Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Rugby League: Gladstone beats Yeppoon to win Open C title

Braith Smith was not going to let a broken hand stop him from making one last appearance for his school in the rugby league grand final against Yeppoon.

Gladstone State High celebrate their 22-10 grand final win over Yeppoon State High in the Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Rugby League competition.

Gladstone State High has made a big statement in its first year in the Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Rugby League competition.

It fielded two teams, one of them taking out the Open C division with an impressive 22-10 win over Yeppoon State High in Friday’s grand final.

In photos: Rocky District Secondary Schools Rugby League grand final action

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This year’s competition featured 84 teams from 12 schools in divisions from Year 7 through to Open.

Rockhampton Grammar School claimed the Open A title with a hard-fought 12-8 win over St Brendan’s College.

Jubilant Gladstone coach Jon Donald said it was a fantastic win for his team and a great reward for his players’ hard work.

The courage and determination of the team was epitomised by co-captain Braith Smith, who played with a broken hand.

Gladstone and Yeppoon battled it out in Friday’s Open C grand final.

It was his last outing with Gladstone State High, with the 16-year-old making the move to St Brendan’s College next term to further his rugby league career.

“I was really proud of the character Braith showed to help us get the win,” Donald said.

“He broke his hand in the first round against Emmaus. He missed every other game then came back for the final.

“It’s sad that we’re losing him, but St Brendan’s have got a great program and I wish him all the best.

“Hopefully we see him playing further up the ladder in future.”

Donald said his other co-captain and fullback Brodie Hunt was consistently good all season, and a deserved winner of Man of the Match award in the final.

Gladstone State High co-captain Brodie Hunt hoists the trophy high after his team’s win in the Open C grand final.

The coach was excited to again be involved in the RDSSRL competition, which he was part of as a player.

He was a member of the North Rockhampton High team that played in the Open A final in 2000.

They were beaten by Emmaus so it was a special moment for him to now taste victory as a coach.

“It was was just an amazing feeling to be able to come back and experience it with this group of boys and show them that this is the premier schoolboys competition in CQ - and we’re premiers,” he said.

“Two years ago, this was just a dream and today it’s become a reality.

“The boys have worked really hard for it and I’m just so proud to be a part of this group.

“We’ll definitely be back next year to defend our title, that’s for sure.”

RDSSRL Open division results and award winners

Open D: The Cathedral College 4 d St Brendan’s College 5 40-8. Man of the Match: Stuart Gould (TCC)

Open C: Gladstone State High 1 d Yeppoon State High 1 22-10. Man of the Match: Brodie Hunt (GSH)

Open B: St Brendan’s College 2 d The Cathedral College 2 28-4. Man of the Match: Ryan Keating (SBC)

Open A: Rockhampton Grammar School 1 d St Brendan’s College 1 12-8. Man of the Match: Jaiden Green (RGS)

Originally published as Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Rugby League: Gladstone beats Yeppoon to win Open C title