REVEALED: North Queensland’s 2025 school sports captains part 1
Meet the region’s future sporting leaders in our first instalment of profiles, as schools around North Queensland announce the students set to lead their sports programs in 2025.
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The future captains of the Cowboys and Townsville Fire could get their first real taste of leadership this year as schools around North Queensland announce the students set to lead their sports programs in 2025.
Some of the region’s best and brightest student athletes have stepped into their new roles this month.
Continue reading to find out more about North Queensland’s future leaders, with schools listed alphabetically.
COLUMBA CATHOLIC COLLEGE
RICE HOUSE
Tom Kirkwood
Kirkwood is a rising rugby league prospect who was recently selected to be part of the Townsville Blackhawks Mal Meninga Cup under-19s squad.
The powerful backrower or centre had a huge 2024 with Columba’s First XIII and the Charters Towers Miners, though he also plays cricket, OzTag, touch football and athletics.
He said he would strive to become a role model for students of Rice House.
“I think I was selected as a house leader because of my strong leadership skills, reliability, and my ability to communicate effectively with my teams and other people,” Kirkwood said.
“My teamwork and dedication make me a role model for the younger kids, as well as my dedication to strive in my sports.”
Zyanne Bartlett
Bartlett is an outstanding netballer who also plays rugby league for Charters Towers and Columba.
The accurate shooter has great spatial awareness and the netball IQ to unlock her teammates in the circle and create better scoring chances.
Bartlett has been a member of Charters Towers’ representative netball teams since 2021, and she was named the school’s most valuable player at the 2023 Queensland Independent Secondary School Netball (QISSN) championships.
“I believe I was selected as I continue to emphasise my support, encouragement and respect to those around me,” Bartlett said.
“I strive to be the best version of myself so I can be an inspiring role model to others.”
BENJAMIN HOUSE
Harry Pickering
Pickering is a talented cricketer who has been a regular feature in North Queensland’s representative sides for years, making both the schoolboys and club teams since he was an under-12s player. He also plays rugby league, touch football and tennis.
The Charters Towers product has displayed his leadership credentials before, captaining both North Queensland cricket rep teams.
Pickering said he was ready to lead Benjamin House by example and encourage more students to have a crack at sports.
“I believe I am approachable and very encouraging to kids of all abilities,” Pickering said.
“I am very passionate for all sports and know I will demonstrate a competitive yet humble influence to the Benjamin House for 2025.”
Charlotte Coggan
Coggan is an enthusiastic netballer from Moranbah who is ready to step into a leadership position at Benjamin House.
In 2024 she claimed first place in commercial cattle competition junior judging at the Northern Beef Producers Expo in July.
Coggan said she was ready to support younger students at Columba to grow their confidence in the sporting arena.
“I’m someone who hasn’t played a lot of sports so I could be encouraging to those who may not feel as confident in their own abilities,” Coggan said.
MCAULEY HOUSE
Layla Ford
Ford has been Columba’s inter-house swimming age champion since she was in year 7, continuing her flawless record in primary school.
The McAuley House leader is also one of the 2025 College Captains. As well as her fantastic swimming record, she is a regular competitor in school sport, cross country and athletics.
Ford is a valued member of the Charters Towers Amateur Swim Club and she is an encouraging leader.
Thomas Scholes
Scholes is a top footballer who cracked into Columba’s First XIII in 2024 in the pivotal role of halfback.
He’s also a great middle-distance runner, making the North Queensland Athletics team for the 800m event, and dabbles in touch football and cross country.
Scholes said his positive attitude and dedication to sport put him in a good position to be a McAuley house leader.
“I believe I was selected as sporting house captain as I displayed strong leadership skills, dedication to sport, and ability to foster team spirit,” Scholes said.
“I believe that I show good communication skills and a positive attitude toward sports and my house members, setting a good example for others.
“Having a large involvement in past sporting events like athletics, footy and cross country have played a big part in my selection as I’ve usually shown qualities needed to lead and support my house well.
POLDING HOUSE
Jesse Lavery
Lavery is a rugby league player who was named Columba’s rookie of the carnival at last year’s Confraternity Carnival in Townsville.
He also plays locally for the Charters Towers Miners and represents the school in cricket, touch football, and whatever other sports are looking for players.
Lavery said he was ready to set a positive example for Polding House’s younger students.
“I feel like I’m a good role model to the younger people,” Lavery said.
“But not just in a sporting aspect, the younger students also can look up to how I get around at school.
“Another reason for my selection would be because I’m always keen to have a go, even if I’m not the best at the sport I will still give it my best go and do it while encouraging others to do their best.”
