Palm Beach Currumbin skipper Toby Sexton and Keebra Park captain Reece Walsh preview grudge match

One of the biggest days on the Gold Coast rugby league calendar has arrived and with it comes a fierce rivalry filled with respect.

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ONE of the biggest days on the Gold Coast rugby league calendar has arrived and with it comes a fierce rivalry filled with respect.

Palm Beach Currumbin are the reigning NRL Schoolboy Cup national champions. It’s a mantle they took over from fellow league nursery and tonight’s opponents, Keebra Park.

The two schools boast remarkable NRL production lines and right now are bringing through some of the brightest talent in the country.

Both teams have won three of their four matches to date in the Allan Langer Cup and the winner of this final round clash is likely to lift the trophy, unless Ipswich State High obliterate Marsden and rise to the top on points differential.

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The Allan Langer Cup produces seedings for the knockout NRL Schoolboy Cup but for PBC and Keebra players and staff, there’s no looking past trying to topple their archrival from 5.30pm at Pizzey Park, in a game which will be streamed live at goldcoastbulletin.com.au.

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Palm Beach Currumbin captain Toby Sexton and Keebra Park captain Reece Walsh ahead of their schools’ match which will likely decide the winner of the Allan Langer Cup. Picture: Jerad Williams.

“It’s two really strong teams and coming off last year how they beat us here in a close one, it’s going to be a good game,” said Keebra skipper Reece Walsh, who will be back at fullback after being a late withdrawal in his side’s last-start win over Marsden.

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“I can’t wait to get out on the field and hopefully get some payback for last year.”

As referenced by Walsh, Palm Beach took the honours in a 26-22 thriller in the 2018 corresponding fixture.

“That was one of the most physical games that I have been involved in,” Reds captain Toby Sexton reflected.

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“It went right down to the wire and I think I remember Sebastian (Winters-Chang) put a chip and chase in and our fullback (Glenn McGrady) picked it up and kicked it out.

“That was one of the best moments I’ve experienced here at school, seeing that crowd and how excited they were to come and see us all, it was pretty special.

PBC’s Ryan Garner makes a tackle on Keebra’s Sebastian Winters-Chang in their match last year. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“It’s obviously a massive rivalry, it’s always a game you circle in your calendar.

“We have got a really young side this year again and there’s a lot of excitement building in the playing group. I think they are all looking forward to putting on the Reds jersey and representing their school in front of a big crowd.”

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Mateships, including between Sexton and Walsh, will be put aside until the full-time siren.

Halfback Sexton, 18, said it will be their work without the ball that matters most.

“Defensively is going to be the key for us if we want to beat this Keebra side,” he said.

As for Walsh, Keebra’s task is simple: “Run hard, play smart, don’t be silly. Do what we do best and stick to our weapons and we should come home with the win hopefully.”

Keebra Park team: 1. Reece Walsh (c), 2. Tom Vickery, 3. Valli Khan-Pereira, 4. Tamati Clarke, 5. Trey Peni, 6. Kade Hill, 7. Will Tuuta, 8. TJ Smart, 9. Brandon Ewing, 10. Elifasa Leilua, 11. Lleyton Borg, 12. Siaosi Tonga, 13. Rich Ioane. Interchange: 14. Nelson Ewing, 15. Jarheam Bula, 16. Josh Coles, 17. Brendan Hoffman, 18. Reeff Tangata, 19. Ovard Tuilesu, 20. Herman Tofaono (three to be omitted).

Palm Beach Currumbin team: 1. Jack Smith, 2. Troy Ducket, 3. Caleb Hodges, 4. Sam Gordon, 5. Jaiden West, 6. Taine Ujdur-Berghan, 7. Toby Sexton (c), 8. Jake Kearton, 9. Ethan Lowe, 10. Xavier Willison, 11. Brendan Piakura, 12. Flynn Daniel, 13. Solomon Torrens. Interchange: 14. Ediq Ambrosyev, 15. Bailey Martin, 16. Daniel Butterini, 20. Jordan Tauali’i.