SEQ’s premier schoolboy rugby league’s competition’s Team of the Season

After months of excitement, we’ve named our Langer Trophy team of the season, along with awards like the Try of the Year, Discovery Players, Best New Faces and players we can’t wait to see in 2024.

Andrew Dawson, Nick Tucker, Grace Hamilton and Eddie Franklin

9 min read

September 6, 2023 - 7:06AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Check out our Langer Trophy Team of the Season below.

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Here it is, our annual Langer Trophy Team of the Season and associated award winners.

We named a 20 player squad, but there is much, much more to our story.

STRUDDY’S CUP GRAND FINAL DAY, BEST PLAYERS YEAR 7,8 and 9

WALTERS CUP TEAM OF THE SEASON

Who scored the try of the season? Who were the Best New Faces, the Hard Yakka Award winners, and the Comeback Kings of 2023? All revealed here, along with players we Can’t Wait to Watch in 2024. Plus much more.

So sit back and relaxed as we take through the players who most caught our eye during a fabulous Langer Trophy season.

TEAM OF THE SEASON

1. Saxon Innes (Marsden SHS)

Saxon Innes and Kylem Vunipola at Marsden SHS Thursday April 27, 2023. Picture, John Gass

Speed was Innes’ point of difference. He was invisible last season in this competition as a winger, but his switch to No. 1 this season was a revelation.

2. Anton Naiyep (Ipswich)

QLD player Alton Naiyep QLD Vs CAS ASSRL 18 years national championships school rugby league Thursday July 6, 2023. Picture, John Gass

Naiyep didn’t score as many tries as he did in 2022 but boy was he good.

He began the year flexing his muscles in the Meninga Cup competition and continued to show why he was a Queensland Schoolboys select throughout the Langer season.

He is so strong and never loses the ball.

3. Keisaia Sua (Ipswich SHS)

Ipswich SHS’s Su’a. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Raiders signed Su’a was impressive in his first and only season of Langer Trophy footy.

Coming across from New Zealand, Su’a quickly fit into the Ipswich outfit and combined well with Naiyep on his outside.

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He knew when to pass, when to cut back in, when to pin the ears back and when to get involved.

4 Sam Stephenson (PBC SHS)

PBC centre Sam Stephenson. Picture: Matthew Elkerton

The tall, powerful, long striding Queensland schoolboys centre has given PBC SHS an ex-factor player both in the air and when the ball is moved through the hands. To think he is only in Year 11.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS OF THE LANFER SEASON

5. Will Semu (Marsden SHS)

Marsden’s Will Semu playing for Qld. Picture, John Gass

Semu was fantastic and throughly deserved his place in the Queensland schoolboys. A junior league prodigy, he suffered a serious head knock in 2021 which stifled his 2022 season, but he was back to his best this season and his selection in our Team of the Season was one of the most pleasing of all.

6. Bailey McConnell (PBC SHS)

PBC five-eighth Bailey McConnell celebrates a try. Picture: Matthew Elkerton

The 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.

RELATED LINKS

WALTERS CUP GRAND FINAL REPLAYS HERE

BBOB, RENOUF SHIELD GRAND FINAL REPORTS HERE

7. Zane Harrison (PBC SHS)

Zane Harrison. Picture Glenn Hampson

Harisson missed the first three games of the season but hoisted his team’s mainsail after the after the school holidays and sailed his team to Langer Trophy and Phil Hall Cup premierships. The best game manager in the competition.

8. Alex Leapai (Mabel Park SHS)

Alex Leapai from Mabel Park State High School – Picture: Richard Walker

The No. 1 prop in the competition, Leapai was Mabel Park’s front row battleship, their spiritual leader. The Gold Coast Titans have a good one here.

9. Will Saunders (PBC SHS)

PBC High student Will Saunders into the State Finals. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Saunders glorious dummy half play has been a highlight over the last two months. He can play within himself, then take the game on when opposition A and B defenders start to wane.

10. Lewis Symonds (Marsden SHS)

Symonds was an unlucky omission from the Queensland schoolboys squad and enjoyed his best season in Langer playing at No. 13.

There were times, like at Kayo Stadium against Redcliffe, where he was unstoppable.

11. Zac Garton (Caloundra SHS)

Caloundra SHS rugby league talent Zac Garton. Picture: Kylie McLellan

Garton grabbed his teammates by the arm and showed them they had nothing to fear during Caloundra SHS’s debut season in the competition. It was a demanding season for the newcomers, but Queensland edge forward Garton was always setting the highest of standards.

12. Jett Bryce (Keebra Park SHS)

Keebra captain Jett Bryce, PBC captain Zane Harrison. Picture Glenn Hampson

Bryce was absolutely sensational, the best forward in the competition. His performance in a losing semi-final performance against PBC SHS was remarkable.

