The secret to the success of Palm Beach Currumbin

As Palm Beach Currumbin edges towards another title, outgoing coach Aaron Zimmerle reveals the trade secrets behind his school’s remarkable rugby league dominance.

For outsiders, renowned NRL nursery Palm Beach Currumbin must bag silverware for fun but outgoing coach Aaron Zimmerle says his Reds’ winning culture wasn’t built overnight.

The reigning Allan Langer Cup champions are tipped to defend their NRL Schoolboys crown after rolling St Mary’s Toowoomba 50-6 in the South Queensland quarterfinals.

But while Reds of 2018 benefited heavily from the likes of Broncos playmaker Tom Dearden and Titans prospect Juwan Compain, Zimmerle believes victory won’t come from star power this time around.

“It’s not about first or second string players because we’ve got full confidence in our entire squad and it really is a squad mentality,” Zimmerle said.

Troy Duckett races away for yet another try in PBC’s quarterfinal win over St Mary’s. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Gosling

“Everyone’s done the 400 metre sprints on a minute thirty, everyone’s done the extra gym and extra wrestling sessions, everyone’s been through it all together so we know we can put any player in and they’ll get the job done for us.”

That depth was put to the test ahead of their quarterfinal with regular props Xavier Collinson and Solomon Torrens and hooker Jed Wheaton all sitting on the sidelines but Zimmerle’s makeshift front-row of Josh Bevan, James Torrens and Ediq Ambrosyev barely missed a beat.

“Josh is usually a lock but him, James and Ediq all won a national title with Tweed earlier this year, so you’d hardly call it a second string front row,” Zimmerle said.

Extra sessions, extra gym, extra runs and extra wrestles are paying off for PBC - as St Mary’s discovered the hard way. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Gosling

“We also had Brendan (Piakura) shift from the edge back row to lock and others shifting around, so it’s just about being able to adapt.

“We know we’ve been lucky with some amazing talents but we’re doing everything to make sure we’re preparing the entire squad so anyone can slot in when needed.”

One such example is recent Gold Coast signing Toby Sexton, who played alongside Dearden last year and now steers PBC from five-eighth with rising playmaker Taine Ujdur-Berghan in tow.

“When Tommy graduated, Toby stepped up and now he’s working with Tai and then he’ll be next to step up,” Zimmerle said.

“Just the same, this is my last year and we’ll be bringing coaches in who will take over and keep the processes going.”