2025 NRL Schoolboy Cup grand final countdown special - Langer Trophy’s players of the decade
How’s this for 60 magic moments and players of the Langer Trophy competition since Reece Walsh was first sighted. This special report comes ahead of Thursday’s NRL Schoolboy Cup national grand final.
The NRL Schoolboys Cup National grand final promises to be a blockbuster between Queensland’s best side, Keebra Park SHS, and NSW’s top of the pops team - Patrician Brothers Blacktown.
Both team’s bristle with potential NRL players in what shapes as a fitting finale to a dramatic season.
The decider will be live streamed by this masthead via Kommunity TV as part of a double header between NRL Schoolgirls Cup national final combatants, Marsden SHS and Central Coast Sports College.
Ahead of the schoolboy final, we peer back at 50 magic moments of the Langer Trophy since Reece Walsh lit up the competition in 2019, while also naming the top 25 players this author has seen at schoolboy level.
TOP 25 PLAYERS
THE BACKS
Reece Walsh (Keebra Park SHS)
He played the Langer Trophy with a number 3 blade haircut, but while he was shorned like a sheep, unlike Samson he did not lose his mojo.
Walsh was outstanding as a Keebra Park SHS Langer player, just as he is today.
Playing for Keebra Park, Walsh was an off the cuff talent with blazing acceleration, special evasive skills and a pass that came from no one which landed in the bread basket of teammates. That description sounds familiar, doesn’t it.
Deine Mariner (PBC SHS)
In 2021 St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon coach Scott Minto was astounded at what he had witnessed in the Phil Hall Cup state grand final. He described Mariners performance akin to his students playing against an NRL player as Mariner scored tries and set up tries from start to finish. He was that good in that match. And now the Broncos supporters know why Minto was so impressed.
Keano Kini (PBC SHS)
Round 1, 2022, against Marsden SHS Kini took a run from 45m out. He stepped, his power, his leg speed and acceleration driving him forward. He stepped again and off he went on a sensational solo try which was like watching an NRL player playing among schoolboys. He was a special No.1 who was always going to play NRL.
Karl Oloapu (Wavell SHS)
Just like his 2022 Queensland schoolboys national championship winning teammate Keano Kini, you just knew Oloapu was going to play NRL.
He played lock for the state, but was a five-eight.
My favourite moment was when he scored a sensational solo try after surprisingly fumbling a pass backwards. Oloapu went back to collect the ball which had been deflected 10m behind him, picked it up, stopped for a second before stepping and accelerating 30m through the defence to score. It was very special.
He went on to play NRL for Canterbury before a neck injury endangered his career.
Zane Harrison (PBC SHS)
Gold Coast Titans fans, watch for Harrison to make his NRL debut sometime next year. Knowing this kid’s temperament, I have no hesitation and telling Titans fans this is the halfback you have been waiting for. A born winner who has won more grand finals than most people have had hot dinners, the Tweed Heads local is a game manager of the highest order. Watch for him to be blooded at some stage under new coach Josh Hannay in 2026, with a view to handing him the keys to the side in 2027.
David Bryenton (Keebra Park SHS)
An extraordinary talent, Bryenton’s running game has lit up school and club football since he arrived from New Zealand in 2021. He is the type of player who was just as dangerous 90m out as he is 10m from the tryline. He was the man who broke the Langer Trophy extra time thriller wide last month against PBC SHS open with two runs from nowhere.
Jahream Bula (Keebra Park SHS)
Bula only scratched the surface as to what he was capable of at school level, but you could see there was a splash of Greg Inglis and Israel Folau in him. Frustratingly for Titans fans, the Gold Coast made him in their academy but the elite outside back wanted to play basketball. Bula now stars with the Wests Tigers.
Hayden Watson (Marsden SHS)
Watson was the best schoolboy in Queensland this season. He was the player of the state championships, played his way into the Australian schoolboys side and was elite at club football for the Burleigh Bears U17 premiership winning side. A goal kicking hooker or halfback, he also has a running game not unlike ex-Warriors champion Shaun Johnson - which is not surprising given his touch football background. Watson is contracted to the Melbourne Storm.
