Langer Trophy, Walters Cup and Renouf and Hancock Cup qualifiers: PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Langer Trophy, Walters Cup schoolboy rugby league qualifiers: 50 players of the day from the elite schoolboy competitions, along with the best of the best from the Renouf and Hancock Cup qualifying games.
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St Mary’s College and Stretton State College progressed to the next round of the Langer Trophy qualifying games with wins on Wednesday, while Mountain Creen SHS and Mabel Park SHS progressed directly into the Walters Cup.
In Langer action, St Mary’s beat Forest Lake SHS 26-10 and will play Redcliffe next Wednesday, while Stretton beat Bellbird Park SHS 34-nil and will play Caloundra SHS.
In the Walters Cup, Mabel Park beat Caloundra 22-10, while Mountain Creek defeated Stretton 28-14.
In another development, King’s Christian College Pimpama were the last team to qualify for the Year 9 Hancock Cup after beating Stretton State College in a thriller.
It was a huge moment in the sporting history of the northern Gold Coast team.
So who were the Players of the Day from Wednesday’s action and Tuesday’s Hancock Cup and Renouf Shield games at Stafford? Revealed below.
PLAYERS OF THE DAY
LANGER TROPHY
Jake Malone (Forest Lake SHS)
Before St Mary’s scored two tries within five minutes midway through the second half, Forest Lake looked capable of pulling off an upset.
Fullback dynamo Malone was a big reason as to why. The little mighty mite was the smallest player on the field, but he played well above his weight and was busy from the outset.
He was creative around the ruck base and safe under the highball and when retrieving attacking kicks from St Mary’s. On one occasion, he pulled off a crucial chase down tackle on his opponent who had struck downfield.
Dymond Maoate and Ayden Palmer (Forest Lake SHS)
Agile right edge forward Maoate and five-eighth Palmer were great for the boys in green.
Maoate’s power game challenged the St Mary’s defence all game long and Palmer was a poised customer in the halves who, while he didn’t do anything wow, controlled things nicely and had a steady hand in all things positive for Forest Lake.
Sione Haukinima (Forest Lake SHS)
The representative Souths Logan Connell Cup prop was a linchpin in defence and powerhouse runner in attack for Forest Lake.
A towering young man, Haukinima had been warming his engines for this battle with the Magpies and showed his wares in a high-class first half performance.
He scored a try, made a strong carry in the lead up to Forest Lake’s other try and despite being the biggest bloke on the field, he showed great line speed in the middle. As a precaution, he was kept on ice in the second half after picking up a niggle in his ankle.
Alastair MacLachlan (St Mary’s College)
The raw-boned Roma product did his part and more to set up an exciting battle against Redcliffe SHS next Thursday at the same venue.
A senior at St Mary’s, MacLachan has been enhancing his reputation in club footy for the Western Clydesdales and did not miss a beat representing the blue and white of St Mary’s.
He scored a decisive try late in the game and busted a handful of tackles across the match before playing the ball quickly for his hooker, Max Murphy.
Mitch Wilkes (St Mary’s College)
St Mary’s were spearheaded in the halves by No. 6 Wilkes, a tactical kicking ace who had the ball on a string in the first half.
He set up the first try which was scored by Alex White and as the game went on, he continued to apply pressure with little chip kicks in behind and well-weighted grubber kicks to corners.
Wilkes is a fullbacks’ worst nightmare.
Xavier Newton and Lachlan Lyons (St Mary’s College)
Newton (winger) and Lyons (second rower) put in a gallant effort to propel St Mary’s past a gutsy Forest Lake side which had their noses in front for much of the first half.
Newton, alongside centre Alex White, was heavily involved and went looking for work. He was a go-to man coming out of St Mary’s half and next to him Lyons was a heavy lifter as well with his carries.
The flame-haired captain was unlucky not to be awarded a try when he crashed over early in the second half and he just kept asking questions.
Jontaye Brown (Stretton SC)
Stretton were blessed with two talented playmakers: Lachlan Martin and Jontaye Brown.
Brown, a classy No. 6, had a handful of positive touches in a scrappy first half and was elite at creating gaps for his teammates.
With a little goose step and the vision to create an overlap, Brown sent his big outside centre Keyzon Key on route downfield for a long distance try on the cusp of half time.
