Langer Cup: Five things we learned from PBC vs Ipswich SHS

Rookie coach nabs first win, star debutant shines, unheralded prop earns time in the spotlight and the Ipswich State High gamebreakers who never quit. Here is what we learned.

Five things we learned

■ REPLAY: Palm Beach Currumbin vs Ipswich SHS

■ REPLAY: Keebra Park vs Wavell SHS

■ REPLAY: St Mary’s College vs Marsden SHS

THE WEAVER SHOW

Debutant Tom Weaver shone in his first Langer Cup game at halfback for the defending champions. He’s stepped into big playmaking shoes of Tom Dearden and Toby Sexton in previous years but the reigning Andrew Johns medallist for New South Wales Country player of the year shone he was more than up to the task of filling the school’s No.7 jersey. A try, a game-winning try assist, strong kicking and three from four goals was as fine a debut as anyone could have hoped for.

Defending champions Palm Beach Currumbin (red) host runners up Ipswich State High in the opening round of the 2020 Langer Cup at Pizzey Park. Palm Beach Currumbin's Tom Weaver crossing over the line and Ipswich State High's Deijion Leugaimafa. Picture: Jerad Williams

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ME

Third-year prop Xavier Willison gets the headlines but partner-in-crime Jake Cullen was sensational in longer minutes than he’s accustomed to. The NSW Country Under-16s and Titans-contracted front rower stepped up when the team needed him to earn tough metres when replacement Jake Kearton came off injured early in the piece. Willison is a star but don’t thrive on starpower alone. The grunt of Kearton was a big factor in the win over PBC.

Defending champions Palm Beach Currumbin (red) host runners up Ipswich State High in the opening round of the 2020 Langer Cup at Pizzey Park. Palm Beach Currumbin's Xavier Willison. Picture: Jerad Williams

HOW EASY IS THIS

“How good is rugby league” was rookie coach Brad Davis’ opening comment after watching his side navigate a tricky second half to come away with a 12-point win. The former Titans playmaker has done a brilliant job managing his side through the COVID period and the fight they showed, when down two due to injury, was a sure sign of a coach able to eke out the best performance possible from his playing group.

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BRIGHT FUTURE FOR YOUNGSTER

In a comfortably defeated side, reserve Ipswich hooker Tommy Luhrman was a shining light for Ipswich. His first tackle on big name opposition prop Willison earned him a spot on report but the intensity of his defence was ferocious. Here is a 16-year-old, 70 kilogram hooker taking on the prop with the grandest reputation in the Langer Cup and putting him on his back. His old man John, of Sydney Roosters fame, can be proud of his young man’s debut effort.

Defending champions Palm Beach Currumbin (red) host runners up Ipswich State High in the opening round of the 2020 Langer Cup at Pizzey Park. Ipswich State High's Tommy Luhrman lifts Palm Beach Currumbin's Troy Duckett . Picture: Jerad Williams

EVANDER NEEDS MORE

New Zealand import Evander Tere-Rongotaua is one of three contracted NRL players in his squad but there’s no good having a player of his class when you can’t get him the ball in threatening positions. Tere-Rongotaua had two carries in the second half but flashed the gamebreaking skill that has NRL scouts drooling on a linebreak that sucked in defenders before a Sonny Bill Williams-esque round-the-corner offload. If Ipswich can get their biggest names the ball more often good things will happen this Langer Cup.

Footballer Evander Tere-Rongotaua. Picture: Cordell Richardson