Tom Weaver (PBC SHS)
He has 11 NRL games under his belt for the Gold Coast, and is sure to play more. Weaver was the puppeteer of the Palm Beach Currumbin side across 2020-21, partnering with Ryan ivett and Joshua Lynn for title. He was a classic, ball distributing No.7 with the rare ability to run a side. Weaver almost always chose the correct option.
Antonio Verhoeven (PBC SHS)
Signed by the Broncos, this kid is exciting. He reminds me a little of Deine Mariner who went on to play NRL. A New Zealand lad, he has those x-factor features which can see him explode through a space when none seem evident.
Toby Sexton (PBC SHS)
Think of the manner in which Sexton ran the Canterbury NRL side this season prior to his extraordinary relegation - well that’s exactly how he played for PBC SHS. He was the Queensland schoolboys halfback, strong with his runs, courageous at the line with his passes and fluent when his outside men needed backs’ ball.
Sam Stephenson (PBC SHS)
The tall centre played three seasons of Langer Trophy, and went on to make the Australian schoolboys side. A wonderful catcher of Zane Harrison’s kicks, he also had a tough, robust ruck run in his game from the defensive end while also being able to finish movements with ease. He is signed by the Gold Coast Titans.
THE BEST FORWARDS
Blake Mozer (Keebra Park SHS)
One of the smartest players you come across in a day’s march, the former Australian schoolboy selection could run matches from the ruck. A hooker, he was ahead of the game and Broncos fans will enjoy the day he is injury free and given a run at the No.9 jersey. He was also a strong hit and stick defensive forward.
Xavier Willison (PBC SHS)
Standing almost 2m in height, Willison made his mark not through brawn, but through subtle skills and mobility. He played three seasons in the Langer Trophy, although 2019 was disrupted by injury. The big bloke was a big reason the Reds beat Keebra Park in the 2020 grand final.
Gabriel Satrick (Ipswich SHS)
Originally from Yarrabah, Satrick was the biggest bolt from the blue footballer to hit the Langer Trophy this decade. A 2022 Australian schoolboy, he was man of the match for Queensland in the national championship decider and also the Peter Sterling Medallist for player of the national schoolboy competition. He played the house down for Ipswich and don’t give up on him playing NRL for the Storm.
Josiah Pahulu (Ipswich SHS)
The mobile middle forward was Ipswich SHS’s spiritual leader during its remarkable unbeaten run all the way through to winning the 2022 national championship. A three season Langer player, he played NRL with the Titans but is now embedded at the Melbourne Storm.
Cody Starr (Redcliffe SHS)
Injury starved Starr of exposure, but the glimpse we got of him toward the end of the Langer season stamped him as a very fine prospect for the Dolphins. In three successive matches he produced elite middle forward performances.
Charlie Dickson (Wavell SHS)
Tough as nails, Dickson would cleverly angle his run back behind the ruck to make metres. Close to the line he was never defeated, and would twist and turn and fight hard to score or land on his stomach. Signed by the Dolphins, he was barely aged 18 when he was desperate to test himself against the men. This kid has the desire and instinct to make it in the NRL.
Tupou Francis (Marsden SHS)
He made the 2024 Langer Trophy Team of the Season and despite narrowly missing the side in 2025, the Broncos-signed No.13 is still one of the best schoolboy prospects of the decade.
The kid just ran out of steam toward the end of the school season after an extraordinary 2025 which saw him:
+ spearhead Burleigh to the U17 Connell Cup premiership;
+ win the U19 Meninga Cup grand final for Burleigh with a remarkable extra time surge;
+ made the Queensland schoolboys team;
+ played for the Broncos U20s
+ and gave his all for Marsden SHS at school level.
That’s why he is one of the top 10 forwards this writer has seen this decade.
Pale Feaunati (Keebra Park SHS)
Broncos fans, write this name down. The towering No.13 or prop is a tremendous middle prospect who can impact with his runs, or unload under pressure to teammates in a better position. He was one of the players of the season in 2025.
Oskar Bryant (PBC SHS)
Bryant formed the best halfback-hooker combination possible for PBC SHS.