Then, midway through the second half, a flat pass at the line by Brown created a stunning 50m which ended in Lexin Hill scoring.
Bailey Vang (Stretton SC)
Vang was a class above his rivals with that productive kicking game, quick thinking and sharp footwork.
The representative hooker, who loves to play fast, made a superb 60m break which led to a try. He also set up the first try when he backed himself to find the towering Key in the right corner with a deft cross field kick.
He threw himself in front of big bodies on defence too.
Montgomery Betham (Stretton SC)
Betham just needed to be half as good as he can be to have a big say in how the match went.
The mobile middle forward was damaging at times and he scored a stunning solo try approaching full time which put the exclamation point on a big win for the Storm.
A player who just loves his rugby league, Betham played the majority of the match before quickly shooting off to club league training with the Norths Devils.
Amosi Byamungu (Bellbird SC)
Bellbird will leave Stafford knowing they left their best footy out there. In a stop-start affair, fullback Byamungu looked the most likely to pierce the Stretton armour.
He was safe as houses at the back and was his team’s best communicator. At times, he would move closer to the ruck to get involved and give his troops more direction.
Ephesian Tusa and Soane Fuimaono (Bellbird SC)
Tusa and Fuimaono were Bellbird’s front row brutes. The pair put in a big shift against a fit and firing Stretton pack.
The big boppers did not make a mistake across the match, ran strongly and did their jobs soundly. It was unfortunate that the slippery conditions had a say in Bellbird’s ball security, whenever they got a roll on.
WALTERS CUP, Mountain Creek SHS v Stretton State College
Cash Bennett (Mountain Creek)
Hooker Bennett was mighty in his team’s thrilling win over Stretton. His running game off the back of his pack was a huge factor in his side’s progression against a good opposition that didn’t quiet click.
As a bonus he set up a try for his halfback Bohdi Hawkins, and almost scored a sensational kick and chase try. Bennett was also an aggressive line speed defender
Bodhi Hawkins (Mountain Creek SHS)
A great competitor, Hawkins worked off the back of his over heating pack and hooker Bennett to steer his side to victory. A 40-20 and a try were added bonuses, but his general play was what helped get his side over the line.
Kaiden Jennings and Makani Madgwick (Mountain Creek SHS)
The boys laid the bricks for their team’s win against a big, bruising pack with their defence and ball carries into the jaws of the big Stretton forwards.
Also, a special mention to prop Riley Apthorpe for his desperation to knock possession from the arms of a Stretton player over the tryline and save a certain try. His fellow front rower Tai Henare also had a good day out.
Kaiden Jennings and Makani Madgwick (Mountain Creek SHS)
It was a frustrating game for Stretton College because they clearly had the firepower to win the game, but the side just couldn’t string long periods of pressure together. Across the course of the game prop Levi Langman stood tall, while five-eight Quinton Mazungunve was a conducted in the halves.
Mabel Park SHS v Caloundra SHS
Tyler Harry (Mabel Park)
Harry was enormous for the winners. He was as aggressive in the first few minutes with his tackles and runs, and maintained that intensity across the course of a very competitive match. He would have enjoyed a nice long, hot shower after the match.
Darius Birve (Caloundra SHS)
Birve was one of the top three players on the field. He was the man responsible for kick starting his side with his dynamic carries from the ruck. In contact he was strong, twisting and fighting for every small advantage for his side.
Harlem O’Brien (Mabel Park SHS)
In a match where Mabel grafted, more than sprinted to victory, O’Brien was just the man for the job. He was a high effective player, effective with his execution and consistent throughout the encounter.
Ezekiel Filipi (Mabel Park SHS)
A tough, nuggety No. 9, Filipi was in his element in the close quarter combat between the two packs. He hit and gripped hard in defence, and was as strong as a prop when he carried the ball from the ruck. Well done also to prop Joseph Colata whose second stint helped carry his side to the finish line.
Oliver Smith (Caloundra SHS)
The second rower’s defence against a big, big side was courageous in the extreme. When he carried he knew he was in for a belting, but he still stood up. Overall the Caloundra players, including under age prop Charles Murray-Pitt, tried their hearts out against much bigger opponents. The best example of Caloundra’s courage was when winger Taylah Barnwell fielded a towering bomb when he would have heart the feet of the enemy closing in on him. It was courage to the core.
