The 2025 AIC First XV Team of the Season revealed after thrilling grand-final finish
Who has made the AIC First XV schoolboy rugby Team of the Season? All is revealed here, along with recognition of dozens of other high achievers from every school.
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The 2025 AIC First XV schoolboy rugby Team of the Season can be unveiled following Padua College’s 24-19 premiership win over Ashgrove last Saturday.
It marked Padua’s second straight premiership and remarkably kept the 2025 cohort’s unbeaten run from Year 5 alive — an eight year stretch where the school’s As team was never toppled.
The bumper team of the season squad reflects the performances of the competition’s top four sides — Padua, Marist, St Laurence’s and Villanova — with 15 of the 23 coming from those colleges.
Padua trio Nate Clark, Damon Humphrys and Will Ross make the side for the second year in a row after featuring in the 2024 team.
The final placings of 2025 were: Padua (14pts), Ashgrove (12pts), St Laurence’s (10pts), Villanova (8pts), St Patrick’s (4pts), Iona (4pts), St Edmund’s (4pts) and St Peters (0pts).
AIC FIRST XV RUGBY TEAM OF THE SEASON
15. Harry Taylor (St Laurence’s)
A rookie fullback in Year 10, Taylor was a threat when he ran the ball and used his speed and sharp footwork to win one-on-one encounters. He could also steal the ball at the breakdown and constantly chased Josh Madden’s kicks down field.
He’s going to be one heck of a three-year player for Laurie’s, using his footwork, pace and unpredictability to manoeuvre his way past defenders in years to come.
Earlier in the year he was excellent in the Cyril Connell Cup Under-17 club rugby league competition for the Souths Logan Magpies as a halfback.
14. Liam Rice (Ashgrove)
The ducking and diving runs of Rice, a small target, were a revelation for Ashgrove.
From round one until last Saturday’s grand final, he was able to impact matches with his running game.
He was a tough little rooster, and across the season received several heavy knocks — but always bounced back to his feet after treatment and continued to give defenders grief with his quick feet and lightning acceleration over the first two metres.
13. Gio Koopu (St Laurence’s)
The barnstorming Gio Koopu played inside centre but was such a great addition to Laurie’s power game that he had to be in this team as a No. 13.
Goopu was a revelation for the black and golds, with his strong running from the midfield, toughness and uncompromising play getting his team over the advantage line and giving them a platform to mount an attack.
The Year 11 student is sure to be a leader of the side next season.
12. Nate Clark (Padua)
Clark was a tough as teak inside back with the skill and IQ to accompany his rugged game.
No one got over the top of Clark in defence, while his attacking prowess was evident on the days he filled in expertly for injured flyhalf Damon Humphrys against both St Peters and St Laurence’s.
Clark came into the AIC rugby season firing after a gruelling Mal Meninga Cup campaign as an edge forward for Norths and without him, Padua wouldn’t have been as good as they were.
He was outstanding against St Laurence’s, a dangerous Iona team early in the season, and again on grand final day against Ashgrove.
11. Jarah Chaseling (Padua)
The scorer of a superb try last Saturday against Ashgrove when he beat two defenders, class act Chaseling consistently caught the eye with his stylish intrusions.
His solo try against Iona in round two was one of the season’s highlights, while he produced a Doubles Daley Medal winning performance against Villanova and had his way against St Peters on a windswept night.
Then against St Patrick’s the winger or fullback showed fancy feet and skill.
A stylish runner, Chaseling could score or create a try from nothing.
10. Damon Humphrys (Padua)
The tactical-kicking maestro was simply the best in his position.
Using his deft grubber kicking, territory-gaining tactical kicking, short and long passing game, as well as his deceptive speed and athleticism, Humphrys was the complete package flyhalf.
He has been to the forefront of a golden three years of First XV rugby at Padua.
He was magnificent with the boot in last Saturday’s grand final.
9. Pat Albion (St Edmund’s)
A frontrunner for St Edmund’s Sportsman of the Year award, the stylish Albion had a big season — which followed a grand First XI cricket campaign.
