The Brisbane Broncos have snared an off-field ace from renowned rugby league nursery Marsden SHS

The Brisbane Broncos have snared one of the brains behind one of the best schoolboy nurseries in rugby league. Marsden SHS rugby league co-ordinator Matthew Hartigan is moving after three years at the helm of the Logan school’s league program.

The Brisbane Broncos have snared one of the brains behind one of the best schoolboy nurseries in rugby league.

Respected Marsden State High School rugby league co-ordinator Matthew Hartigan is moving after three years at the helm of the Logan school’s league program.

Hartigan farewelled students this morning before taking up a posting as Education and Pathways officer at the NRL giants. He will be replaced at Marsden SHS by Dallas Anderson.

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Hartigan, an Australian oztag representative who joined Marsden from Christian Brothers, said it was with a heavy heart he leaves Marsden although his role at Brisbane meant he would remain linked to Marsden.

Hartigan said making the decision even harder was knowing “this is going to be a massive year for us (Marsden SHS)’’.

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Hartigan said he loved rugby league because it was more than merely a sport.

“Rugby league is a great tool for us to shape the young men and women in our care and provide opportunities for individuals to feel success on a daily basis,’’ he said.

Matthew Hartigan with students at Marsden SHS.

Hartigan said he was excited about Marsden’s talent, including those year 7s who were joining the Marsden SHS excellence program this year.

“I would love nothing more than to see Marsden players come through and play in the NRL for the Broncos,’’ Hartigan said.

Matthew Hartigan as an Australian Oztag team member in 2017. Photo Ric Frearson

Last season Marsden’s senior side went all the way to the National Schoolboys grand final.

However, below them the school’s Year 10 outfit, spearheaded by Lance Fualema, Eli Tuli, classy centre Teapo Stoltman and dummy half Tyree Bowman, claimed the Walters Cup.

Marsden’s Year 7 and 8 teams also impressed.

Marsden State High School Walters Cup players listen to coach Matthew Hartigan during last season.

Marsden SHS principal Andrew Peach said Hartigan would “always be part of our story here at Marsden’’.

“And his current job at the Broncos means he will always be able to maintain a close relationship with us here at school.’’

He said Hartigan played “an enormous role’’ in getting our rugby league program to where it is today’’.

Marsden SHS has produced the likes of Cameron Smith, Corey Norman, Antonio Winterstein, Jaydn Sua, Israel Folau, Corey Allan and Tesi Niu who made his debut for Tonga in a win of Great Britain last October.