HANCOCK CUP, Kings Christian College v Stretton State College
Kobe Te-Kiri (King’s)
You always had a feeling one of the two brothers were have a say in the result of today’s game, and that was the case as hooker Kobe Te-Kiri played a leading role in King’s recovery to win. His brother Noah was handy at No. 13, but No. 9 Kobe took advantage of improving handling from his side to skip out of the ruck and get his side rolling. He scored two tries from dummy half, icing his performance.
Jett Hayward (King’s)
Hayward was a centre tradesman whose defence held the edge of the field together at a time when Stretton threatened to turn a 14-6 break into a much bigger margin.
Avyree Wetere (King’s)
Second rower Wetere was King’s most likely forward with the ball, but also defended aggressively. He played big minutes and was running and hitting as hard in the final five minutes as he did in the opening five minutes.
Blaine Adams (King’s)
A rookie of the side, Adams is an under age player who was the 2024 Struffy’s Cup grand final hero. He has had bigger impacts, but his 99m try from goal line to goal line in the final seconds was classical Adams. Earlier in the match he scored from close range. Adams is a watch this space talent.
Joseph Toia (Stretton SC )
The creative Toia did a terrific job running his side. Arguably the biggest halfback in schoolboy rugby league, he was quick between the ears with his distribution, but also able to pop a pass in a tackle. He gave the last pass for Hoani Pearse’s try and also launched the bomb which saw Sonny Haynh crossed. He was also involved in Kayzar Kireka’s try, and kicked goals as well.
Sonny Haynh (Stretton SC)
Haynh was a strong second rower who hit with his charges and bruised with his defence. You’d love to be playing alongside him every weekend in club footy.
TUESDAY’S RENOUF SHIELD AND HANCOCK CUP PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Caloundra SHS and Redcliffe SHS have qualified for the Renouf Shield while Mountain Creek SHS won through to the Hancock Cup after some gruelling wet weather schoolboy rugby league on Tuesday in Stafford.
In the Renouf Shield qualifiers, Caloundra SHS defeated Stretton State College 18-10 and Redcliffe beat Mountain Creek SHS 30-nil. Meanwhile, Mountain Creek’s Year 9 side came out on top in the match of the day, defeating Redcliffe 14-10 in a Hancock Cup thriller.
The Broncos-sponsored competitions were named in honour of Brisbane greats Steve Renouf and Mick Hancock.
The best match was the Redcliffe-Mountain Creek Hancock game.
Mountain Creek needed a herculean effort to repel a late finishing Redcliffe outfit who pounded the tryline in the final five minutes of the game.
For three successive sets, Redcliffe came hard at their rivals but Creek’s defensive line was never breached.
Redcliffe were actually over the line and set to score the equalising-blow but they were peeled backwards in dramatic fashion by Nathan Cusack and tenacious No. 6 Harrison Thompson - who clung for dear life.
Read on to see who stood tall for their school.
PLAYERS OF THE DAY AT BROTHERS STAFFORD
RENOUF SHIELD
Riley Coutts (Redcliffe SHS)
The powerful right centre was ready and raring to go for the big match - as evidenced in his two-try effort within the first 15 minutes.
When he got the ball alarm bells rang in the Creek defence because it took multiple defenders to bring him down.
Coutts at times sported a smile as he charged towards the Creek defenders, so happy was he to challenge his opposition.
Fullback Will Rolph and winger Birrin Warradoo were also effective with their carries in the Year 8 sudden-death match.
Coby Page (Mountain Creek SHS)
The Creek centre wore his heart on his sleeve and coach Jack Brock couldn’t ask for much more.
After his side fell to a 22-0 half time lead, Page took it upon himself to be more involved and go twice as hard in defence.
When the second half rolled around, Page was in everything and his defiant defence showed in the 4-0 second stanza score in favour of Redcliffe.
Tyee Raub (Stretton State College)
Stretton’s most dangerous player, his runs caused, leg drive and strength caused the opposition problems. When Stretton were pushing for victory, he was the man most likely to take down the opposition.