The experienced scrumhalf started the year with successive Doubles Daley medals and maintained a high standard as the season went along.
Even in one of his less distinguished games, against St Peters, he stepped up in the final minute to land a pressure-packed penalty goal and win the match for his side.
8. Elliott Aldridge (Ashgrove)
Aldridge was a No. 8 enforcer and simply enormous in last Saturday’s premiership decider.
All season Aldridge looked tough and he played tough, using his strength to stem forward drives around the ruck while running without fear when he carried the ball.
When a colleague was felled, Aldridge appeared over the ruck like a guardian angel, asserting his authority.
He was the competition’s elite No. 8, with Villanova’s Ryder Childs a game-changer before breaking his cheekbone fronting up for a tackle during round 4.
7. Seb Gardiner (Ashgrove)
Are we talking about the player of the season here?
Certainly he was the forward of the winter, a young star with his angled runs back behind the ruck, attacking defence and speed to the breakdown.
While AIC rugby devotees caught a glimpse of Gardiner’s intensity last season when he played the full season at openside flanker, the captain’s impact in 2025 was on another level.
It was hard not to notice him.
6. Seb Kracht (St Edmund’s)
Versatile forward Seb Kracht was the find of the season.
A Second XV winger in 2024, he transformed himself into an impact second rower or flanker, both positions he played with distinction.
The bustling forward scored tries in every match, defended like he was the last soldier left in the fortress, and both won and disrupted line out balls.
With more experience, this wildcard weapon would surely excel in Colts club rugby next season.
5. Liam Whale (Iona)
Iona lock Liam Whale had himself a season to remember.
With troops falling left, right and centre around him, Whale was a staple of consistency in a challenging season for the Ionians.
Whale did not miss a training session, nor did he miss a minute on the park.
He was effective when he played too, tackling hard and often to set a high standard for his teammates.
Whale also helped his team’s cause with his strong carries and lineout work, although his defence was most impressive.
4. Will Ross (Padua)
Ross convinced one and all that he was worthy of the three year development deal the Reds signed him on before the start of the season.
The towering young man showed he is a well-rounded, damaging lock forward with leadership and skill from the tip of his head down to his toes.
In key games against Iona and St Laurence’s, Ross was a rollicking performer and he was the competition’s most effective lineout jumper.
3. Luka Smith (St Laurence’s)
Smith capped off a 21-game First XV career on Saturday with a Doubles Daley medal and a near sideline conversion in a 53-5 win over St Peters.
It was an appropriate farewell tour for a loosehead prop who has given St Laurence’s his best for three seasons.
The big and burly bulldozer was destructive in close quarter battle, hard to bring down in space and highly skilled for a player in his position.
2. Mitch Wallis (St Patrick’s)
A hooker with two more years of First XV rugby ahead, Wallis headed a Paddies scrum which held its ground against every opposition.
Wallis, who claimed four of seven Doubles Daley medals, got increasingly harder to handle running the ball as well.
The powerful 15-year-old was at the epicentre of Paddies’ campaign and he has the perfect frame and big build to be a formidable front-row force moving forward.
Watch this space.
1. Paul Deeb (St Peters)
The Saints loosehead led from the front again after a titanic 2024 campaign.
Deeb’s scrummaging and skill is of the highest calibre and even if he was at another school, he would be a First XV player for sure.
He has been St Peters’ best strongman over the past two seasons and his selection here is great recognition of a player who doesn’t drop his standards under any circumstance.
RESERVES
16 Josh Heinrich (Ashgrove)
Hooker Heinrich had the season of his life.
As a goal kicker he slotted 85 percent of his kicks and was an elite running forward who scored tries from 45m out, as well as set them up.
Heinrich also nailed down his set piece commitments and, overall, was about as good as it gets when it comes to a schoolboy rugby hooker.
17. Denzel Savelino (St Patrick’s)
Paddies’ supreme leader, Savelino was a great loosehead prop and even better captain.
Fitter, stronger and wiser in 2025, the returning prop was consistently good and rarely made mistakes.
He also played through fatigue to put in regular 70 minute performances.