The boys were basically twins growing up around the northern rivers, Cudgen Headland juniors who had an uncanny understanding on the field. Bryant’s service to Weaver, his length of pass and running game was a huge season why PBC SHS were the 2020 and 2021 champions.
Klese Haas (Keebra Park SHS)
A completely different style of player to his brother Payne, Klese was a wonderful mobile second rower who could move like a centre. He also defended aggressively, but it was his movement with the ball which made him an x-factor player. Not surprisingly he progressed into the NRL.
Brendan Piakura (PBC SHS)
Originally from Coombabah SHS, robust second rower was the real deal schoolboy prodigy and his rise into the Broncos’ top ranks will surprise no one who saw him play himself into the 2019 Queensland schoolboys from the Palm Beach Currumbin SHS.
TC Robati (Marsden SHS)
Robati would come on the surge like he been launched out of a cannon when he played second rower for Marsden SHS. A 2019 Queensland schoolboy selection, Robati’s went on to play NRL for the Broncos.
Zac Garton (Caloundra SHS)
A tough edge back rower positioning himself to play NRL for the Dolphins later this decade. THe former Australian schoolboy has take toughness about him - on both sides of the ball. He’s the type of kid who will bubble to the surface and please Dolphins fans later this decade.
QUICKEST FORWARD
Ativalu Lisati (Ipswich SHS)
During a 2019 foot chase with Keebra Park SHS speedster Reece Walsh, a GPS tracker worn by Melbourne Storm NRL forward Ativalu Lisati which clocked him at a highest speed of 36.83kph.
To put that burst of speed into perspective, when the NRL released its figures highlighting the top speed of players recorded earlier this season, only Addo-Carr (38.50kph) was quicker. It was an extraordinary effort by the former Penrith and now Melbourne Storm recruit from New Zealand.
QUICKEST BACK
Xavier Savage (PBC SHS)
Originally from North Queensland, Savage was originally a Brisbane Boys College GPS track and field star who lit up athletics.
But he was also a rugby league player and his move to PBC SHS in 2019-20 enabled the rugby league community to see this lightning quick athlete.
The Canberra Raiders liked what they saw as well, recruiting the schoolboy with the brightest boots imaginable down to the capital where he plays NRL.
James Gray (Redcliffe SHS)
While Savage is lightning quick, is he any quicker that Redcliffe SHS flying fullback James Gray? Gray was a 100m state and national junior champion and is ridicuously fast, particularly over the first 40m.
Special mention to Marsden SHS past student Saxon Innes who is with the Broncos, and also ex-Marsden winger Tea-Rani Woodman-Tuhoro. Boy they are quick.
BIGGEST COLLISON
Alex Leapai (Mabel SHS) versus Jury Taewa (Marsden SHS)
In a Logan local derby, Mabel forward leader Leapai wanted to make a statement against Marsden SHS from the kick-off with a big tackle - and he did.
Remember the famous footage of NRL props Carroll (Manly) and Harrigan (Knights) colliding from the start of a game - this incident mirrored that moment.
Leapai came off second best, collapsing to the ground and laying in the arms of trainer Duncan Armstrong who nursed him back to planet earth.
So concerned were fans at the sight of Leapai laying motionless in Armstrong’s arms, they broke into church songs. Their prayers were answered as Leapai recovered from the knock.
HARDEST RUNNERS AWARD
Ipswich SHS has this department covered - times three.
Former Queensland schoolboy winger Anton Naiyep, current Dolphins NRL second rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Roosters-bound 2025 prop and captain Xzavier Timoteo were the best in the business.
They had boundless courage and would have been an inspiration to teammates.
Naiyep seemed to accelerate the closer he came to contact, Timoteo had explosive acceleration and scored countless tries coming on the burst off hooker Sam Martin.
And Finefeuiaki was just courageous to the core.
BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
Jett Bryce (Keebra SHS)
Bryce’s performance in a losing Keebra Park semi-final team against PBC SHS was stuff legends are made of. A mobile second rower, he was here, there and everywhere. It was an effort which will live in the memory. He was simply phenomenal.