Jessica Braes-Polke
Braes-Polke participates in a variety of sports which include team sports like rugby league and union, netball, touch football and softball.
The lightning-quick outside back has represented the Townsville Brolgas and Charters Towers Bulls in union, including a memorable time playing rugby 7s for Townsville at Queensland’s spiritual home of rugby, Ballymore Stadium.
Braes-Polke said she wanted to create a fun and inclusive environment for her house.
“I believe I was selected as a house leader because of my strong leadership skills and experience in various sports,” Braes-Polke said.
“I’m passionate about encouraging everyone to participate and enjoy themselves. I’m a responsible person, and I strive to create an inclusive and fun environment where everyone feels involved.”
GILROY SANTA MARIA COLLEGE
Dallas Brown
Brown is a talented rugby league player who has also represented the Herbert River region in touch football and cross country.
This year he is aiming to participate in his third Confraternity Carnival with his college as well as his third All Schools touch carnival.
Brown won the local A-grade touch football grand final and played halfback for the Herbert River Crushers under-16s in 2024.
Loren Jensen
The younger sister of Townsville Blackhawks forward Adele, Jensen is also a standout rugby league and touch football player.
Jensen is an athletic all-rounder, representing Gilroy Santa Maria in cricket and netball for the past few years.
Matthew Spina
Spina is another rising rugby league talent who will be a key part of his school’s 2025 campaign.
The elusive fullback or playmaker has a fantastic turn of speed and the ability to unlock teammates with his vision.
Spina also plays touch football and cricket for Gilroy Santa Maria and is an enthusiastic participant in the school’s other sporting carnivals.
Aimee Mammino
Mammino is a top cricketer who has also represented Gilroy Santa Maria College in touch football at the All Schools carnival for the last two years.
Last year she played school cricket at the NQ Secondary Schools Cricket Challenge and the StreetSmarts Schools Girls T20 Challenge.
Brandon Hamilton-Kaurila
Hamilton-Kaurila is one of the rising stars of cricket in North Queensland.
The young pace bowler’s blockbuster move from Western Suburbs to Brothers caused a stir at the beginning of summer but Hamilton-Kaurila has looked at home in 1st-grade.
He cracked into North Queensland’s senior representative team this year after being a regular since under-12s. He has also been selected for Queensland Schoolboys under-15s and Queensland Country under-15s, under-16s and under-18s.
Hamilton-Kaurila is also a reliable rugby league player, joining Gilroy’s First XIII at the Confraternity Carnival in 2024.
Akayla Weston
Weston is a multi-sport talent who has represented the Herbert River region in netball and rugby league.
She was crowned the school’s athletics age champion in both 2023 and 2024, as well as representing Gilroy at QISSN in the same two years.
Weston also puts her hand up to play rugby union, touch football and rugby league 9s for her school.
IGNATIUS PARK COLLEGE
SCHOOL CAPTAIN
Cooper Fletcher
Fletcher is Ignatius Park’s school captain in 2025 and although the role isn’t focused on sport, he is a highly regarded athlete.
The workhorse middle forward is one of his school’s most important rugby league players and is also a Townsville Blackhawks representative in the under-19s Mal Meninga Cup.
FIRST XIII CAPTAIN
Sitiveni Afu
Afu is a Cowboys-contracted rugby league star who also captained Ignatius Park last year as a year 11 student.
He’s a dedicated and hardworking student who leads from the front with his positive actions and words.
The hard-hitting middle forward was part of the Townsville Blackhawks’ grand final-winning team last year in the under-17s Cyril Connell Challenge and he is hoping to repeat that in the under-19s in 2025.
Afu was awarded player of the grand final in last year’s successful Confraternity Carnival campaign when Ignatius Park claimed the title on home soil.
He has spent his summer training with the Cowboys Young Guns squad, drawing huge praise from coaches.
BAILLIE HOUSE
Tyson Downey – captain
Downey is an all-rounder who sets a great example for the younger members of Baillie House.
He manages his studies and co-curricular activities successfully while maintaining strong relationships within the house.
Downey is an OzTag, tough football and volleyball player who has previously been selected fro the Australian OzTag team.
Cruz McGhie – vice-captain
McGhie brings the energy to Baillie House that motivates the younger members to do their best.
The powerful forward plays for Ignatius Park’s First XV as well as the North Ward Sandcrabs and Townsville Brolgas representative team.
Drawing on his rugby union background, McGhie is always front and centre setting the standard.
CAREW HOUSE
Oliver Nguyen – vice-captain
Nguyen is another rugby union player who brings energy and leadership to the role and hopes to inspire the younger members of Carew House.
He has been a very active member of the IPC community since starting in year 7, through many sports and his enthusiastic participation in inter-house activities.
