Langer Trophy - Storm boy signing and 6 things we learned
Langer Trophy: Storm boy signing Tea-Rani Woodman-Tuhoro shows fantastic pace and 6 things we learned from Round 5.
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Round 5 has been run and won, with Keebra Park SHS confirming its recovery from a slow start with a dramatic win over Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, and Marsden SHS winger Tea Rani Woodman-Tuhoro showing why he impressed Melbourne Storm talent scouts.
Here are six things we learned from round 5 of the Langer Trophy, which was all livestreamed by www.couriermail.com.au, the Gold Coast Bulletin and News’ affiliates.
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ALEX LEAPAI JUNIOR - DOING IT FOR DAD
WOODMAN’S PACE
It is now evident to all why the canny Melbourne Storm talent scouts recently signed Marsden SHS left winger Tea-Rani Woodman-Tuhoro - speed.
Woodman scored two second half tries, one from a miracle pass from centre Will Semu, to help Marsden SHS overtake an increasingly impressive Mabel Park SHS which had taken an 18-12 lead into the second half.
IPSWICH SHS’s DEFENCE
Ipswich SHS has tackled its way back into semi-final contention with back to back wins over Coombabah SHS and, last night, over Wavell SHS school.
Coach Joshua Bretherton said an increase in its physical tackling intensity at training, and an alteration in attitude, had led to a renewed defensive effort.
He said Ipswich had always prided itself on defence, win, lose or draw, but pre-school holidays preparations had to be altered to ensure players returning from injury had the appropriate workload.
But since the break, and with a fully fit and confident squad, defensive training had been ramped up.
“But there is never an easy game and we have to go back next week and do it again,’’ he said.
KEEBRA PARK SHS DISPLAY DEFENSIVE WOW
Keebra Park SHS scored 30 points to beat Palm Beach Currumbin 30-22 but it was the team’s defence which impressed coach Glen Campbell most.
“The match showed me how we are a team now, not so much individuals,’’ Campbell said.
“And the defence in the first half was really special,’’ he added, saying PBC SHS basically had to kick the ball over Keebra Park’s defensive line to find points.
“We had belief in ourselves that we could score points and defend our tryline.
“We know what we can do, but everyone is starting to settle into position.’’
Representative forwards Herman Tofaeono (prop) and Blake Mozer (hooker) continued to impress, but “we are showing form across the park’’
But he said the ball-playing middle forward PJ Poutasi “he has shown massive improvement’’ coming off the bench.
“They are allowed to shine because the team is doing their job,’’ he praised.
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WATCH ALL ROUND 2 REPLAYS HERE
COOMBABAH SHS - ITS GREAT HAVING SIELAFF-BURNS BACK
Coombabah SHS’s big win over St Mary’s College, 38-nil, and most pleasing to coach Sam Meskell was keeping the opposition to nil.
“It is nice to score some points and play some good footy in attack, but there was a period where we defended our line with 12 players,’’ he said.
But when it came to attack, it was great having Tim Sielaff-Burns return from injury.
“Tim was really good,’’ Meskell said.
“He did not play a full game, but it was quality, especially on the left edge. And he brought more energy.’’
But he had highest praise for props K-ci Whare and Joseph Shannon.
“We still have a few out and we are a bit light in the front row,’’ Meskell explained.
“Joey Shannon and K-ci Wharehad played big minutes.
“It would be nice to get some middles back to share the load and bring some punch off the bench, and they had to play most of the game.
“A big wrap has to go to them.’’
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ROUND 4 REPLAY, WAVELL V MABEL PARK SHS
ROUND 4 REPLAY, IPSWICH V COOMBABAH SHS
MABEL PARK SHS HAVE GOT IT - ALMOST
Gosh Mabel Park SHS were impressive in defeat last night.
Don’t take our word for it - just ask any of the Marsden SHS players or coaching staff.
They were beautifully coached and executed their skills, playing an up-tempo game which absolutely took Marsden SHS out of their comfort zone.
Mabel Park SHS led 18-12 into the second half.
But they weren’t playing mugs and Marsden SHS have shown this season, after gaining valuable experience as rookies last season, they have gone from boys to men.
Marsden hit back with its game, its class, its skill and Mabel Park SHS lost contact - before finishing the game strongly which itself was a good sign.
But in that period 20 points were scored.
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Mabel Park SHS just need to cling on in those times to the best of their ability. It may not mean they win, but they just need to hang on - and no doubt a good dose of confidence generated by a win would help their cause.
“For most of the match we played like twin brothers,’’ coach Lee Addison said in reference to pre-publicity touting a Big Brother v Little Brother showdown.
“For 15 minutes we played like little brother against big brother.
“But I am still proud.’’
MARSDEN SHS - SIZE, SPEED AND CLASS HELPS
When it comes to a pinch, when you are a side with size, speed and class, it helps a lot - no matter how iron willed the opposition are.
Size comes through Xavier Stowers who last night twice scored tries because of his size and power - and not for the first time this season either.
Speed came through Tea-Rani Woodman (featured above) and Teapo Stoltman, and the return of Leon Te Hau, and skill came though centre Will Semu, a year 10 student who has it.
Skill also came through the world’s biggest halfback, Taelon Te-Whiu-Hopa, a great kid who has been signed by the Titans. He is filling in for regular No.7 Cassius Cowley (injured).
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