THE BEST LITTLE MAN AWARD
Tyler Peckham-Harris (Ipswich SHS)
What a player. THe size of a jockey, fullback Peckham-Harris won the 2022 Langer Trophy with Ipswich before going on to win a SG Ball junior reps title with the Dragons. He was a sensational footballer who set an example to small men that they can succeed in the code. So good was Peckham-Harris in 2022, he also made this masthead’s Meninga Cup club season Team of the Year.
THE BEST BIG MAN AWARD
Loko Pasifiki Tonga Ipswich SHS
Now an NRL player with the Dragons, Tonga played one season with Ipswich SHS, helping that community sweep through the 2022 season unbeaten and claim the Langer, Phil Hall Cup and NRL Schoolboys Cup titles.
He was so big, he’d block out the afternoon.
Ben Te Kura (Wavell SHS)
Big Ben was a towering 202cm tall prop who went on to play for the Broncos in the NRL.
Special mention to Marsden SHS’s 196cm giant Xavier Stower whose long reach won a semi-final for Marsden six seconds from full-time.
And also a special mention for Kobi Floro (Wavell SHS).
Tuku Hau Tapuha (Wavell SHS)
A man mountain edge or middle forward, Tapuha was one of the competition’s most feared players simply because of his physical presence. He knew he had armoury and he played with confidence. Tapuha went on to play NRL for the Roosters and now sits in the Sharks system.
THE MOST GIFTED FORWARDS AWARD
John Fineanganofo (Redcliffe SHS)
An Australian schoolboy representative in 2023, he was an elite ball playing No.13 who could also play tough in the middle or run on the fringe of the ruck. Yoou sense he could spin a ball on the tip of his finger. A Redcliffe Meninga Cup premiership winner, the No.13 or No.6 was also extremely tough who played through pain for the Queensland schoolboys.
Billy Mulheran (PBC SHS)
Signed by Canterbury and from northern NSW, Mulheran was the most skilled big man in the 2025 competition. He played prop, No.13 and second rower - but could even play five-eight if required.
Taelon Te Whiu Hopa (Marsden SHS)
He was so good as a year 10 Langer Trophy footballer that he was named in the Team of the Season.
Unfortunately that was the peak of his career and despite having so much talent, he did not kick on. But his ball playing skill was a gift from the heavens.
MOST UNDERRATED PLAYERS
Taj Lateo (PBC SHS)
Lateo was eventually rewarded with a Queensland schoolboys jumper and an NRL contract with the Cowboys, but for a long period this outstanding halfback slipped under the radar. He was just smart, safe, a great tactical kicker and strong defender.
Ahmani Leluia (Ipswich SHS)
A prop, Ahmani was such an outstanding captain, he led Souths Logan to the 2022 Meninga Cup, and then Ipswich SHS to the NRL Schoolboys Cup national title. He was a strong front rower, but also a perfect personality for a footballer.
Bailey McConnell (PBC SHS)
The 2023 Justin Hodges Medallist, McConell started the season as PBC SHS’s No. 1 game manager in the absence of injured skipper Zane Harrison, then when Harrison returned he took his game to another level. His consistency across the season ensured he was constantly in the 3-2-1 votes.
Lachlan Buchbach (Mabel Park SHS)
A five-eight, he put his finger prints on the 2023 competition and was elite for his school, helping them into No. 2 position after the home-and-away season had finished.
THE FOOTBALLER YOU’D LOVE TO HAVE PLAY FOR YOUR LIFE AWARD
Jack Laing (Ipswich SHS)
A fabulous glue player, Laing was the concrete in Ipswich SHS’s march through the 2022 season. A No.13, you wouldn’t swap him for anyone.
ICE IN HIS VEINS AWARD
Timahna Tandy (Wavell SHS)
The dashing young fullback was a late match winner for Wavell SHS on more than one occasion - either as a goalkicker or an attacking No.1.
Originally from the southern Darling Downs, Tandy was so impressive the Dolphins scouts placed him in the club’s academy.
EXCITEMENT MACHINE AWARD
Mason Barber (Keebra Park SHS)
Signed by the Cowboys, Barber scored the individual try of the decade at school level when playing for Queensland schoolboys in 2024. Remember Brett Mullins, the former Raiders star and Roosters premiership winner - Barber is the closest you come to replicating that thrilling past talent.