13. John Fineanganofo (Redcliffe SHS)

QLD player John Fineanganofo of Redcliffe. Picture, John Gass

Redcliffe SHS’s Australian schoolboys representative played injured from round 4, but still makes our squad with ease. Clever ballplayer who could also play tough in the middle or run on the fringe of the ruck.

14. Coby Black (Marsden SHS)

Coby Black from Marsden State High School – Picture: Richard Walker

Black started the season as the player his No. 7 peers most looked after and most of the season displayed those class touches. He will be disappointed with his semi-final performance but you learn more from falling over, then getting up again, than you do sailing through life on a white fluffy cloud.

15. Oliva Iaulualo (Ipswich SHS)

Ipswich SHS 12. Oliva Iaulualo Picture: Liam Kidston.

Iaulualo is a mobile edge forward who did his thing all season. He is a very good player and the Bulldogs have two promising forwards in him and David Leota.

16. Baylen Donald (PBC SHS)

PBC's Baylen Donald wrapped up by Marsdens Markatato Nosa. . Picture Glenn Hampson

Donald’s left edge running threat and defence simply could not be ignored. For several years he did his apprenticeship playing Walters Cup and Langer Reserves, Tweed Connell Challenge and then Meninga Cup. All that education ensured he was the finished product for PBC SHS’s remarkable run through the finals.

17. Brady Turner (PBC SHS)

PBC front rower Brady Turner. Picture: Matthew Elkerton

The big bloke edged out his teammate Jett Jackson for this reserve prop position. His physical presence was a boon for PBC SHS.

18. Tyler Peckham-Harris (Ipswich SHS)

Tyler Peckham-Harris. Picture David Clark

Tyler Peckham-Harris definitely deserves to be in the starting team but we couldn’t find a spot.

He is without a doubt one of the best defenders in the competition and he is also an elite attacking weapon.

Despite being small, the Peckham-Harris mindset is enough to see him play at the highest level.

19. Ray Puru (PBC SHS)

PBC SHS’s Ray Puru. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The fast finishing Puru played his way onto the bench after a succession of high class finals matches coming off the bench after returning from injury.

20. Lauloto Salei (Wavell SHS)

Lauloto Salei from Wavell State High School – Picture: Richard Walker

He was in our Team of the Season until Pay Puru’s dramatic finals form, so to keep him in we extended the reserves bench by one just to accommodate him. That’s how highly we think of the Wavell SHS captain.

21. Aholoka Toia (Redcliffe SHS)

QLD player Aholoka Toia of Redcliffe SHS. Picture, John Gass

He is last but not least. Toia was always going to make our top squad. He played for the Queensland schoolboys where he was one of Queensland’s top three players and was whole-hearted the whole season.

Emergencies Jac Finigan (PBC SHS), Zac Herdegen (Wavell) and Jett Jackson (PBC SHS)

PBC SHS’s Jac Finigan. Picture: Liam Kidston.

We almost feel like apologising to him for not finding a place in the squad, so good has he been.

The most unlucky omission

Lachlan Buchbach (Mabel Park SHS)

He put his finger prints on the competition early when he tore PBC SHS and was outstanding during Mabel Park SHS fabulous season which saw them finish No. 2 after the home-and-away season had finished.

Mabel Park SHS players Lachlan, Ryan, Ocean and Jackson.

Players we’d love to have found a place for

Zac Herdegen (Wavell SHS)

Zac Herdegen of Wavell SHS. Picture, John Gass

Herdegen was as good as any half in the competition but ultimately we went for the Queensland schoolboy No. 7, Black, and the Langer Trophy premiership winning captain, Harrison. But we can’t wait to see the Year 11 student again next season.

Jett Jackson (PBC SHS)

PBC SHS’s Jett Jackson. Picture: Liam Kidston.

We just loved Jackson’s work ethic. What he does on the field says everything about PBC SHS’s DNA.

Elijah Tagiilima (Mabel Park SHS)

Elijah Tagiilima Profile shots ahead of the Langer Cup rugby league. Thursday May 4, 2023. Picture, John Gass

His combination with Francis-Kingston and those thumping runs from his own end were eye-catching. We’d love to have found a place for this Southport Tigers’ junior in the top team.

The same can be said about rampaging centre Lehi Thomas and classy fullback Ryan McCann.

Chase Paterson (Calundra SHS)

Queensland School Rugby League Championship Finals at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville. Sunshine Coast's Chase Paterson. Picture: Evan Morgan

The high energy, talented Paterson could play both middle or edge with ease. He was one of the most exciting forward talents in the competition.

Hayden Potts (Redcliffe SHS)

Queensland School Rugby League Championship Finals at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville. Sunshine Coast's Hayden Potts. Picture: Evan Morgan

The Redcliffe skipper played the most minutes out of anyone in his team, was a terrific leader and could really do it all.