Savelino held the lantern for a young side which challenged every opponent and had a better season than expected.
18. Jack Mercer (Padua)
Fast and fit, this ultra-consistent front-row forward was just top notch in 2025.
Loosehead Mercer displayed aggression, power and endurance, relishing the physical battle and always proving a good option in attack.
He loved to ruffle feathers and dig his teeth into pick and drive play.
A very important piece of the premiership puzzle for Padua, including on grand final day.
19. James Kenny (St Peters)
Against the odds flanker James Kenny has been the best little thief in the competition, stealing dozens of possessions back for his side against all opponents.
The Saints breakaway was simply incredible.
While those outside St Peters’ inner sanctum were surprised by his impact, teammates would not have been.
Kenny is the first person to do extra work across the weekend in preparation for matches. In an outgunned forward pack, flanker Kenny was brave to the core and always on time for St Peters.
20. Tom O’Regan (Padua)
A grand final birthday boy, O’Regan came to life in 2025 after going with the motions in 2024.
He jumped out of the box to be super important for Padua, attacking each game with vim and vigour to be a vital breakaway.
He ripped possession away from opponents on multiple occasions, scored the decisive dagger against St Laurence’s in round 5 and had the energy of two players put into one.
21. Alex Borger (Villanova)
The scrumhalf spot was the most hotly contested given the quality of players in this position.
Borger’s accurate goal kicking got him over the line.
On Saturday, he nailed seven from seven and was a man possessed with his speed to the breakdown, service and territory kicking.
It was the perfect way to end what was a terrific season from the First XI cricket ace.
He started the year in style against St Laurence’s and worked his socks off for 70 minutes in the six games that followed.
22. Ryan Smallhorne (St Patrick’s)
Smallhorne was fantastic at fullback for St Patrick’s.
Playing through a shoulder injury for much of the year, Smallhorne was still a constant danger despite not once feeling 100 per cent.
Each game Smallhorne shed tackles with his speed and jinking feet and it created momentum and opportunities for his side.
If he was at full fitness, Smallhorne could have been even more of a nuisance at fullback.
23. Darcy Kerr (Villanova)
Fullback Kerr, a dangerous mover, added an attacking spark to Villanova’s attack.
Running the ball, Kerr’s light footwork and turn of speed created half chances and overlaps.
He was the type of player who could make something happen from nothing.
Kerr, who played well at inside centre last Saturday, also had a cannon of a boot that got Villanova out of trouble when needed.
He read the game beautifully.
THE FANTASTIC FIVE WHO ONLY JUST MISSED SELECTION
Josh Madden (St Laurence’s)
The St Laurence’s scrumhalf was also superb in 2025 and many would argue the No. 9 position could have been his.
The chirpy halfback served his flyhalf Tom Ahern well, along with the forwards, and box kicked his side out of danger at times.
The rangy halfback did a tremendous job swinging the ball wide when the backs were on, while knowing when it was time to feed his ferocious forwards who were always hungry.
Max Bolton (Iona)
Had the Iona fullback played more games, he would have been in the team.
Bolton missed three games but in the four he played, he did enough to show selectors why he should be an automatic inclusion into the Queensland Schoolboys side.
Bolton was picked at No. 12 despite not playing at the national championships.
When in action for Iona, Bolton was a class above at times with his astute kicking, safety under the high ball and football smarts and skill.
Lachie Francis (Villanova)
Francis played every minute of every game at flyhalf and operated at a very high standard.
The gutsy Year 11 showed calmness and poise under pressure and his decision making and execution was top class.
He always found touch when he needed to and had a nice running game which he could call upon.
Xavier Howard (Ashgrove)
In a high achieving side it was hard for outside centre Xavier Howard to be a star, but he was always among his team’s top five performers.
The well-rounded No.13 was extremely reliable, someone who took the right options and never transferred pressure along the line to his wingers or fullback Ollie Millard.
A strong defender, Howard had classy hands and it would have been a pleasure to be a support player when he carried the ball.
Sam Binney (Villanova)
Sam Binney was a wonderful front row servant, a pillar from which the pack was constructed upon.