WILDCARD TALENT AWARD
Jairus Halahala (Redcliffe SHS)
Signed by the Dolphins, Halahala’s footwork and explosive leg drive was second to none by a Langer Trophy forward this decade. The middle forward has so much potential that it is not funny.
LONGEST ROAD TO THE LANGER TROPHY AWARD
Lauloto Salei (Wavell SHS)
It is one the great Langer Trophy greatest journey - from Christchurch to Alice Springs, onto Cairns and finally down to Wavell SHS.
That was the path trodden by 2023 Queensland schoolboy representative Salei on his way to become the Wavell SHS Langer captain. We just loved his story and the way his chest puffed out with pride when he led Wavell SHS into battle. He is also a great bloke.
BEST BOLT FROM THE BLUE PLAYER
Elijah Keung (Mabel Park SHS)
Few saw Keung coming, but his performance in club land for the Tigers, and later for Mabel Park SHS in the Langer Trophy, earned him a Queensland schoolboys jersey and a contract with South Sydney. He was the best prop in his age group last year - all this from a boy who arrived at Mabel Park from St James College in Fortitude Valley.
Brad Higgins (Caloundra SHS)
What a hidden gem this Caloundra SHS prop was. The tall, raw-boned Higgins ruffled plenty of feathers and was intimidated by no one. He played prop and is in the Storm system.
BEST UNSIGNED PLAYER
Tom Parker (Ipswich SHS)
The fullback or five-eight has had a remarkable junior career. Over two seasons he made this masthead’s Connell Cup and Meninga Cup teams of the season in two different positions despite his team, Souths Logan, underachieving. He made the 2025 Langer Trophy team of the season as well and is just a very, very good player with footwork, pace and vision.
THE PLAYER I DIDN’T SEE COMING AWARD
The author of this story just never saw Jaylan de Groot coming as a future NRL player.
Jaylan was with the Reds in 2020, was a great mover and could beat his first defender. He was also a strong pushing up through the middle and had a strong combination with Tom Weaver and Oskar Bryant.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS AWARD
Isaac Harrison (PBC SHS)
The No.13 was in the shadow of his brother, Zane, but rose to captain the Reds when they won the 2024 Phil Hall Cup state final. He played in 13 school or club grand finals in his career and was always in the top two for tackles and also carries in any game. We loved his hit and spin which often led to PBC SHS momentum from the ruck.
Aholoka Toia (Redcliffe SHS)
Like Isaac Harrison who has a star brother who plays in the backs, Toia is a front rower whose career is so different to his star brother, Queensland Origin series winning centre Rob Toia. The ex-Redcliffe prop rose to represent the Queensland schoolboys from humble beginnings and is currently with his brother at the Roosters.
PLAYER STILL ON THE CUSP OF NRL
Cody Black (Marsden SHS)
A top 30 Broncos talent, Brisbane have invested plenty of coaching into the young No.7. He is still seen as a fine halfback prospect at the club who for the last two seasons has represented the Queensland U19s.
LONG-ODDS BET WORTH HAVING
Tyreece Tait (Wavell SHS)
The 2022 Queensland schoolboys winger, he was not re-signed by the Broncos and missed the 2023 school season, but he remains an elite wing talent. It would not be surprising to see him play NRL given his speed, He is currently with the Roosters.
BEST LEAP AWARD
Haizyn Mellars (Marsden SHS)
South Sydney have a good prospect here in Mellars, the 2022 Queensland schoolboys winger.
Mellars who could leap like no other.. He seemed spring heeled - which should not be surprising given the year he represented the Queensland schoolboys in league, he also represented his state in basketball.
MAN WITH THE BIGGEST HANDS
Oliva Smith (formerly Iaulualo, Ipswich SHS)
Smith, Queensland U19s best State of Origin forward in this year’s win, was a magnificent performer for Ipswich SHS.
He had extender arms and huge hands which enabled him to unload the ball in seemingly impossible situations. He is working his way through the Canterbury Bulldogs system.
