How a southern Darling Downs boy arrived at Wavell SHS

Langer Trophy: Wavell SHS’s Timahna Tandy is a rookie on the rise at the famous rugby league finishing school. His story here.

Wavell SHS’s Timahna Tandy. Picture, John Gass

Dolphins’ Isaiya Katoa is only a rookie himself, but the boom NRL playmaker is already having an impact on the club’s young academy halves - like Wavell’s Timahna Tandy.

The diminutive Tandy, who will play five-eight in this afternoon’s Langer Trophy clash against Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, has fostered a relationship with Katoa who is the NRL’s boom young half.

WATCH LIVE STREAM TODAY HERE, LANGER; WALTERS CUP

“When I have been to Dolphins training, Isaiya Katoa and I do a bit of work, like goal kicking and game management.

Timahna Tandy of Wavell SHS, Picture, John Gass

Once, Dolphins winger Jamyne Isaako also joined Katoa in working on “some management, kick placement and goal kicking” with Tandy.

Exposure to the benefits of the Dolphins’ academy is all a part of Tandy’s development after the quick stepping fullback-turned-half arrived at Wavell SHS from the southern Darling Downs.

Langer Trophy five-eight Timahna Tandy. Picture, John Gass

Tandy was born in Warwick, then moved to Tenterfield where he started his junior football

at Border Bears, before moving back to Warwick to play for the Hornets.

After a call from one of his father’s mates, Tandy received an opportunity to continue his schooling at Wavell SHS, a famous breeding ground for rugby league talent.

Initially Tandy lived with a host family associated with Wavell SHS, before his family also joined him in relocating to Brisbane.

Langer Trophy profile image of Timahna Tand. Picture, John Gass

He arrived as a fullback, but adapted his game to five-eight and has enjoyed his time in the Langer Trophy. “It’s a big change, it’s a lot quicker,’’ said Tandy, an indigenous boy who designed NAIDOC themed jerseys his teammates will wear in today’s clash.

- story with Thomas Hargreaves

Langer Trophy live stream schedule

4.30pm: Marsden SHS v Ipswich SHS (Walters Cup, 3.15pm)

5pm: Keebra Park SHS v Mabel Park SHS (Walters Cup, 3.45pm)

5pm: Caloundra SHS v Redcliffe SHS (Walters Cup 2pm)

5pm: Wavell SHS v PBC SHS (Walters Cup, 3.45pm)