Leviticus Carlson and Riki Neale-Rowe (Redcliffe SHS)
The Redcliffe engine room put in a rip-roaring effort to power their side home.
It was their deeds rucking the ball up in the first half which did plenty of damage early and allowed the backs to flourish.
They had the size advantage and used it to ensure a victory for the Eagles and a place in the Renouf Shield competition.
Tyren de Thierry (Redcliffe SHS)
Redcliffe’s five-eighth had limited touches in the first stanza but it was his touch off the right boot which deserved plaudits.
The towering playmaker slotted the first three conversions which were all near the right touchline. It added extra scoreboard pressure and it was outright impressive.
A passionate playmaker, de Thierry was unhappy with himself late in the game when he ran the ball rather than kick on the last tackle of a set. He channelled that frustration and almost immediately he scored a stunning solo try where he danced around a few defenders before slamming the ball down and calling the game.
Braxton Dore and Christian Cusack (Mountain Creek SHS)
Dore and Cusack continuously asked questions with their crisp passing and productive kicking.
Five-eighth Dore was stationed on the left and the fancy-footed Cusack on the right side of the ruck. Together they organised the Creek attack admirably.
Cusack also made plenty of precious metres running the ball while Dore did his thing sending booming kicks down field for Redcliffe fullback Rolph to retrieve.
Ryan McPherson (Mountain Creek SHS)
The skill, finesse and vision is there in spades for Mountain Creek’s emerging dummyhalf McPherson.
He is lacking a bit of size but his time will come. Despite being one of the smallest out there, McPherson muscled up like he was the biggest and on the other side of the ball he was a composed customer in the face of rushing defence.
The little hooking wonder did not make an error in slippery conditions and gave both his halves and forwards sublime service.
Seth Waldock and Jack McLachlan (Mountain Creek SHS)
Against a big Eagles pack, forwards Waldock and McLachlan stood tall and worked tirelessly to repel Redcliffe attacking raids.
Redcliffe had a band of big forwards who brought it, including skipper Mahonri Folau and Jedi Schroeder. Returning serve for the Sunshine Coast side was lock Waldock and rangy prop McLachlan who matched motors with the Peninsula boys and gave 110 per cent.
Jamasien Anderson (Caloundra SHS)
Caloundra SHS’s little men division of fullback Anderson, hooker Hayden McKay and halves Fletcher Clark and Kodi Lambert all played a role in getting their side over the line.
Fullback Anderson looked the best out of the sodden crew. His defence and run threats around the ball or on the fringe kept you interested.
Hooker McKay was a defensive terror while halfback Clark did a good job running his side in the conditions, including kicking to the corners in the second half.
Calvin Doolan (Stretton State College)
Fierce fullback Doolan was a wildcard talent who looked likely all game.
Doolan, who was originally from Forest Lake SHS but is now with Stretton SC, tackled bravely and tried to inject himself into the match the more the game progressed.
Hooker Taj Edwards also stuck to his task well, while Daryius Elisara got more threatening with his runs and ball work the more the match progressed.
Kodi Lambert (Caloundra SHS)
Lambert’s short kicking game led to a crucial late try for Hunter Hayes.
It was a blindside run by Lambert which also created the try for Braxon Livsey after Lambert had backed himself on the blindside.
Chase Stanford (Caloundra SHS)
Stanford’s edge defence against a bigger Stretton SC side stood the test of time.
On a greasy pitch Stanford zeroed in on his rivals, hitting and sticking for the duration of the game. It was a performance which would have been cherished by the men inside and outside of him.
HANCOCK CUP
Nathan Cusack (Mountain Creek SHS)
The Cusack clan delivered in spades for the Creek on Tuesday.
After a sharp display from his younger brother Christian in the earlier game, fullback Nathan brought his best to help his team edge out Redcliffe SHS.
Nathan was a 60-minute performer in a frantic match and he found the energy to help prevent Redcliffe snatching a win in the dying moments when he was involved in a try-saving tackle.
Originally from Ireland, Cusack has been a high-achiever on the Sunshine Coast where he has performed with distinction for the Coolum Colts and for representative sides.
Tyler Wilson (Redcliffe SHS)
Wilson ramped up his game with a brutal second half defensive effort which helped get his side back in the match.