BEST PLAYER WE DIDN’T SEE ENOUGH OF
Jarod Horne (Wavell SHS)
An outstanding No.13 or edge footballer, Horne missed a lot of school football due to injury after making his debut as a Year 10 student, but remains a valued Broncos academy member.
BEST CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK FOOTBALLER
Nate Berrigan (Redcliffe SHS)
The son of Barry and nephew of Shaun - both former NRL players - Nate Berrigan plays No.13 with all the gusto of a typical Berrigan.
BEST BLOKE TO BUILD A TEAM AROUND
Chris Faagutu (Marsden SHS)
Faagutu played three seasons of Langer Trophy as a No.13 or prop. He was a tremendous player and ultimately captain of the Makos.
ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Kylem Vunipola (Marsden SHS)
The Mako’s outside back was the closest to ex-Broncos centre Mick DeVere you’d see in a day’s march. He was reliable, a low mistake footballer and calm in a crisis. He was just a damn good player.
THE PLAYER YOU WISHED HAD STAYED IN RUGBY LEAGUE
Alex Leapai (Mabel Park SHS)
A 2023 Queensland schoolboy prop signed by the Roosters, this three season Langer Trophy ace was lost to the code when he decided to concentrate on boxing.
BEST COMEBACK AWARD
Javon Andrews (Marsden SHS)
Five-eight Andrews overcame a serious neck injury to not only compete, but he was one of the competition’s ace players.
The Queensland U19 Origin ace was so close to spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair, but now is a potential NRL player.
Andrews is signed by the Tigers and we predict he will play in the NRL.
Special mention to his teammate Will Semu, who recovered from a sickening head knock in 2021 as a Year 10 Langer player, to make the 2023 Queensland schoolboys side.
BEST COACHING PERFORMANCE
Tim Maccan (PBC SHS)
PBC SHS’s performance to take Keebra Park SHS to extra time in the Langer Trophy grand final was a tactical and emotiional masterpiece by PBC coach Tim Maccan.
The desire, tenacity and fight of the Reds in that final against a team which had posted points for fun during the season showed the respect the players had for Maccan.
Joshua Bretherton (Ipswich SHS)
Likewise, Bretherton’s coaching performance to take Ipswich SHS through the 2022 unbeaten was remarkable.
He had a good side, a very good side, but this was not some all-star outfit.
He had the players motivated, playing to their ability and clearly the players believed in their coach and themselves.
Some boys like Tre Fota and Gabriel Satrick played the season of their lives under Bretherton. He believed in his players and his players believed in him.
FORWARD LEADER AWARD
Jack Cullen (PBC SHS)
The PBC SHS forward leader was one tough mother in the Langer Trophy. He set the highest of standards as a middle forward and was a challenging figure for opponents with his leg drive and metre eating capacity.
THE CAPTAINCY MASTERSTROKE AWARD
Peter Norman (Keebra Park SHS)
It goes to Keebra Park SHS coach Peter Norman for making NRL forward in making Arama Hau his 2023 captain. Hau was a firebrand type, but with the added responsibility he flourished as his team’s leader and was one of the competition’s top five players who made the Australian schoolboys side.
ONE THING WE LOVED MOST WAS .....
Ipswich SHS’s unofficial association with Cherbourg, an Aboriginal community in the South Burnett region. The link has given several youth from the district a chance to stretch themselves and test themselves as footballers and people outside of their comfort zone.
THE PLAYER YOU THOUGHT WOULD KICK ON
Prinston Esera (Wavell SHS)
Esera tasted Langer Trophy as a Year 10 student, was class with a capital C at left centre as a Year 11 student, but tampered off in Year 12. But he had an outstanding school career and should be proud of her efforts for the Warriors.
Michael Roberts (PBC SHS)
Roberts was the matchwinner of the NRL Schoolboys Cup grand final when he scored an 80m solo try. Roberts started the season on the wing but progressed to five-eight, and it was a late season master stroke by coach Tim Maccan to have Roberts on the ball. He played for the Australian schoolboys.
Originally published as 2025 NRL Schoolboy Cup grand final countdown special - Langer Trophy’s players of the decade