A tough tighthead prop who was strong and consistent, Binney’s defence was brutal and he was also difficult to tackle.
The Villanova rugby community can only hope they have someone to step up into his shoes in 2026 because they are size 13s to fill.
CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS AWARD
Diesel Hauff (Iona)
Hauff had a fractured shoulder all season long but endured the pain to give the side his best as captain.
Hauff is set for a shoulder reconstruction, after battling through and playing every game until he could no more and came off towards the end.
He was a highly-skilled backrower who ran like a rugby league edge forward and possessed the silky hands of an inside back.
GRAND FINAL HERO AWARD
Harry Walsh (Padua)
The Padua hooker was a Steady Eddie performer all season before coming to life in the grand final to give his side a big boost.
He was an inspiring figure when it mattered most with his tackling just sensational.
BEST NEW FACES
Finn Staley (Villanova)
A tenacious, wiry flanker, Staley was brave on the ball and the find of the season for his side.
He was an agile, tenacious defender who nullified an opponent’s attack with bravery and technique.
Staley stepped up in the absence of tone setting backrower Ryder Childs and had a season to be proud of. A complete backrower, he was also a great lineout option and damaging in attack and defence.
Harlem Faalafi — and his brother Brooklyn (Padua)
Outside centre Harlem hit the competition like a bolt from the blue in game No. 1 against St Edmund’s and was all-important during the first month of competition.
He was largely outstanding and Padua supporters will feel snug knowing the Year 11 student will be a spearhead in 2026.
Harlem’s twin brother Brooklyn, the front row version of the family, had a booming season at tighthead prop.
Joseph Cervetto (Marist Ashgrove)
Flyhalf Cervetto was a vital cog in Ashgrove’s thrill-a-minute style this season.
Ashgrove scored tries from anywhere on the field and Cervetto fired the trigger on most of their attack.
The water polo trump was creative with the ball, adding subtle variety by sometimes carrying the ball to the line in two hands, or offering quick release passes when the shift was on.
Harry Blake (St Patrick’s)
Inside centre Blake wasn’t a show stopper but he was always asking questions and cashed in twice during round 7 against Villanova.
A competitive midfielder, Blake did the little things well and was consistent.
His brother Riley, a flanker, worked himself to a standstill often in his debut season.
Matt Linnell (Villanova)
The Villa captain and lock, Linnell helped his side own its lineout by using his height to lift Finn Staley high above the pack and generate a flow of possession from the set piece.
Confronting adversity during round 1 against St Laurence’s, in windy conditions against a forward orientated opposition, Linnell gathered his troops after the send off of a teammate and ensured his side were still in the match late in the fixture.
His effort and execution was tremendous.
Nomis Fidow (St Peters)
The baby-faced assassin from St Peters had a great debut season at hooker.
Alongside the more experienced Paul Deeb and Shaye Batty, Fidow fit right in and quickly displayed plenty of natural ability.
Fidow, a Cairns product now in the St Peters boarding dorms, will return in 2026.
Hudson Bishop (Villanova)
An authoritative defender, Bishop was a quality player in the Villanova midfield.
Against the competition’s best two teams, the dynamo shut down Padua midfield strike weapons Harlem Faalafi and Harrison Vera and Ashgrove’s Xavier Howard.
Against Iona in round 4, Bishop was brilliant as well.
DISCOVERY PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bailey Swifte (Iona)
Hooker Swifte was a revelation.
As strong as an ox and skilled for a big man, Swifte made a deep and lasting impression in a season of learnings.
The rugby league junior had never thrown the ball into a lineout before this season and while that side of his game is a work in progress, his power game is already a force to be reckoned with.
The nimble big bopper will return in 2026, alongside twin brother Kalix, also a front-row battering ram.
ROOKIES OF THE YEAR
Tomi Wilson (St Edmund’s)
A Year 10 student, Wilson was a breath of fresh air who added an element of strike power to Eddies’ outside back division.
A fullback or winger, Wilson’s finest moment of the season was a two-try performance in his team’s narrow win over St Peters.
In that game, he also dropped the ball over the line going for a third.
