Langer Cup: Sydney clubs snap up Queensland schoolboy talent
Here are a dozen reasons why there is nothing wrong with the pathway for young Queensland league players aspiring to make it in the NRL, despite concerns from chairman Peter V’landys. We name some Sunshine State schoolboys off to the NRL – but not via the Broncos, Cowboys or Titans.
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Here are a dozen reasons why there is nothing wrong with the pathway for young Queensland rugby league players aspiring to make it in the NRL.
They are players from the Langer Cup competition who are just a snapshot of the schoolboys throughout Queensland signed by non Queensland NRL clubs for 2020 and beyond.
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We’re highlighting their success ahead of the semi-finals of the Langer Cup and Walters Cup, which will be livestreamed at couriermail.com.au on Wednesday.
Wavell SHS pair Tom Lunney (Canberra) and Prinston Esera (Raiders), Marsden SHS’s Teapo Stoltman (Raiders), Liam Su’a (Rabbitohs), Chris Faagutu (Tigers), Eli Tuli (Eels) and Lance Fualema (Eels), Keebra Park SHS trio Trey Peni (Wests Tigers), Lachlan Adamson and Lleyton Borg (both Bulldogs) and Ipswich SHS pair Evander Tere-Rongotaua and Tommy Luhrman (both Roosters) have secured NRL deals away from the Titans, Cowboys or Broncos.
The 12 were examples that, despite concerns from NRL chairman Peter V’landys, the pathway for young Queensland talent into the NRL is still a smooth process despite the failure of the Queensland NRL teams in season 2020.
Speaking on Monday night on Channel 9, V’landys expressed concern the plight of the Broncos, Titans and Cowboys this season was an indication the path for the next generation of Queensland teenage talent was what it should be.
But the reality is many Queenslanders find a way into NRL clubs even if they are not signed by the three Queensland clubs.
And these 12 players are merely a snapshot of young maroons bound for the NRL off-season training not in Queensland, with many players from Langer Cup powerhouse Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, the Titans Cup competition, Gee Cup and Payne Cup competitions all secured by southern clubs.
Ipswich SHS pair Evander Tere-Rongotaua and Tommy Luhrman, who will play in Wednesday’s Langer Cup semi-finals, said they were honoured to be given an opportunity by the Roosters.
“It felt amazing it was very exciting for not just me but for my family too,’’ Luhrman said.
“It was a dream come true it was one foot closer to achieving the dream of playing NRL. But you haven’t made it until you have made it.’’
Ipswich SHS teammate Tere-Rongotaua, who was also signed by the Roosters, added: “Being able to sign a contract was a dream come true.
“When I signed my first contract it was highly unexpected to be signed at that age. It was a very humbling and emotional experience.
“As now I am able to live my dreams and put me and my family in a position to live a life we dreamt of.’’
WEDNESDAY LIVESTREAM
THE SEMI-FINALS
1.30pm: Walters Cup
Marsden SHS v Keebra Park SHS
2.45pm: Walters Cup
Wavell SHS v Palm Beach Currumbin SHS
4.00pm: Langer Cup
Wavell SHS v Keebra Park SHS
5.15pm: Langer Cup
Palm Beach Currumbin SHS v Ipswich SHS