Nguyen was named in the 2023 U15s Emerging Queensland Reds squad and this year he has been selected in the Townsville Blackhawks under-17s rugby league team.
He is a regular in North Queensland rep teams and also plays touch football.
Brooklin Robinson – vice-captain
Robinson has shown great leadership though his involvement in Carew House and Ignatius Park’s sporting and extra-curricular activities.
The Brothers FC footballer is a great role model for the younger members of the house and is always the first person to volunteer his time for anything happening at the college.
Robinson is a state and national referee and also plays futsal, where he won the local premiership and grand final last year.
NOLAN HOUSE
Blake Pearce – captain
Pearce brings an energy to Nolan House that encourages and promotes participation with younger members.
He is ready to lend a hand and believes in developing strong relationships within the house.
Pearce plays rugby league for Brothers and has experience in OzTag, touch football, football (soccer) and rugby union.
Robbie Girvan – vice-captain
Girvan is a quiet achiever who is an excellent role model to both his peers and younger students in the Nolan House.
He balances his studies with co-curricular activities and always wears his heart on his sleeve.
PUTNEY HOUSE
Daniel Spicer – captain
Spicer started to assist in the leadership of the Putney House throughout last year with his willingness to help wherever he could.
He has come a long way and possesses great leadership qualities that he continues to develop.
Spicer plays both rugby league and union and he is a part of the First XIII and First XV squads this year as well as playing locally for Centrals Tigers and the North Ward Sandcrabs.
He is also a regular in representative teams including the Townsville Brolgas, NQ rugby union team and the Townsville Walkabouts Indigenous rugby league side.
His enthusiasm to see the house do well is always refreshing and Ignatius park staff are looking forward to seeing what he can deliver for Putney House this year.
David Shilu – vice-captain
Shilu is a great all-rounder, getting involved in everything he can and encouraging those around him to do the best at everything they can.
He brings a fantastic attitude towards everything he undertakes. He has many of his own ideas he wishes to implement as vice-captain, that will further ensure the bond between students is a positive one.
REID HOUSE
Harry Ballinger – captain
Ballinger is a regular in Ignatius Park and Townsville’s drama and arts scene, scoring roles in productions that see him perform in front of packed out crowds.
He speaks well and with intent, and is confident to lead the Reid House in 2025.
Owen Myers – vice-captain
Myers completes the Reid House leadership team, contributing his talents on the sporting field in rugby union and league.
He will lead by example in IPC sporting carnivals and inspire the entire house to rise to the challenge and take victory this year.
Myers plays locally for Centrals Tigers and Brothers Rugby Union Club, and he is heading to Japan this year for a rugby tour with the Townsville Brolgas.
RICE HOUSE
Mitchell Hardy – captain
A calm and welcoming demeanour mixed with a fierce family connection to the Rice House will allow Hardy to perform well in the role this year.
He’s an accomplished rugby league player who played for the Townsville Blackhawks in the Cyril Connell Challenge under-17s competition in 2024, and he is a member of the Blackhawks Mal Meninga Cup under-19s this year.
Hardy also plays in Ignatius Park’s First XIII.
Harrison Biggin – vice-captain
Biggin is the absolute epitome of Ignatius park’s values of integrity, pride and commitment.
He is an honest, humble and fearless young man who will thrive with the responsibility of Rice House vice-captain in 2025.
Biggin has competed at the Queensland Rowing Championships three times, as well as the North Queensland and Central Queensland regattas three times each.
He has also competed at many head of the River regattas and the James Cook University Club regattas, winning a variety of medals over the years.
TREACY HOUSE
Elliot Gilmore – captain
Gilmore was chosen by his peers for his approachable nature, dependable character, and forward-focused mindset.
The Treacy House captain plays football locally for MA Olympic, and he was part of the club’s Division 1 grand final victory in 2024.
Isaac Whelan – vice-captain
Whelan was voted vice-captain for his unwavering devotion to the house and his exceptional presence around his fellow students.
He plays rugby league for Brothers and was part of Ignatius Park’s Cowboys Challenge team.
Both Whelan and Gilmore will lead Treacy House well and show younger students what a good leader looks like.
KIRWAN STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Ava Wagner and Quentin Ofahulu were selected to represent Kirwan State High School as the 2025 sports captains as they are leaders on and off the field and are great role models to their peers.
These students display a strong commitment to their studies and embody the values of Kirwan’s Sports Academy.
Ava Wagner
Wagner is a fantastic rugby league halfback who plays for the Kirwan Grizzles and Townsville Blackhawks.
She is also a handy rugby union player who has represented both Townsville and North Queensland in 7s and the 15-a-side game, advancing to play for Queensland Country in 15s.