Vin Rix (St Laurence’s)
Young tighthead Vin Rix, easily mistaken for Luka Smith because both props sported a buzz cut and brute strength, was enormous for St Laurence’s.
A Year 11 student, Rix has the frame and ferocity to be an elite prop and he had a debut season to remember playing all seven games.
He had a big engine across the park and will no doubt be a spearhead for the side in 2026.
PLAYERS WE’D LOVE TO HAVE SEEN MORE OF
Keanu Bothma (Iona)
Bothma was a class act at halfback, arguably the most distinguished No. 9 in the competition but he missed the last three matches through injury.
He is a genuinely smart footballer who always looked ahead of the game despite Iona being on the back foot for much of the season.
He could challenge defences with his runs but his best asset was an effective box kick, great direction and service to die for.
Iona were fortunate to have two very good scrumhalves, Bothma and James Turner, for this season and next.
James Turner (Iona)
Ironically Bothma’s unavailability enabled the competition to witness his replacement, James Turner, who played halfback with ease.
Turner, a First XI cricketer and representative rugby league hooker, had a head-turning game against St Edmund’s in round 7 and in a losing effort against St Laurence’s was impressive indeed.
Ryder Childs (Villanova)
Someone who was guaranteed to get his side over the gain line with each carry, this forward with an incredible work rate could change games.
Unfortunately he broke his cheekbone in round 4 but for the first month Childs was in fine form.
More to come in 2026.
Henry Page (St Laurence’s)
Page was an exhaustive flanker who did as much work in one half as some breakaways do in a match.
He was injured midway through the season.
Locklyn Ikimata-Lavea (Padua)
Athletic No. 8 Locklyn Ikimata-Lavea started in a late change for the Padua side which played Saturday’s grand final.
Big and mobile, Ikimata-Lavea was important off the bench against St Laurence’s in round 5 and played his role perfectly in the big dance.
Joel Whelan (Padua)
Joel Whelan was a potential ace in the Padua side, but he injured his shoulder early in the season and was lost to the competition.
The small sample size of a few games showed Whelan, a genuine backline utility, was going to make a difference with his communication.
Billy Rowan and Liam O’Callaghan (St Laurence’s)
St Laurence’s finished third but they played without Liam O’Callaghan and Billy Rowan, two players who could have changed that.
Captain Rowan was spectacular in round 1 against Villa but himself and flanker O’Callaghan were not seen over the last month of competition due to injury.
When St Laurence’s very nearly defeated Padua in round 5, they could have used the breakdown brilliance of O’Callaghan and leadership and determination of lock-flanker Rowan.
UNSUNG GEMS
Tristan Barclay (St Peters)
Barclay was brilliant for an under-fire St Peters outfit.
He was the pick of the backs who provided impressive No. 10 Will Lovegrove desirable service week-in-week-out.
With opposition forwards in his face, Barclay was quick to get his hands in the ruck to dig out the ball and swing it to his teammates.
Rory West (Padua)
West was a terrific finisher for Padua who in one match against St Patrick’s scored four tries and ran in a few more against St Peters in round 4.
Small but speedy and hard to bring down, West had the finesse to reward the hard work of those inside him with effortless finishing.
He was a villain on grand final day when he was twice given yellow cards, but finished with the last laugh.
Ollie Millard (Ashgrove)
Millard was an A performer this season who took the right options under pressure from defenders when Ashgrove were moving the ball from 50m, 60m or 80m out.
He was an accomplished handler, fast and knew how to get the job done when the whips were cracking.
Brad Smith (St Laurence’s)
Hooker Smith was one of the burrowing best this season, a boots and all type who got down and dirty.
His carries added a dimension to St Laurence’s forward play, while he was no witches hat in defence either.
He was aggressive in the line.
Harry Graham (Ashgrove)
Graham was at the coalface of Ashgrove’s successful season, with his long passes from the ruck hitting his inside centre Sean Green with pin point accuracy and sparking many raids.
Overall, his passing from the base of his forwards gave his backs and primary runners like Gardiner and Heinrich that extra half second more time to move.
