GPS First XV rugby: Six of the best things we learned

The much anticipated GPS First XV competition got off with a bang at the weekend, with players from heavyweight schools flexing their muscles. Here’s what we learned from round one.

The giants of GPS First XV rugby union are off and running, with players from heavyweights The Southport School and St Joseph’s Nudgee College flexing their muscles.

But there was plenty going on around those teams, with St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace emerging with an upset win, while Toowoomba Grammar School and BSHS both displayed plenty of green shoots.

Here are six things we learned from the opening round.

Nudgee College produced an accomplished moment.

TERRACE THE BRAVE ARE BACK

This time last year St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace’s First XV camp were lamentomg a first round near miss against arch rivals Nudgee College.

Terrace went close to a boilover against Nudgee, but in 2021 made no mistake with a gutsy 13-7 victory.

There was no escape for their first round prey, with Terrace captain Joe Liddy inspiring his team to victory over a plucky Ipswich Grammar School.

“He is a real calming influence. He is a real leader on and off the field,’’ said Terrace director of rugby Tyron Mandrusiak.

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ROUND 1 REPORT

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN SEASON 2021

THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS GOLDEN BEACHES, SURF - AND OSKA BOYD

Oska Boyd’s four-try performance for St Joseph’s Nudgee College in its round 1 win over BSHS was one of the early round highlights.

Nudgee's Oska Boyd celebrates his four tries

Not unlike one of Queensland’s favourite wing sons, 91-game veteran Paul Carozza, Boyd’s legs work like pistons as they carry him across the ground.

A boarder from the Sunshine Coast, Boyd will be the first to say he was gifted tries playing outside Rob Toia and a possession winning pack. But you don’t fluke four tries, and his general play running also gave Nudgee plenty thrust.

Boyd’s effort to catch Byron Smith’s cross field kick in the gutsy winds was also a highlight.

Ahmani Leiluc scores for BSHS.

BEWARE BRISBANE STATE HIGH SCHOOL

BSHS may have gone down to Nudgee College 39-7, but the scoreline does not reflect the talent in the side.

Yes, Nudgee dominated early to lead 22-nil, but for large chunks beyond that, including into the second half, BSHS enjoyed a territorial advantage.

Forwards Leilua, Tualima, Sekona and Magautai have plenty to offer, while No.10 Luke Hatherall has capable players outside him in Chang and Winters.

There is plenty of upside to the BSHS side.

Toowoomba Grammar School had plenty of promising signs. Picture, John Gass

TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL - GREEN SHOOTS

At the front they have skipper Charlie Wigan leading the way and at the back TGS has the silky skills of goal kicking ace, fullback Morris Clementson.

And in between TGS have a spirited bunch who won’t be a pushover for any side in 2021.

TGS’s away effort in losing to the Zac Hough inspired-Brisbane Boys College made keen observers sit up and take notice.

And with promising centre Joe Currie one of the best outside backs in the competition, good times can roll on for TGS supporters this season.

NUDGEE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES

They were good, very good, in beating BSHS 39-7 in a complete team performance.

From mobile front rowers Macarius Perira and Natiana Wini-Kerei through to fullback Louis de Villiers, Nudgee were a unit.

Yes they had star power in centre Rob Toia, but they were a team.

Nudgee has a beautifully balanced back forward five in Stack, Maiara, Cameron, Dallimore and le Blanc who contributed greatly to the smooth operation of the team.

But Nudgee also have defensive grunt.

BSHS’s forwards were physical carrying the ball, but only once did they penetrate. It was the type of defensive commitment which will lay foundations for their tilt at the title.

Jack Denson scores again. Pic Mike Batterham

TSS’S PUNISHING OUT WIDE

The Southport School’s electric back three combined for nine of 11 school tries in a 71-5 round one thrashing of Brisbane Grammar School but the foundations to their success can be found even further infield.

Flyhalf Syris Schmidt and centre Kaleb Ngamanu are the last remaining players from TSS’ strongest ever First XV in 2019 and their experience and vision shone through in setting up their outside men.

Pictured At The Southport School for the Queensland GPS First XV rugby union Rd 1: The Southport School v Brisbane Grammar School. Isaiah Tolotu leaps. Pic Mike Batterham

Ngamanu especially excelled in identifying space and making sure the ball reached it, with soaring cut-out passes or precision cross-field bombs, after making his name as a pure running and tackling threat in earlier campaigns.

The Southport School’s Jye Gray. Pic Mike Batterham

AND ONE FOR THE ROAD ... NEW STAR IS BORN

First XV rugby was robbed of watching TSS fullback Jye Gray last year after a pre-season hand injury but his long-awaited debut did not disappoint.

Former TSS fullback Dion Samuela was compared to Kalyn Ponga in his prime at the school and the same comparison can be made for the white headgeared Gray.

He scored two tries and set up another two with a combination of flashy footwork and swerving speed.

Brisbane Boys College player Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. Picture, John Gass

ROUND 2

Churchie v TSS

Nudgee v BBC

BGS v IGS

Terrace v BSHS

TGS bye

GUIDE TO OUR COVERAGE

The www.couriermail.com.au match day coverage will continue each Saturday.

Monday: Each Monday we present Six Things We Have Learnt

Tuesday: Team of the Week announcement.