Langer Trophy grand final unsung forwards revealed here
Langer Trophy grand final deep dive into the unsung forwards who have played both PBC SHS and Marsden SHS into Wednesday’s decider.
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Two unheralded forward packs have played Marsden SHS and Palm Beach Currumbin SHS into a grand final no one saw coming.
While both elite halves Zane Harrison (PBC SHS) and Javon Andrews (Marsden SHS) hold the key to their team’s success, both would be becalmed without the support of their respective underrated forward packs.
Marsden SHS coach Krys Freeman praised his tough forward pack.
“The more things we have done better together, the better we have become and the more energy we have got,’’ he said. “And the game becomes easier for us.’’
Palm Beach Currumbin coach Tim Maccan said the key to the school’s Langer Trophy success was built around defensive packs.
“If I am going to pick someone, I am going to pick the person who is the best defender. I don’t care how well you attack.
“I want to make sure we defend and defend as a unit. We are not the biggest pack, so you have to defend in twos and threes.
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“We train with high intensity with tough conditioning as a part of that at least once a week to make sure we are prepared for the conditions.
“And you also have to be able to adapt. We’d love to play every team at midday in the sun because we have a fast team, but it does not work out that way.
“The win against Keebra (in the rain) was a tough, grinding win.’’
MEET THE UNSUNG FORWARDS
MARSDEN SHS
Prop: Benji Quinlan
Quinlan is border line local having grown up just a short drive away in Ormeau where he played for the Shearers club. But it took until last year before Quinlan joined Marsden SHS.
This season he has been one of the finest forwards with his aggressive runs and take no prisoners defence. It is little wonder he is in the Raiders system.
Hooker: Paea Puleiku and Quentin Teuila
The boys tag-team the dummy half role, with Teuila starting and Puleiku coming on with his run and energy. Teuila is the brother of former Marsden Langer second rower Brandon and is a true blue local, while Paea came over from the Forest Lake region four years ago. They fit the unsung theme to a tee.
Prop: Mace Andrew
Before he was injured (achilles) Andrew was Marsden’s best forward alongside another young veteran, Tupou Francis.
Signed by South Sydney, the mobile middle forward with a huge motor was confident he would be available for selection.
Second row: Cody Goulter
One half of the bruise brothers - the other half is Levin Rusin - Goulter is a local junior who played all the age group football before having a rest from the code in Year 11. But he has been making up for lost time in 2024 with all or nothing aggression in defence and attack.
Second rower: Taylan To’A
To’A is an ace in the pack. A local junior signed by the Gold Coast Titans, he produced his best performance of the season in round 7 against Mabel Park SHS, and displayed courage to front up again in week one and two of the finals after receiving a knock.
At his best the Year 11 student is a classical wide running forward - but someone with a high worth ethic in defence as well. He is an exciting prospect for the Titans.
No. 13: Tupou Francis
Aged just 16, the Year 11 was the leader of the pack who led Marsden SHS’s revival in the second half of the season. Signed by the Broncos, he is originally from Sydney but has been at Marsden for most of his secondary schooling after moving here with his brother Tony (Marsden, 2020), who now a Titans NRL player. He tackles tough and runs aggressively and is mature beyond his years.
Middle: Rusin Levi
Year 11 student Rusin has been a revelation off the interchange bench with his big hitting and aggressive running. He is playing like he has nothing to lose and his contribution from the interchange bench has been immense because he keeps the fire raging.
Middle: Emman Asomua
Another Marsden SHS junior to the core, he has been a front row big bopper all through the Marsden SHS BBOB, Renouf, Hancock, Walters and now Langer Trophy teams. He has tremendous go forward and plays with his heart on his sleeve. He loves the Marsden SHS school badge on his chest.
Middle: Cooper Young
Marsden SHS middle forward interchange, Young comes from that famous rugby league district of Beaudesert, south of Marsden SHS, but has attended the school all through his secondary schooling. Nicknamed Bam Bam, he produced an outstanding club season with the Wynnum Manly and used that as a springboard into a rousing Langer Trophy campaign.
PBC SHS
Prop: Torino Jackson
From the faraway South Island of New Zealand, he was scouted by the Gold Coast Titans last year while representing the South Island. He signed a three year academy deal with the Titans while in his homeland and moved to PBC SHS late last year.
Hooker: Kaleb Smith
Identified by the Gold Coast Titans as a Future’s Squad member, the dummy half represented the South Coast opens earlier in the year. From the rich Northern NSW catchment, Smith made his A grade debut for the Murwillumbah Mustangs in April.
Prop: Jack Schmidt
Originally a Bundaberg product, Schmidt is Jackson’s starting front row partner who would be the team’s biggest forward. From PBC SHS’s rivals Keebra Park, he has consistently represented South Coast and lost nothing in comparison to the other middle forwards in the competition.
Second row: Jac Finigan
The second rower or No. 13 is a fearless carrier who seems to run faster the closer he gets to contact. But he was also an elite edge defender who was recognised with selection in the Queensland under-18 emerging squad, and then as a late replacement player in the Queensland schoolboys side during July.
Second row: Reuben Tamariki
From the famous Bilambil Jets in a beautiful northern NSW valleys, the rangy second rower has a high tackle efficiency and effective carry which sees him win most contacts. He works his backside off which suits the culture of the squad.
No. 13: Isaac Harrison
The twin brother of elite halfback Zane, Harrison is the more burly of the twins. Strongly built, he gets his body in and around the ball in defence, and with his carries uses his strength to hit and spin and drive in contact. A local boy from Tweed Heads, he is very much an unheralded footballer - but a proven winner. He has played in 11 grand finals across club and school football - and actually won won more premiership than his brother despite playing in one less decider.
Interchange: Jai and Roko Bilish
Hooker Jai and middle forward Roko did not miss a tackle between them in Wednesday’s semi-final - a big achievement given the match was played in driving rain. The New Zealand boys offer different strengths - Jai has a dynamic running game while Roko is a relief middle forward who gets the job done without a fuss.
Middle: Hiawe King
King hails from just down the creek in beautiful Currumbin. He has been indoctrinated by the PBC footy culture and has a typical high work rate. King is a no nonsense middle forward which PBC SHS’s succession of grand final appearances has been built around.
Originally published as Langer Trophy grand final unsung forwards revealed here
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