He was an unsung hero whose snappy service would have been appreciated by teammates.
Tom Ahern (St Laurence’s)
The Laurie’s flyhalf was no flash dan but he got the job done well every week to contribute to his team’s success.
He had all the necessary skills of a flyhalf but played like he had a chip on his shoulder.
He did not have a bad game and finished on a high note against St Peters when he was involved in a handful of tries.
Harrison Vera (Padua)
The Padua winger played his role well in an unbeaten season.
His cover defence was a feature, along with his speed, footwork and smart positioning on the edge of the Padua backline.
Angus Meredith (Villanova)
The elusive outside centre was another key reason why Villanova took people by surprise in 2025.
A utility who added depth across various backline positions, Meredith had a spark in attack and presence in defence.
Fast and fearless.
Jack Breuer (St Edmund’s)
Breuer brought a doggedness on defence and fearlessness in attack which Eddies won’t be able to replace with the click of a finger.
He has been a loyal servant at No. 8 over the past two seasons.
Matt Doherty (Iona)
An outside centre with power, speed and skill, opponents had to get their A, B and Cs right the day they were confronting him.
If they did not, he had the ability to make them pay. Although he never got too much ball.
Footnote: Other unsung players included Matt McKinless (Padua), Jett Tupou (St Patrick’s), Chad O’Connell (St Edmund’s), Liam Farrelly (Ashgrove), Harry Cairns (St Patrick’s) and Abe Huxtable (St Patrick’s).
TACKLES OF THE SEASON
Sean Green (Ashgrove)
Sean Green stood up on grand final day last Saturday and delivered across the match, including his amazing tackle on Jarah Chaseling who was on the way for his second try.
With the strength of a No. 8, inside centre Green was the perfect link between his backs and forwards and often laid a foundation for his team’s successful attempts to spread the ball from long range.
Tackling him was no easy task — just as Padua hooker Harry Walsh, who injured his hand bravely bringing Green down during the hectic final moments of a gripping final, find out.
Preston Patterson (Padua)
Last Saturday Padua lock Patterson came from nowhere to stride across in cover defence and tackle Ashgrove fullback Ollie Millard early in the match after Millard had collected a pass with no one infront of him.
The importance of that tackle became evident later in the match because Padua won by just five points.
BIG IMPROVER AWARD
Markus Iselin (St Edmund’s)
The young prop from Darwin was a big improver for Eddies and did everything in his power to try and give his side parity in the forward pack.
LION HEART AWARD WINNERS
Henry Robinson (Ashgrove}
A former backrower, lock Robinson clearly enjoyed the physical stuff.
He brought a competitive nature and high work ethic to the Ashgrove tight five and was unrelenting with his go-forward and involvement.
Tom Gainer (St Laurence’s)
The lightweight second rower completed the St Laurence’s pack beautifully, giving his side an extra flanker while never taking a shortcut in tight five duties.
He could be trusted to make smart decisions under pressure.
Archie Searle (Ashgrove}
Loosehead prop Searle transitioned from the back five of the forwards, and gave his side a high work rate and plenty of go forward.
The tough and uncompromising Searle took plenty of carries and together with fellow prop Hamish Mcalonan, he was the epitome of an unsung hero.
Jett Tupou (Villanova)
Hooker Tupou caught the eye with his skills.
He could set a teammate off with subtle passing and also knock the barn door down with his power game.
Villanova were at its best with Tupou taking no prisoners.
James Johnston (Ashgrove)
The Ashgrove blindside flanker took matters into his own hands alongside skipper Gardiner to give his team an edge.
Johnston was never too far away from the action and relished responsibility in the flanks.
THE MR CONSISTENT AWARD
Will Tatt (St Edmund’s}
The back-row forward has been top notch for two seasons.
Tatt simply gave his all and his teammates have come to expect that. He was a game performer all year.
THE GOOD SPORT AWARD
Zane Smith (St Peters)
Smith was another big hearted Saints forward who was prepared to take a bump or throw his body at a ball on the ground for the sake of his side.
He played very well in the second row and rolled his sleeves up and got stuck in when his side was up against it.
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