Grand final Players of the Day in the BBOB, Renouf Shield and Hancock Cup deciders at Davies Park
Here’s more than 20 top performers who had their say in the Hancock Cup, Renouf Shield and BBOB schoolboy league deciders played at Davies Park.
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Mabel Park State High School scored a rare double on Tuesday when its Year 7 team took out the Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Trophy for the second year running.
Mabel Park SHS won 26-16 over Keebra Park SHS in one of three enthralling grand final matches played at Davies Park.
HOW THE SEMI-FINALS UNFOLDED - HERE
Marsden SHS, with Tipene Moyes and Walker Taualupe to the fore, won the Renouf Shield grand final bout 20-12 over Palm Beach Currumbin SHS and Ipswich SHS defied a big Wavell SHS side to snare the Hancock Cup Shield.
Ipswich SHS’s current Year 9 cohort last year won the Renouf Shield and their second successive premiership was ensured when young pivot Blake Tikinau banged over a drop goal to move ahead seven points.
Check out the schedule box below to find links to the other SEQ finals.
Then, to put icing on the cake, outstanding five-eighth Leo Hunt dabbed in a kick that was planted down brilliantly by fullback Baxter Best to settle the scores, 19-6.
Below were some of the top Players of the Day glimpsed across the three matches.
BRISBANE BRONCOS OLD BOYS TROPHY
MABEL PARK SHS 26 DEF KEEBRA PARK SHS 16
Mabel Park SHS middle field rotation laid the bricks and mortar for a second successive Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Trophy premiership following a complete first half performance.
Mabel Park SHS blew out to an 18-4 advantage and although Keebra Park twice closed the gap to six points, Mabel Park’s forwards had constructed its bridge to victory.
PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Noah Pulu (Mabel Park SHS)
The team’s captain, Pulu was a running threat with his powerful thrusts on the edge, but he also used his strength to drive his team forward from the defensive end.
Pulu defended strongly when dangerous Keebra Park fullback Chris Perkins drifted to his side of the field.
Moses Fotuaika (Mabel Park SHS)
Fotuaika was one of Mabel Park’s Super Six of big men who thundered forward to place extreme pressure on the Keebra Park ruck.
When his momentum seemed halted, he’d twist and turn and would go again.
No one celebrated a grand final try on the day more heartily than big Moses who let out a roar that echoed across the Brisbane River.
Kane Buchanan (Keebra Park SHS)
When Keebra Park’s defence was under most pressure in the first half, Buchanan worked overtime on the edge to limit the damage being inflicted by the Keebra Park forwards.
Then later, when Keebra Park enjoyed a 50-50 spread of possession, we saw a sprinkle of his running game before he burst away with four minutes to play to score the try of the game.
Buchanan’s 45m burst dragged his side back within touching distance of Mabel Park when the game seemed lost.
Ezra Sua and Noah Smith (Mabel Park)
Sua and Smith were a part of a revved up middle forward brigade which thumped their side forward despite all the will in the world from Keebra Park defenders.
Keebra Park’s tacklers would attach themselves to their opponents, but still the likes of Sua and Smith were able to win the battle for metres.
Chris Perkins (Keebra Park SHS)
We just didn’t see enough of this Rolls Royce fullback because of the first half momentum generated by the Mabel pack, but Perkins still enhanced his reputation with a brilliant individual try in the first half.
He worked either side of the field later in the game, although the Mabel Park edge men held their line against him.
Gillmex Vigo and Anmgelo Laaiva (Mabel Park SHS)
The premiership winning centres earn high praise for their defence because if they had dropped their guard, Keebra Park fullback Perkins (mentioned above) would have cut them to pieces.
Both boys also did tough dummy half runs coming away from their defensive end.
Special mention also to second rower Jahzion Wallace-Lui (Mabel Park SHS) for his important defensive work.
Sammysteel Tupai’i (Keebra Park SHS)
He did not receive an overflowing bucket of opportunities, but when he did snare possession on the front foot, the edge forward looked like a Mr Natural, a classy second rower.
He is sure to be a real handful in Renouf Shield football next season.
Dazrus Tevi and Mark Howe (Mabel Park SHS)
The Mabel Park SHS mighty mites were extremely dangerous lurking from out of the shadows cast by their big forward teammates.
Dummyhalf Tevi was a threat with his runs and was rewarded with a try, while halfback Howe was creative at No.7.
You sensed the crafty youngster had a full vision of the field.
RENOUF SHIELD
MARSDEN SHS 20 DEF PBC SHS 12
Walker Taualupe (Marsden SHS)
Marsden SHS’s left centre has delivered all season long and saved his best for last in the big dance - the Renouf Shield decider named after Broncos great Steve Renouf.
The fearless Taulupe never died in contact and kept his legs pumping to give the Makos extra metres and he acted as a second fullback with his defence.
On one occasion on the cusp of halftime his stoic defence helped prevent a late try by the Reds.
In attack, he scored the go ahead try to lead 16-12 with seven minutes left.
Tipene Moyes (Marsden SHS)
Marsden SHS’s exciting Year 8 lock was everywhere on Davies Park.
