Langer Trophy livestream: Keano Kini, Karl Oloapu star in PBC v Wavell clash

The DNA from the Langer Trophy’s two best players was all over Wednesday night’s big clash as PBC SHS ran out impressive winners. RELIVE all the action from our LIVESTREAM.

The DNA from the competition’s two best players, PBC SHS’s Keano Kini and Wavell SHS’s Karl Oloapu, was all over tonight’s clash won 22-12 by PBC SHS.

Reds fullback Kini and Wavell five-eight Oloapu were tremendous in a clash which saw PBC SHS always with their nose in front.

Kini gave the last pass for two tries and saved one with a death defying tackle, while Oloapu scored one of the finest individual tries of the season.

PBC SHS had led 12-nil, scoring two tries in four minutes after a scoreless opening 17 minutes.

QLD's Karl Oloapu Picture: Zak Simmonds

But Oloapu’s try just on halftime dragged his side back into the contest, and what a try it was from the Australian schoolboy.

After fumbling a ball back toward his 30m line, Oloapu turned a near disaster into a stunning try, grubber kicking ahead for himself, regathering and scoring under the posts.

He was like a little boy playing with his family in the backyard, the way he calmly turned a mistake into a try.

Oloapu was good, but Kini was slightly better for PBC SHS.

Wavell’s challenge to PBC SHS will do the Reds no harm ahead of next Tuesday’s finals.

Around the glittering Kini, second rower Will Taylor was as strong as an ox while No.6 Josh Lynn was a steadying influence with his kicking game and option taking.

QLD player Keano Kini. Picture: Liam Kidston

For Wavell, hooker Jai Camilleri backed his running game but in the end PBC SHS got the chocolates.

It took 17 minutes for the first try, but it was worth the wait just to see PBC SHS fullback Keano Kini in full cry.

Forever dangerous, particularly when scouting the left side, Kini exploded down field and gift wrapped a long distance try for the fleet-a-foot left winger Blake Forder to open the scoring.

But Kini is no one trick pony, and two minutes after Forder’s try, he bobbed up on the right hand side of the field to fire a quick ball that gave PBC SHS’s right winger, Jett Forbes, just enough space to squeeze over.

Forbes’ pace helped, but Kini’s quick service gave him every chance to finish the movement with a four pointer.

Schoolboy’s Laulato Salei. Picture: Liam Kidston

THE PREVIEW

To say Lauloto Salei has come the long way around to play for Wavell SHS in the Langer Trophy would be the understatement of the year.

A long way? Would you believe 11,469km.

That is the distance from his home country of Samoa to Wavell Heights SHS via Christchurch, then his home of eight years, Alice Springs and Cairns, which launched his league career.

Of Samoan descent, the Raiders-signed mobile middle forward will be a key player in today’s round 7 Langer Trophy action when Wavell SHS host PBC SHS - all live streamed by www.couriermail.com

Salei spent six years in Christchurch, then lived in Alice Springs where he was first introduced to rugby league.

WATCH REPLAY: Walters Cup - Wavell v Palm Beach Currumbin

WATCH REPLAY: Langer Reserves - Wavell v Palm Beach Currumbin

But even then it was just like dipping your toe in the water, so small was the competition.

“There was not much league, but it was enough to keep me active,’’ he said.

Indeed there were times when he played a couple of games a weekend and being a natural in the league, he led the Northern Territory under 15 team which played in Cairns.

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Cairns is where he was spotted by a local talent scout and arrangements were made for him to move to Brisbane and be billeted by a Wavell SHS family.

Wavell SHS’s Laulato Salei. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I often reflect on where I came from. I never get ahead of myself and I think about where I started and I don’t take it for granted.

“Canberra came to me late last year and I signed a contract this year. It is a blessing to get a contract with an NRL side.’’

He said the Wavell SHS community had helped develop his football and his life.

“They have expanded my horizons. I always thought of footy as my only way up, but they have given me new aspects and avenues and not just relying on footy in order to get up. You need education and stuff.’’

THE TEAMS

Wavell SHS: 1 Josh Callaghan, 2 Oliver Jones, 3. Amos Tuialli, 4 Mark Tuialli, 5 Tyreece Tait, 6 Karl Oloapu, 7 Jayden Ambichi, 8 Ben Uini, 9 Jai Camilleri, 10 Damascus Neemia, 19 Loto Salei, 12 Naz Taua, 13 Jayden Butt, 14. Abel Lote, 15. Bristowe Murray, 16. Ethan Jones, 17. Christian Tuala

PBC SHS: 1 Keano Kini, 2 Blake Forder, 3 Barney Litidamu, 4 Cooper Cambey, 5 Jett Forbes, 6 Josh Lynn, 7 Zane Harrison, 8 Isaiah Scanlan, 9 Tanu Nona, 10 Jett Jackson, 11 Jac Finnigan, 12 Will Taylor, 13 Reico Ratana, 14 Bailey McConnell, 15 Jakeem Thompson, 16 Jaylen Taewa, 17 Cooper Wolf