Mabel Park SHS are Langer winners - despite results

Mabel Park SHS were winners in the Langer Trophy areana despite the result of today’s quarterfinal clash.

Alex Leapai, Elikena Finau, Melchizadek Laumatia. Picture, John Gass

The NRL Schoolboys Cup (Langer Trophy) will reach a flashpoint today with four knockout quarterfinals, all live streamed by www.couriermail.com.au.

It will be the first time in the big league for Marymount College, promoted into the eight team finals after winning the second tier Titans’ School League.

WATCH ALL FOUR QUARTER FINALS LIVE HERE

And for giant-killers Mabel Park SHS today will be their players biggest match after earning promotion into the Langer Trophy last season.

Last week Mabel Park SHS players claimed a huge scalp by defeating Keebra Park SHS in the biggest boilover of the season, the team’s third win.

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But win, lose or draw today against Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, Mabel Park SHS’s success runs deeper than the win-loss column.

The school’s presence in the Broncos’ sponsored competition has given students a chance to play at the highest schoolboy level without having to leave the school, while further galvanising community spirit in the working class region.

“Obviously growing up Mabel was not really on the (rugby league) map,’’ said captain Kena Finau.

Alex Leapai, Elikena Finau, Melchizadek Laumatia. Picture, John Gass

“But being in the competition has had a big impact on our community.

“Last year was new to me, coming into the top comp, and it was difficult and we did not know what to expect.

“But this year we are feeling better and we have had more confidence.’’

Where someone like Roosters-signed front row powerhouse Alex Leapai may have been lured to rival Langer schools, he can stay put and achieve with his mates in the school community he has been a part of since Prep.

Captain Keano has also come right through from Prep to Year 12 and is honoured to captain Mabel this season.

“It has been a massive honour for me to be captain. Coming from nothing, Mabel was just a little school but now we are in the top comp. It has been a big honour to lead the boys out onto the paddock.’’

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

11am: Ipswich SHS vs Coombabah SHS

12.30pm: Palm Beach Currumbin SHS vs Mabel Park SHS

2pm: Keebra Park SHS vs Marymount College

3.30pm: Marsden SHS vs Wavell SHS