One second he was running amok with his edge carries and the next he was sweeping in behind like a fullback making a crucial cover tackle.
He was arguably the best on ground and in a game of inches, his cut out pass to put in Elijah Silivelio for a try and the subsequent sideline conversion said everything about his natural ability.
Blake Millar (PBC SHS)
While Marsden SHS had the running with possession, Reds fullback Blake Millar made the most of his moments with and without the ball.
A highlight of his quality performance came when he crashed through the defence and went 50m to lay a nice platform for lock Rico Ford to go himself from the ruck and score.
Outside of this magic moment that allowed PBC to draw level at 12-all, Millar was a hardman at fullback where his defensive presence was brilliant.
Ryley Taylor (PBC SHS)
The switch running of PBC SHS prop Ryley Taylor was consistently damaging and his no-nonsense performance demanded praise.
The hard running big man did not make a mistake, was always steaming onto the ball and fronted up in defence despite doing the heavy lifting early in attacking sets.
He finished his season the way it started.
In style.
Xane Jarvis and Jye Meads (PBC SHS)
The PBC SHS boys had different roles out there but both did their job at a very high level.
Centre Jarvis was threatening when given the chance on his right edge and in defence swarmed breakaway Marsden attackers like his life depended on it.
Meads was tough and uncompromising on defence and got the Reds rolling when he motored forward.
Both boys were impressive.
Toots Pirangi and Jayden Hape (Marsden SHS)
Toots Pirangi (halfback) and Jayden Hape (hooker) proved a wonderful pairing for the Makos.
The silky-smooth ball players had a sprinkle of class and just knew how to run the offence.
They were in their element when Moyes made metres and they could play off the whim down that left edge and their faultless and decisive showings paved the way to victory.
Elijah Silivelio (Marsden SHS)
Left wing Elijah Silivelio acted as a rip roaring centre on Davies Park.
With the ball the kid was fearless and tackling him was a daunting task for his rivals.
He scored a fantastic try in the left corner to begin proceedings and maintained the rage with his exit carries throughout the contest.
HANCOCK SHIELD
IPSWICH SHS 19 DEF WAVELL SHS 6
Jack Neuendorf (Ipswich SHS)
After a stirring performance for Ipswich SHS in the semi final a fortnight ago, middle forward enforcer Jack Neuendorf delivered in spades to influence the biggest match of the season for his side - the Hancock Cup named after Broncos wing champion Michael Hancock..
Neuendorf scored his team’s first try with a thumping run and forced an error with a big tackle moments later to mount more pressure on the Wavell Warriors.
Blake Tikinau (Ipswich SHS)
Springfield Panthers maestro Blake Tikinau provided the calming influence from halfback that guided Ipswich SHS to victory, the second successive grand final success for this age group.
The Met West Under-15s playmaker scored a cracking try under the sticks that gave Ipswich SHS a 12-nil buffer midway through the first half and was masterful alongside five-eighth Leo Hunt.
Leo Hunt was equally as impressive and together the Ipswich SHS halves had a huge say in how the match unfolded.
It’s worth noting it was Tikinau who dinked over the field goal late than put a canyon between the sides.
Steven Funaki (Wavell SHS)
Funaki was a forward powerhouse that produced the output of one and a half players when he was on the field.
Coming on in stints, Funaki was on a hit-and-run mission and just kept going.
He also manned up on defence well.
Jasiah Parsons (Wavell SHS)
Parsons was busy as a bee at fullback and his safety under the garryowen was impressive given the amount of times he had kicks swirling towards him.
His vision, toughness and countless involvements demanded respect.
Ezekiel Levi (Ipswich SHS)
He just loved to work and when Ipswich SHS needed a tough carry he was the first to get in line and make a dent in Wavell’s defence.
He worked himself to a standstill and did more than stand his ground against a talented Wavell SHS pack featuring Rame Neemia, Knight Tanielu and No.13 Cruz Molo.
Kyanu Seiuli (Ipswich SHS)
Ipswich SHS’s right edge battleship barraged the Wavell defences late in the game to keep pressure on and it was just what the doctor ordered.
Seiuli, a big, hard running Year 9 student, got himself more involved down the stretch and ensured Ipswich SHS were playing in Wavell’s half for the majority of the second half.
Rame Neemia and Knight Tanielu (Wavell SHS)
Even when behind seven points with the clock dwindling down, Wavell SHS forwards Rame Neemia and Knight Tanielu remained unrelenting in attack and defence.
Neemia’s scramble defence and pressure on kicks was to be admired while robust prop Tanielu came to life when the match hung in the balance.
They upped the ante when the game was escaping them.
PREVIEW
Premiership glory awaits three teams on Tuesday in the Hancock Cup, Renouf Shield and Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Shield grand finals.
The www.couriermail.com.au will be at Davies Park on Tuesday to cover the three deciders as a part of its comprehensive coverage of schoolboy and schoolgirl rugby league.
