Live stream: Holy Cross Ryde face defending champs Westfields Sports in big Peter Mulholland Cup clash

Westfields Sports have joined the list of surprise high-profile early Peter Mulholland exits after a humbling defeat to a team fast emerging as a credible title contender. Relive all the action.

In a shock few saw coming at the beginning of the season, reigning NRL Schoolboys national champions Westfields Sports are out of the Peter Mulholland Cup after just two games.

After going undefeated last season, Westfields are now left planning for their 2025 campaign after going down to Holy Cross Ryde 34-12 on Wednesday.

The result followed on a heavy opening game defeat to Central Coast Sports.

For Holy Cross, it’s an incredible turnaround from a 2023 campaign where they failed to pick up a win. They now enter the finals unbeaten in three games and in supreme form.

Holy Cross coach Tim White insisted his team would head into the match against Westfields as ‘severe underdogs’, despite their 28-12 opening round win over Farrer MAHS and their 34-16 victory against Central Coast Sports College last time out.

But just over a minute into this game, they were on top as Jope Rauque powered through the Westfields defence for the first try.

Another four-pointer followed soon after following a brilliant run from Jarrod Kanaan.

His brother, Kayden, added his own try just before the break and despite a chance for Westfields late in the half, Holy Cross held the lead 16-0.

Westfields’ Jeremiah Quiroz-Mapasua single-handedly saved two potential tries from Holy Cross, holding the ball up on the line to keep the reigning champions in with a chance.

However Holy Cross piled on the pain in the second half, with tries to Chris Moala, Sam Mardini and a second for Jarrod Kanaan keeping them well in front.

Westfields did find some points courtesy of Mapasua and Zain Allameddine right at the death.

Westfields have a final pool round game against Farrer next month.

PREVIEW

The Peter Mulholland Cup has been full of surprise results this season and one pool, in particular, has been at the centre of it all.

It’s Pool A.

It started off with Central Coast Sports College pulling off a shock 36-6 win over national champions Westfields Sports High in the opening round. Then, then they themselves were the victims, beaten 34-16 by Holy Cross Ryde a few weeks later.

Now Holy Cross get their shot at the champs on Wednesday - and a win would secure their a visit to the quarter finals for the first time since losing 46-18 to Hills Sports in 2022.

But even though they took down Central Coast, coach Tim White said his team are still ‘severe underdogs’.

All the action from Wednesday’s blockbuster match will be available to stream LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV from midday.

Check out the full LIVE STREAM schedule below.

“They’re the national champions, so they’re the favourites,” White said.

“The way we look at it, they should win this game.”

Holy Cross have been hit with a few injuries since the win over the Central Coast, which White said will likely have a major impact.

“We’re really going to be tested,” White said.

“Michael Nauer, our back rower is out, and it looks like the Kusto twins, Isaac and Finn, are both injured as well.”

Holy Cross will have a shot at national champions Westfield. Picture: John Appleyard

White said Westfields are known for their aggressive plays and fast starts, so defence will be key for his team.

“You’ve just got to try and do your best,” White said.

“There’s no other way to beat them, they’re the national champions for a reason.

“We’re expecting them to start really fast and come out and try to blow us off the park.

“We know that they’re going to try and outscore us, so we’ve got to try and prevent that.”

TEAM LISTS

Holy Cross College

1. Kayden Kanaan, 2. Samuel Mardini, 3. Jarrod Kanaan, 4. Jope Rauqe, 5. Chris Moala, 6. Matthew Fakhr, 7. Christian Azzi, 8. James Baranowski, 9. Chrisitan Mardini, 10. JP Kawtal, 11. Kasinga Noa, 12. William Stone, 13. Max Elias, 14. Finn Kusto, 15. Brandon Lawandos, 16. Daniel Rafferty, 17. Kuki Maafu, 18. Will Fitzpatrick, 19. Cohen Davis

Westfields Sports High

1. Chinedu Udeh, 2. Lorima Rokosuka, 3. Teancam Epati, 4. Sanjay Ulu Kini, 5. Jeremiah Quiroz Mapasua, 6. Cooper Carr, 7. Zain Alameddine, 8. Ryda Talagi, 9. Billy Fanene, 10. Maison Ong, 11. Peter Taai, 12. Tomasi Tavui, 13. Tristan Burns, 14. Brooklyn MIlford, 15. Forgiveness Tila, 16. Jedidiah Esera, 17. Tanner Crook, 18. Yahya Ayache