Schoolboy Cup Live Stream: Patrician Brothers Blacktown v Westfields Sports High, PMC, Round 1 (NRL Schoolboys Cup)
Winger Will Craig grabbed a hat-trick, including the decisive try to break an 18-18 deadlock, as Westfields overwhelmed NRL Schoolboys rivals Patrician Brothers, Blacktown. Relive all the action.
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Westfields Sports High School have pulled off a massive 24-18 comeback to claim victory in their opening Peter Mulholland Cup match over Patrician Brothers, Blacktown.
Patrician Brothers had control of the game early on following a try from Heinz Lemoto, but Westfields quickly responded with a try of their own, but couldn’t convert.
Westfields were trailing 12-4 at the half, and coach Troy Weeden said the talk he gave the boys was ‘interesting.’
“A lot of what was said before the game wasn’t taken seriously,” Weeden said.
“The boys just had ill discipline, in general, and poor ball possession, they had a lot of pressure on defence and it showed.”
Their issues converting points were building to be the match decider with scores locked at 18-18 with less than 10 minutes to go, but Westfields found their second wind.
Winger Will Craig went down with what looked to be a knee injury, but soon made his way back onto his feet - and the whole team was glad he did, as he collected a kick to score in the cormer to give Westfields the lead for the first time in the match.
A crucial conversion resulted in a six-point lead which Patrician Brothers couldn’t claw back in the dying seconds.
Craig wasn’t the only injury concern, but Weeden said they should be ok.
“We got issues everywhere, we had about four sitting on the bench with issues,” he said.
“We’re a bit battered and bruised, but you get that in the opening game.”
Weeden said he believed the major improvement in the second half was down to ‘playing with intent.’
“That was with both with the ball and in defence,” Weeden said.
“I think our contact was better in the second half. I think we got a lift out of that and it showed.”
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After a season-long ‘stumble’ that left Patrician Brothers, Blacktown last in their pool, coach Noah Meares said his side is ‘calm and confident’ ahead of their round one Peter Mulholland Cup clash.
“Obviously it’s a tough competition but we feel ready for round one,” Meares said.
Patrician Brothers will open the new season with the latest instalment in one of Schoolboys rugby league’s most exciting rivalries against Westfields Sports High.
All the action from the opening round clash on Wednesday will be live streamed on KommunityTV as part of a massive seeded pool double-header.
Until last year, the two powerhouse schools had featured in one way or another in the previous eight NRL Schoolboys Cup finals.
Patrician Brothers will be determined to find their feet again in season 2023, and Meares said the atmosphere in pre-season had shown his players were ready to do just that.
“They’re a happier group this year,” Meares said.
“I don’t know if it’s just because they’re used to each other or what, but they’re much happier.
“And from experience, the happier ones tend to play better football so hopefully we can keep building that.”
A new leadership team with co-captains Finau Latu and Wilson de Courcey will be a cornerstone of the team’s competitiveness.
“They’re both just genuine leaders,” Meares said.
“They lead by example both on the field at training and off the field.
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“They have great communication, the boys seem to lift when those two get going so hopefully that puts us in a good stead this year.”
Westfields Sports High cruised into last year’s Peter Mulholland Cup semi-finals before they had their hearts broken by an extra-time field goal against eventual champions Patrician Brothers Fairfield.
The side will be determined to kick-off their campaign on the right note, setting up a mouthwatering season opener against their old foes.
TEAM LISTS
Patrician Brothers, Blacktown
1. Max Laing, 2. Aidan Kebourian, 3. Joshua Patrick, 4. Marcellus Iakopo, 5. Joseph Partch, 6. Jhett Sydir, 7. Dylan Brettle, 8. Finau Latu, 9. Lachlan Coinakis, 10. Hokafonu Lemoto, 11. Jacob Halangahu, 12. Heinz Lemoto, 13. Tyson Sangalang, 14. Harley Yates, 15. Langa Tukuafu, 16. Charbel Kheirallah, 17. Kenny McKeever King, 18. Roman Tuaimau, 19. Jared Haywood, 20. Jack Nicholas; Coach: Noah Meares
Westfields Sports High
1. Lorima Rokosuka, 2. Will Craig, 3. Daniel Waqa, 4. Brycen Anae Roberts, 5. Saint Fuitimau, 6. Lachlan Galvin, 7. Dion Parathoiene-Williams, 8. Denzel Schaafhausen-Mino, 9. Heith Pritchard, 10. Kohan Lewis, 11. Sosefo Finau, 12. Roy Quiroz-Mapusua, 13. Jeremiah Leatigaga, 14. Tyrus Salanoa, 15. Markkuz Ofanoa, 16. Peter Taai, 17. Hosea Kedzlie, 18. Sanjae Ulu-Kini; Coach: Troy Weeden
Originally published as Schoolboy Cup Live Stream: Patrician Brothers Blacktown v Westfields Sports High, PMC, Round 1 (NRL Schoolboys Cup)
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