AIC rugby league’s best players from round 1 revealed here

Following an action-packed opening round, we reveal who made the grade in our AIC First XIII rugby league team of the week.

Ashgrove defends against Villanova College. Picture, John Gass

The AIC First XIII rugby league competition started with St Laurence’s College, Padua College and Marist College Ashgrove round 1 winners.

St Laurence’s College 26 defeated Iona College 16, Padua College 36 defeated St Patrick’s College 24 while Ashgrove got away from Villanova.

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This weekend Villanova College will be eager to redeem themselves when they confront Paddies at Ashgrove, while Iona will confront St Edmund’s who had a first round bye, and Ashgrove will host arch rivals Padua.

So who were the best performers from round 1? All is revealed here

St Laurence’s College vs. Iona College. Picture, John Gass

TEAM OF THE WEEK

1. Nate Wallin (Villanova)

– Playing at fullback, Wallin had a blinder of a game in a losing side. He was strong defensively and broke the line a few times

2. Aiden Jackson (Villanova)

Jackson was a pillar of strength on the wing for Villa, and was particularly strong defensively against Ashgrove on the wing

St Laurenceâ’s College vs. Iona College

3. Topaz Mohi (Iona)

Mohi played left centre and consistently threatened the defence while also doing some strong carries for Iona.

4. Brodie McLaren (St Laurence’s)

McLaren controlled the game expertly from halfback, directing his team around the park. He was coming off a successful school season when he helped St Laurence’s College to its third successive AIC First XV rugby premiership. He played halfback but we named him in our centres, a position he played in rugby.

5. Hudson Burgess (St Laurence’s College)

The winger scored on half time to keep Laurie’s within reach and proved a very powerful runner. Burgess also saved a try in the corner.

St Patrick’s College celebrated a try. Picture, John Gass

6. Taj Leis (St Patrick’s)

It is a famous name on the bayside so it is little wonder Leis gave a good account of himself. Leis directed the team to areas on the field, enabling St Patrick’s to play to its strength.

7. Jude Knapp (Ashgrove)

Knapp’s kicking, running and short passing game were outstanding on Saturday. He had four try assists to his name, two of which got Ashgrove off to a strong 12-0 start. Knapp was also heavily involved in all his team’s attacking raids.

8. Ollie O’Regan (Padua)

The edge forward gave Padua plenty of thrust in overcoming a game Paddies

Villanova College’s Cam Bukowski scores a try despite the efforts of Jude Knapp. Picture, John Gass

9. Cam Bukowski (Villanova)

Playing at half back for Villa, he was strong in taking the ball up in attack and scored a try. We named him hooker here, a position in which he played while representing the Queensland schoolboys this year. This was in order to get all the best players from Rd 1 in the side.

Ashgrove Vs Villanova College. Picture, John Gass

10. Leon Karena (Ashgrove)

A recent selection in the Confraternity Carnival Team of the Tournement, the middle forward had another strong performance in both attack and defence. He was always a handful when he carried the footy and got Ashgrove going forward.

Leon Karena (middle) was Ashgrove's best player at the recent Confraternity league carnival. On his right is well known Ash old boy Peter Anderson, a former league journeyman and representative prop. Picture: Marist College Ashgrove Facebook.

11. Ben Davis (St Laurence’s)

A true all-rounder, Davis shone in the back row with strong defence and was difficult to contain with his carries. He is having a big sporting year at Laurie’s, having started Term 1 in the College’s top AFL side, then playing No.8 in Laurie’s First XV premiership winning side. He also made our AIC First XV rugby Team of the Year as a reserve.

Ashgrove on the move. Picture, John Gass

Jasper Barry (Ashgrove)

The hard running back rower back was fully fit after injuring his ankle in the first five minutes of the Confraternity Carnival. He did an excellent job defensively against a strong Villanova left edge.

13. Finn Dalton (Padua)

No more could have been asked of lock Flnn Dalton who gave his side front foot ball by getting to his feet quickly and playing the ball, while also being very effective in defence.

St Laurence’s College vs. Iona College AIC First XIII rugby league. Saturday July 22, 2023. Picture, John Gass

RESERVES

Oscar Hunter (St Laurence’s)

Every team needs an Oscar Hunter. Hunter locked down the middle third of the field with terrific ruck defence.

Padua Vs St Patrick’s College Picture, John Gass

Samuel Condon (St Patrick’s)

Condon has brought a calmness to the group with his ability to control the ruck. Last Saturday he gave great service to St Patrick’s in attack and defence.

Brock Powell (Padua)

He had a big First XV campaign with Padua and he repeated the douse in round 1 with a rousing edge forward effort.

Round 2:

Marist College Ashgrove v Padua

Villanova v St Patrick’s College

Iona v St Edmund’s College

St Laurence’s College vs. Iona College AIC First XIII rugby league. Saturday July 22, 2023. Picture, John Gass