His intensity in defence had opponents peeking out the corner of his eye, with one tackle on gallant little hooker Chase Stewart forcing an error which almost led to the match winning try for his side.
Wilson hit from front on, but also covered an inside pass during the second half which could have resulted in a Mountain Creek break.
Kade McGuire (Mountain Creek SHS)
Creek prop Kade McGuire produced an old fashioned front rowers performance.
The raw-boned middle forward, his team’s biggest player, had a huge job on his hands against a physical Redcliffe side but he gave as good as he received.
He’d leave the ground as he launched defence to fell big bodies, until he could give no more. He was replaced 10 minutes from full time with his head held high.
It was a wholehearted effort which would have been appreciated by his teammates.
Cooper McLay (Mountain Creek SHS)
The No. 13 was a big time glue player for his side who grappled and wrestled hard against the big Redcliffe pack.
McLay did it once, twice, three times - and he did it all game long in the wet, greasy conditions.
It was a good old fashioned workers’ knock which delivered the goods for the Coast side.
Eli Jennings (Mountain Creek SHS)
There wasn’t appropriate weather for the tall centre to shine but Jennings still threatened and you could see he will have plenty to offer across the school season.
The athletic left centre also defended strongly when the ball went to his side of the field.
Chase Stewart and Tanner Cavanagh (Mountain Creek SHS)
Mountain Creek’s mighty mite’s, hooker Chase Stewart and halfback Tanner Cavanagh, played stoic roles in a gruelling contest.
In the conditions and against a bigger side, they stood their ground in defence and had the courage to take the line on.
WEDNESDAY’S LANGER, WALTERS QUALIFYING GAMES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WALTERS CUP
Logan Ahau (Caloundra SHS)
An exciting prospect who can easily create havoc from any position in the back line, Ahau’s game awareness and ability to put his body in the correct position makes him hard to handle defensively.
Darius Birve (Caloundra SHS)
His deep understanding of the game and physical attributes add a tremendous amount to Caloundra’s team.
Birve, who recently signed with the Bulldogs, originally hails from Cairns and has the skill to play various positions.
However he is an awfully impressive hooker.
Malekai Towney (Caloundra SHS)
A well organised and calm half, Towney’s ability to correctly sum up situations and move the team around the park provides clear direction for his teammates.
Mitchel Van Dyke (Caloundra SHS)
With his strength and speed, Van Dyke is a genuine threat on the edge.
He is the kind of player that everyone wants to have standing beside them on a football field.
WALTERS CUP
Kye Hill (Stretton State College)
Hill is a fast twitch halfback who will look to take the game, Hill has quick feet and an ability to find the right pass.
Isaac Vaka (Stretton State College)
The team’s MVP in 2024, Vaka is a strong line running centre with a strong defensive game to back it up.
Lutalo Petusa (Stretton State College)
Petusa is a dynamic lock who will bring a lot of energy through the middle. His late footwork at the line makes him a tough man to take down
BELLBIRD PARK SHS
Tavrius Noon is a crafty half who is always looking to take advantage of lazy or tired defenders.
Gordon Maukeni will play lock where the shifty ballplayerwho can create plenty of opportunities for his outside men.
Treyden Koroheke will fill the utility player role and offer a spark around the ruck.
He is capable of breaking a game open.
LANGER TROPHY
Lexin Hill (Stretton State College)
A dynamic fullback who has been plying his trade with the Souths Logan Cyril Connell team, Hill has the ability to take over a game with his quick feet and silky ball playing skills.
He is in fine form.
Monte Betham (Stretton State College)
Betham is a hard-nosed edge forward who will look to influence the game with his carries and at times rib-crunching tackles.
The Brisbane Tigers’ players player at the weekend, Betham bends the line in his sleep.
Bailey Vang (Stretton State College)
The crafty hooker is no stranger to Stafford qualifiers.
He has been a class act when Stretton have had to strut their stuff in the sudden-death clashes and he will be eager to make an impact from the ruck base on Wednesday.
He has a big boot and uses it well to get his teammates where they need to be.
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Originally published as Langer Trophy, Walters Cup and Renouf and Hancock Cup qualifiers: PLAYERS OF THE DAY
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