He was one of the competition’s best players before the school holidays and coming back he was still at the top of his game.

Discovery player

Brad Higgins (Caloundra)

Caloundra SHS rugby league talent Brad Higgins in action. Picture: Kylie McLellan

What a hidden gem this Caloundra SHS prop has been. The tall, raw-boned Higgins ruffled plenty of feathers and was intimidated by no one.

Jackson Howe (Mabel Park SHS)

Howe was Buchbach’s partner in crime and they were a formidable pairing.

Howe has a tough of class, is a goalkicking whiz and can both create and score tries with his kicking.

The Mr Versatile award winners

Jealym Hohaia (Caloundra SHS)

He played in nearly every position this year and was outstanding in all games.

Tyler Peckham-Harris (Ipswich SHS)

He made our Team of the Season and he can play anywhere. Fullback, hooker and in the forwards even.

He tackles like he is seven foot.

Ellyjah Birve (Caloundra SHS)

Caloundra SHS rugby league talent Ellyjah Birve in action. Picture: Kylie McLellan

Versatile because more than once he would play a full game of Walters Cup, catch his breath while the Langer reserves play and then play a full game of Langer Trophy.

Jai Camilleri (Wavell SHS)

Langer Trophy action between Ipswich SHS and Wavell SHS on June 14 2023.

He could player hooker if needed but also in the halves because Harrison Hill is a terrific player.

A ripping gridiron talent, Camilleri used his strength to bust through contact.

Rookie of the Year

Kobi Floro (Wavell SHS)

Floro in the yellow boots.

The big bloke was lean, mean and fit, steaming off the bench then impacting games with tries.

We are looking forward to seeing him in 2024.

Comeback of the Season

Javon Andrews (Marsden SHS)

Javon Andrews, Marsden SHS Langer Trophy five-eight who has recovered from a broken neck to play. Thursday July 27, 2023. Picture, John Gass

Five-eight Andrews overcame a serious neck injury to not only compete, but he one of the competition’s ace players.

Special mention to his teammate Will Semu as mentioned earlier in the story, and PBC SHS’s Pay Puru, also mentioned earlier.

Marsden’s Elijah Leatigaga also had a serious hip injury in 2021 and should be acknowledged.

But no one beats Andrews’ to his award. We will feature his comeback story later this month. Watch this space.

Best new faces

Kylem Vunipola (Marsden SHS)

Kylem Vunipola and Saxon Innes. Picture, John Gass

Vunipola’s would have learned so much playing in this high class school competition as a centre when his preferred position was fullback. We are looking forward to seeing him again in the Meninga Cup.

Keyarn Pene (Wavell SHS)

Wavell player No. 4 Keyarn Pene with the ball – Photo Steve Pohlner

Not the flashy try scoring centre, but was an elite defensive centre who led the way in effort areas. He’ll be back next year for sure.

David Leota (Ipswich SHS)

David Leota Ipswich SHS Thursday May 11, 2023. Picture, John Gass

Leota was a middle forward powerhouse from start to finish for Ipswich SHS. The Bulldogs have signed a good one here.

Aleki Schuster (Redcliffe SHS)

Schuster carried the ball well during the season and got better every game. He will be even better next year.

Jaycob Kingston-Francis (Mabel park SHS)

Elijah Tagiilima, Jaycob Kingston-Francis, Alexanda Leapai. Picture, John Gass

Although he played one Langer game in 2022, the centre was so good in 2023 we just had to give him a special shout out.

Loka Toia and John Fineanganofo of Redcliffe SHS.

Shaye Faa’aoga (Ipswich SHS)

The likes of Brandon Tikinau, Izaiah Mafi, Xavier Kirk and LJ Nonu all deserve wraps for their efforts this season after winning the Langer Reserves premiership last year.

But Faa’aoga was a brand new face, at least to us.

He played in almost every game and was reliable. He is strong, has power through the hips and was the perfect second rower.

MOST UNDERRATED PERFORMANCE IN THE FINALS

LJ Nonu (Ipswich SHS)

Ipswich trio Iosefa Kolio, LJ Nonu and Xavier Kirk after their win over Caloundra State High. Picture: Nick Tucker

Nonu had a daunting task opposing inform PBC SHS strike weapon Sam Stephenson in the semi-final. Stephenson got away from him once early on, but after that Nonu bottled him up and late in the game made a run that almost won the game for Ipswich SHS.

The Harrisons (PBC)

Zane Harrison was outstanding as halfback and captain, but his twin brother Isaac was unsung as a hard working No.13.

BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE

Alex Leapai against Marsden SHS.

It was Leapai versus the Marsden SHS pack when the Logan local derby unfolded. Leapai was at times taking two rucks a set before he knocked himself out with a big hit..

Jett Bryce against PBC SHS.

Did we see a better performance this season than that produced by Bryce against PBC SHS in the semi-final? No. It was sensational.