2025 Langer Trophy live stream: Ipswich SHS v Mabel Park SHS, Round 5

Mabel Park will unleash a highly-respected fullback in Wednesday’s Schoolboys clash, while a fourth-generation Baruani will make his debut for Ipswich. Watch the triple-header LIVE.

With a whiff of finals’ fever in the air, the chant of ‘MP State’ will echo across the Langlands Park Field to rev up Mabel Park SHS for their round 5 match on Wednesday.

That cheer squad will be missing the key voice of a bloke who had previously been playing a supporting role from the sidelines but will return to action and put his vocals to good use in behind his teammates.

Fullback Tawa Simpkins, 17, will make his long-awaited return when Ipswich SHS come to town for what's shaping up to be a mouth-watering schoolboy skirmish streamed live and exclusive on KommunityTV from 2.30pm.

The hardworking No. 1 has done a stellar job rehabilitating a spiral fracture to his humerus (upper arm), sustained earlier this year playing for the Bulldogs Harold Matthews Cup team.

Mabel are stoked to have him back where he belongs.

“He could’ve very easily kicked stones and been down in the dumps,” Mabel Park coach Ben Weston said in praise.

“But he used it as motivation, worked hard and got himself fit.”

Tawa Simpkins. Picture: Sean Teuma.

The slick Simpkins has worked overtime to return in better shape than before. Those that saw him in the Walters Cup and then Langer Trophy last year as a Year 11 student know that’s saying something.

“It’s probably the hardest that I’ve ever seen him train (while he was injured), because he knew that when he came back he had to be ready,” Weston said.

“His training, his fitness levels, his work in the gym has all been top notch and I can’t fault him.”

Tawa Simpkins in action last year. Photo Steve Pohlner

Simpkins was his own motivator.

“He did it off his own bat,” said Weston.

“He didn't need any extra motivation or anything from the coaches.

“He sort of went, ‘I am going to do this on my own and come back bigger and stronger’.

“It’s the fittest I’ve ever seen him and he hasn’t missed a beat.”

The inclusion of Simpkins will be a key one because his nuance and instincts are up there with the best Weston has seen.

“In terms of footy IQ, Tawa is one of the best 17-year-olds that I’ve seen,” he said.

“He’s just one step ahead of the game.”

Simpkins has been a leading player in his age group for some time. Here he is playing for an invitational Barbarians team against the Far North Gold Coast in an under-13s rugby game back in 2021 on the Gold Coast.

The backline boost means that versatile outside back David Filo will swap the No. 1 jersey for the No. 5 jersey after doing a “phenomenal job” at fullback during the first month of competition.

“It’s no fault of his own,” Weston assured.

Flexible back David Filo. Picture: Liam Kidston

Filo is a gem in himself because he can play anywhere in the back five at a high level.

The big-bodied Souths Logan junior representative has a strong carry, is fit and fast and can slot in anywhere like a key that fits every lock.

“He was always around the footy and his push support was exceptional,” Weston praised.

“Defensively it’s hard for a player to come in and play fullback and organise the defensive line but he did really well, finding a job in each play.”

Ipswich State High will unleash a debutant, which adds to the excitement.

Year 11 second rower Innocent Baruani, having cooled his heels while recovering from a concussion, will get his first taste at this level after being a leader in last year’s Walters Cup.

Innocent Baruani pictured during the 2024 school season.

It will be a nice moment for the Baruani family seeing Innocent run out given his three older brothers were once battling it out in this competition.

Munga (Manly Sea Eagles) Kulu (Redcliffe Dolphins) and Velonte (Souths Logan Magpies) were all wingers but big Innocent has gone against the grain and is a thoroughbred edge forward.

It will be a nice moment for the Baruani family on Wednesday night when Innocent makes his debut. His older brothers Munga (left, Keebra Park 2022), Kulu (second from the left, Ipswich SHS 2022) and Velonte (far right, Ipswich SHS 2024) have all played in the prestigious competition this decade.

Innocent will find a home near the beautiful beaches of Manly when he graduates, having signed with the club for three years until 2028.

On Wednesday, Mabel Park SHS winger Quinn Timperon will be his rival but in years to come they might just be good mates given Timperson is heading south to Manly at the end of this year to continue his development in the game.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Langer Trophy is back.

Mabel Park SHS: 1. Tawa Simpkins, 2. Quinn Timperon, 3. Jahzayis Perenara, 4. Dean Tauaa, 5. David Filo, 6. Maz Burns, 7. Sire Drinnan, 8. Braddock Taylor, 9. Ezra Leota, 10. Harrison Bath, 11. Majah Peachey, 12. DJ Talaepa, 13. Natu Leota, 14. Tai Kapaith, 15. Dom Ierome, 16. Abdurrahim Kaya, 17. Tipene Cooley.

Ipswich SHS: 1. Tom Parker, 2. Mel Nonu, 3. Tevita Pomale, 4. Tomu Cook, 5. Caesar Yeatman, 6. TJ Sauaso, 7. Tiger Campbell, 18. Tanielu Tuu’u, 9. Jaylen Naleba, 10. Cooper Young, 11. Neyon Taito-Makea, 12. Innocent Baruani, 13. Cooper Cracknell, 14. Ira Yeatman, 8. Xzavier Timoteo, 15. Eddie Fa’amausili, 20. Cordell Kirk.

Originally published as 2025 Langer Trophy live stream: Ipswich SHS v Mabel Park SHS, Round 5