GPS Rugby 2020: TSS gutted by injuries to Jye Grey and Emry Pere in final trial
Season-ending injuries have put a dampener on The Southport School’s final trial match before their title defence of the GPS First XV rugby season begins next week.
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A season-ending injury to exciting fullback Jye Grey and potentially the same for No.8 James Pere has put a dampener on The Southport School’s final trial match before the GPS First XV rugby season returns next week.
TSS defeated Churchie 31-29 in a nailbiter on the Village Green but a broken wrist for Grey and a knee injury of undetermined severity for Pere, the younger brother of 2015 No.8 and North Queensland Cowboys prop Emry, rendered any celebration hollow.
The duo factored to be key contributors in TSS’s quest for their 12th GPS Premiership, which could be their third in four years.
Veteran coach Mike Wallace said seeing students injured was the part of coaching he disliked most.
“We have a young team, who are learning and growing and starting to develop combinations and then you get injuries,” the frustrated coach said.
“That’s contact sport and you’ve got to accept that’s the risk of playing.
“Now it’s about adapting and moving forward.
“There are kids willing to step up and they’ll do a good job.
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“It will be about continuing to teach them and give them opportunities to get better.”
Grey scored his first try for the First XV on the stroke of halftime, with a deft grubber kick-ahead for a sensational solo score.
Prop Carsen Patu and lock Isaiah Tolotu scored two tries each, while flyhalf Syris Schmidt converted three of five conversion attempts.
Patu has the makings of a First XV star with three rampaging tries in his first two matches for TSS’ top side.
TSS led 31-19 with 15 minutes to play but allowed Churchie within reach of equalising with two tries in that time frame.
A missed conversion in final play saved The Southport School from a draw.
The First XV will open their GPS season against Brisbane State High School in Brisbane next week.
Other GPS Trial results
Brisbane Boys’ College 69-12 Gregory Terrace
Nudgee College 52-3 Brisbane State High School
Ipswich Grammar School 50-19 Brisbane Grammar School
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