2025 Aaron Payne Cup live stream: Trinity Bay SHS v Kirwan SHS, Round 5

While they may head in as heavy favourites, Kirwan SHS will be without a star player in Thursday’s Aaron Payne Cup clash against Trinity Bay. Watch it LIVE here.

The Kirwan Bears may be leading the Aaron Payne Cup, but they won’t be resting on their laurels when they take on last-placed Trinity Bay State High School on Thursday.

Kirwan coach Todd Wilson has given his squad a tough assignment as they prepare for the game, with Queensland schoolboys prop Eneliko Savelio rested for the round 5 fixture.

Watch Trinity Bay SHS host Kirwan on Thursday, July 24, live and exclusive on KommunityTV.

Coverage kicks off at 11.30am with the Cowboys Challenge, followed by the Schoolgirls Cup

at 12.30pm before the Aaron Payne Cup fixture at 1.30pm.

The two schools are at opposite ends of the spectrum this season.

The Trinity Bay Rays have scored just 26 points through their first three challenging fixtures and it doesn’t get any easier this week.

Trinity Bay’s lacklustre attack is only matched by Kirwan’s outstanding defence, which has conceded just 24 points across their three wins.

Wilson said he was looking for more brick wall defence this week with a particular focus around the ruck.

“We certainly need to see improvement in our defence,” Wilson said.

“The ruck defence is our key at the moment, and we want to make sure that we get that ruck right first. So it’s a real defensive focus over the next few weeks to try to be the best we can.

“We’re fairly confident that we’ve got a few points in us, but that’s no good if we can’t defend. So we’ve got a real defensive focus at the moment around minimising the points scored by the opposition.”

Kirwan captain Eneliko Savelio has been rested for this week’s Aaron Payne Cup clash. Picture: Brendan Radke

One of Kirwan’s key forwards Savelio will not make the trip up the Bruce Highway, but Wilson said the team would have no trouble playing without their powerful prop.

“There’s a few guys not available, but that’s not a problem. It’s great to be able to give a few other guys the opportunity,” he said.

“They’ve been training together for a long time now. Whenever someone gets an opportunity, they should be able to fulfil their role and do it the best they can – and I’m sure they will.

“We’re going to give Eneliko a rest just so he can spend a bit more time at school. He’s been away from school for a week, so he’ll have a rest tomorrow and on Thursday, and just get back on track and he’ll certainly be ready for the next couple of games.”