Wagner has played OzTag for Queensland across four years, with a highlight coming when she played NSW in State of Origin.
Wagner has also previously tried her hand at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, claiming a gold medal at the 2021 QBJJC Townsville Championship in the 15yrs girls category.
Quentin Ofahulu
A big front rower with an even bigger future in rugby league, Ofahulu is an experienced representative player in the Townsville Blackhawks’ junior squads. He also plays locally for Brothers.
Ofahulu is an explosive forward who sends defenders sprawling with his strong carries.
He has also played rugby union and volleyball, and he aspires to become an engineer.
SOUTHERN CROSS CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Southern Cross Catholic College’s sporting success will be led by the school’s house leaders.
While the house leaders were selected based on a range of leadership criteria, the cohort includes some excellent sportsmen and women.
CASTLE HOUSE
Luke Jorgensen
A track star with lightning pace and technical prowess, Jorgensen is both an accomplished athlete and athletics official. In 2024, he claimed a bronze medal in the under-18s pole vault at the Oceania Championships in Suva, Fiji.
Jorgensen was also a finalist for Athletics North Queensland’s junior official of the year award in 2024 for his contributions as a member of the Townsville North Star club.
Mia Labelak
As well as her academic successes, Labelak is member of the school’s senior rugby league team, though she unfortunately missed the 2024 Confraternity Carnival due to injury.
The 2025 Castle House leader is also an accomplished fisho, finishing runner-up in the Townsville Game Fishing Club’s Sharkies Shootout in 2023 – finishing just behind Louisa House leader Jaid Medill.
ELLIOT HOUSE
Fallon James
James has played rugby league for Southern Cross at the Confraternity Carnival for the past two years.
Josh Neilson
A bright cricketing prospect with a big future, Neilson has made a home for himself this summer in Townsville’s senior First-grade cricket competition with Western Suburbs.
The left-arm orthodox spin bowler is a regular in North Queensland representative teams and is a valued T20 player for Mendi Tropical Big Bash reigning champions, the Gold City Bulls.
HERVEY HOUSE
Sophie Jones
Jones is a standout footballer who has already made her senior women’s Premier League debut for 2024 champions MA Olympic, going on to make 15 appearances and score a memorable goal against Riverway JCU.
Jones was selected in last year’s under-16s Queensland squad as a shadow player, and is a celebrated referee.
William Saverin
Saverin is a representative in the Southern Cross boys open touch team, and he also has keen involvement in the school’s carnivals.
LOUISA HOUSE
Reiv Melick
Melick is a talented performer on the stage rather than the field, starring as Simba in Townsville’s Broadway Academy’s 2024 production, “Lion King Jr.”.
Jaid Medill
Medill is a rugby union player who has also previously played Aussie rules. Last year she was a member of the TDRU under-17s girls premiership-winning Brothers team that beat North Ward 14-5 in the grand final.
She’s also an outstanding angler, regularly winning competitions with her big catches including narrowly beating Castle House leader Mia Labelak in the 2023 Sharkies Shootout.
STUART HOUSE
John Nsabimana
Nsabimana is a talented football who was selected for the 2023 under-15s Queensland squad as a shadow.
He plays locally for Rebels FC and is a part of the FQ Academy Northern.
Abbie Penny
Penny is a true athletic all-rounder. She excels in both cross country and water polo, representing North Queensland in both sports.
She is also an avid participant in inter-school sport, representing Southern Cross in rugby league, mixed touch football and is a member of the school’s swimming, athletics and cross country teams.
ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE
Isabella Andrews
Andrews is an avid sportswoman who loves to take part in a multitude of athletic pursuits.
As well as inter-school athletics, swimming and cross country, Andrews plays touch football, netball, water polo, basketball and surf life saving.
She represented Townsville and Northern Schoolgirls in touch and gives back to the community by refereeing.
Andrews received the school’s coaches award for touch in 2024 as well as the North Queensland All Schools Coaches’ award.
As St Patrick’s College’s sports prefect, Andrews will be responsible for supporting and further developing the school’s sporting program throughout 2025.
She was selected for this role due to her consistent passion and enthusiasm for sport, demonstrated across various sporting opportunities at the College over the past five years.
Andrews said she was motivated to make the most of her role.
“I want to motivate and inspire my peers to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy fitness while participating in the wide range of sports our college offers,” Andrews said.
“You don’t have to be the ‘sportiest’ or the most ‘athletic’ person. What truly matters is having the courage to give things a go and approaching every activity with a positive, spirited attitude.”
Originally published as REVEALED: North Queensland’s 2025 school sports captains part 1
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