Super Schools Cup: Why NRL legend Ben Hannant’s son Kyle chose rugby union

The young playmaker cuts a vastly different shape to his barrel-chested old man but his game sense from the base of the ruck helped lead his team to victory.

Hillcrest Christian College have got their 2020 Super Schools Cup campaign off to a winning start but their 5-0 victory over Miami State High was particularly notable for one family on the sidelines.

Former Queensland State of Origin prop Ben Hannant watched on as his son Kyle took the field as a rugby union player for the first time, playing scrumhalf.

Five-time Origin champion Ben Hannant poses with son Kyle after his first match of rugby union. Picture: Nic Darveniza

The young Hannant cuts a vastly different shape to his barrel-chested old man but his game sense from the base of the ruck helped lead his team to victory.

It was a day of firsts off the field as well as Hannant watched his first match of union as a rugby dad.

He said it was Kyle’s mates, and the new rugby program offered at his school, that led his boy to the game they play in heaven.

“It’s his first experience of rugby today,” the 158-game Brisbane Bronco said.

“He played rugby league (growing up) so this is a whole new thing.

“Wherein rugby league you’re playing fast, rugby union is more about control and field position and not being left vulnerable.

“You can see he’s enjoying it and that’s what really got him in to it, his mates.

“He can’t play in a (rugby league) team because he does motocross on the weekends but he loves his footy.

Kyle Hannant (front row, third from right) poses with the Hillcrest Christian College teammates after winning their opening game of the Super Schools Cup season, 5-0, over Miami SHS. Picture: Nic Darveniza

“This is his little time to hang out with his mates, have fun and learn a few skills.”

Kyle Hannant has made a fast impression on his coach, Roger Hodgson, who says the halfback’s game IQ alone would be enough to earn him a representative berth in the XV-man code despite his inexperience.

Across the Super Schools Cup, Marymount College defeated Varsity College 31-0, Merrimac SHS beat Ormeau Woods SHS 36-10 and Xavier College accounted for Pimpama State Secondary College 31-0.