GRAND FINALS
1pm: BBOB: Keebra Park and Mabel Park
2.15pm: Renouf Shield: PBC SHS and Marsden SHS
3.30pm: Hancock Cup: Ipswich SHS and Wavell SHS
LANGER RESERVES TEAM OF THE SEASON
LANGER TROPHY’S CLASH OF THE GOLD COAST TITANS
The Langer Trophy stars of tomorrow will be unfurled as the state’s best young schoolboy talents go head-to-head.
So who will be some of the key Players to Watch when the referee’s whistle starts proceedings?
BBOB SHIELD
Talin Lelo (Keebra Park)
Watch for this cool as a cucumber outside back to position himself for kick returns or to thump Keebra Park onto the front foot with dummy half scurries.
Cavelli Mafi (Mabel Park SHS)
Mafi is one of those classical, smooth running fullbacks who can ghost his way across the surface.
Isaiah Jacob (Keebra Park SHS)
A dark horse player who scored a crucial try in the semi-final. Opposition teams take note: You drop your intensity against him at your peril.
Marky Howe (Mabel Park SHS)
With his head full of footy IQ, this quick between the ears half is the full package with the ball - and can impact with defence as well.
Seth Lotaki (Keebra Park SHS)
Keebra were blessed with explosive bodies in the back field and Lotaki fits the narrative on grand final day. He’s a black book entry for sure.
Sammysteel Tupai’i (Keebra Park SHS)
Tupai’i adds thrust to the Keebra Park edge and against fatigued or back peddling defence, he could hit the jackpot.
Noah Smith (Mabel Park SHS)
An outstanding edge forward or middle man, Smith is someone who you sense will rise to the occasion at the big dance on grand final day.
Stelios Pekepo-Tevaga (Keebra Park SHS)
They make them big and strong at Keebra Park SHS and this prop is straight out of the school’s rugby league factory assembly line.
Noah Pulu (Mabel Park SHS)
A striking Mabel Park forward who gets involved in collisions for fun. He gives Mabel Park potency across the back row.
Chris Perkins (Keebra Park SHS)
He was a fullback gem who shone brightly in the semi-final. Was for his reflection to catch you in the eye again on grand final day.
RENOUF SHIELD
Tipene Moyes (Marsden SHS)
Look, let us call a spade a spade. No.13 Moyes is the forward in his age group in this competition - possibly the best player. We are loath to make such statements, but it had to be said.
A local junior from just over the M1 from Eagleby South State School, Moyes will be well marked in defence - but the problem will be holding him for the duration.
Ryley Taylor (PBC SHS)
PBC tend to win grand finals because of its forwards and prop Taylor is the leader of an imposing pack front six. He is one of the first Player to Watch entries when we drafted this story.
Jayden Hape (Marsden SHS)
He’d top his cohort when it comes to being rugby league street smart. Playing dummy half, the kid is quick to swoop because he seems to be anticipating what is about to happen.
Brayden Rapata (PBC SHS)
Grand final day would not be complete without a strapping edge forward ruling the roost and Rapata has the potential to that man.
Lui Fetuuaho and Altaez Moselen (Marsden SHS)
As good as Moyes and Hape were, Marsden SHS is no two man band and digging into the line out wide will be edge players Lui Fetuuaho and Altaez Moselen.
Jaxon Worthing (PBC SHS)
Worthing adds snap, crackle and pop to PBC’s outside back division. On a quick shift against a retreating defence, this centre will be dangerous.
Walker Taualupe (Marsden SHS)
The centre has a capacity to break a match open with his flair and a change of pace. He’s the type of bloke you want with the ball in his hands inside the final minute of play when you are searching for a try.
Cooper Buchanan (PBC SHS)
Every team needs a good kicking game in a final and PBC five-eighth Cooper Buchanan has the ability to deliver this.
HANCOCK CUP
Baxter Best (Ipswich SHS)
Best is the best in the business when he comes to this age group. Strongly built, the brother of NSW origin hero Bradman will storm the trenches from fullback.
Kyanu Seiuli (Ipswich SHS)
With hair dyed like NRL star Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), the right edge second rower makes a similar impact in his age group. Defenders have to be red alert when fatigued late in each half or else he will muscle out the other side.
Isaac Salei (Wavell SHS)
Wavell was a brutal, big hitting team in this age group and even at centre Salei cast a long shadow with his imposing frame. He has a knack of finding the line with smart angled runs.
Gabriel Laing and Jack Neuendorf (Ipswich SHS)
If you turn up on grand final day looking for a couple of old style characters in the front row, then this pair will not disappoint. Grand final success has been carved out around blokes like this since the code started in 1908.
Knight Tanielu and Bensen Manu (Wavell SHS)
Going one-two in the middle for Wavell will be these two big boppers who will strive for momentum around the ruck.
Rame Neemia (Wavell SHS)
A star on grand final day in the past, Neemia can thump in defence and cause plenty of damage running the football.
Cruz Molo (Wavell SHS)
A big bodied No.13, he jams in tackles and is the type of bloke a ball carrier does not want to see lurking out the corner of their eye.
Originally published as Grand final Players of the Day in the BBOB, Renouf Shield and Hancock Cup deciders at Davies Park
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