball to those that count when they need it.

Marsden SHS co-captain and goal-kicker Konrad Tu'ua kicking for goal.

Without Tu’ua’s covering tackle in the semi-final against Palm Beach Currumbin, his team’s campaign could be over.

Tu’ua is also a ultra reliable goal-kicker which, in an even competition, is gold to his teammates.

Marsden SHS players leave the field at halftime against St Brendan's in the NRL Schoolboy Cup state semi-final.

Again yesterday Tu’ua cooly kicked goals under pressure when the match was in the balance.

Another unsung hero is No.13 Caleb Evans.

He is a rough and tumble type who tackles hard and runs hard.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT ALL FOUR FINALS’ MATCHES AT LANGLANFS PARK

He is a schoolboy, but you get the impression he would walk into the squad of most Queensland Cup outfits.

Evans is the type of football every side needs.

NRL organisers were still waiting to finalise the venue and the time of the state final, but it will certainly be staged on September 11.