Replays: Aaron Payne Cup, Cowboys Challenge action here

Mackay will host three massive semi finals in the Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge, and you can watch all the action here.

After months of competitive football between schools across Queensland, the dust has settled and the top four sides are ready for their chance at glory.

The Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge will begin finals to determine the best junior and senior schoolboys team in Central and North Queensland.

While Mackay will host three games on Wednesday, only Mercy College will compete in either tournament, with St Patrick’s College falling short in the Aaron Payne Cup and Mackay High missing out altogether.

Livestream Schedule:

11am – Kirwan v Cathedral College – Aaron Payne Cup

12.15pm – Ignatius Park v St Brendan’s – Aaron Payne Cup

1.30pm – Ignatius Park v Mercy College – Cowboys Challenge

REPLAYS

REPLAY ONE: KIRWAN SHS v THE CATHEDRAL COLLEGE

REPLAY TWO: IGNATIUS PARK v ST BRENDAN’S

Mercy College knocked Mackay High out of the Cowboys Challenge after defeating Rockhampton Grammar in the final round of the season.

Mercy will play Ignatius Park, a powerhouse of the competition and a consistent NRL factory for the Cowboys, with the semi-final a replay of last season’s grand final.

Ignatius Park prevailed in 2020’s big dance, and also overcame the Mackay team 16-10 earlier in the Cowboys Challenge.

For Mercy to win its semi-final clash, the side will need strong performances from four key players.

Hunter Harris

The winger has enjoyed a prolific Cowboys Challenge in 2021.

Starting from the bench, Harris performed well when given the opportunity before breaking into the starting line-up.

Hunter Harris during the Mercy College and Rockhampton Grammar clash, August 18, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Harris is taller than the average winger, but he still possesses the pace and elusiveness to break lines and provide dangerous forward thrusts for his side.

He has been a consistent threat on the offensive side of the ball, and his ability to score on Wednesday will be a key component to Mercy’s chances of securing a win.

Will Shears

The captain and fullback was always expected to lead the side and be one of the best players in the Mercy outfit, but Shears has been on another level.

One of the team’s more imposing figures, Shears has quick feet that most bigger players do not, while is still stronger and more physical than a typical back.

Will Shears for Mercy College against Ignatius Park in the Cowboys Challenge, 20 July 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

His ability to read the play on both defence and offence is a key asset for Mercy, and his ability to break lines consistently will provide Ignatius Park with headaches for the full 50 minutes.

Darcy Clark

Clark will return from a week off after overcoming a niggle, timing his run into the semi-finals well.

He has been a dominant force when on the field for Mercy, despite being smaller than opposing props.

Clark’s determination to claim every available metre is important for his side’s structure, with coach Matthew Paul saying he is “crucial to building momentum”.

In his second year in the program, Clark has become a crucial member of Mercy and has played a vital role in the team’s success this season.

Jaxon Purdue

Purdue has become a reliable second receiver in his second season for Mercy College.

Purdue directs his teammates well, with an expanded knowledge of the game that often exceeds what is expected from a 16 year old.

Another back that is small in stature but big in heart, he has become an important piece of Mercy’s attacking line-up.

His defensive efforts have been a highlight for Mercy so far this season, and his endeavours when his side does not have the ball is highly rated within Mercy’s ranks.

Originally published as Replays: Aaron Payne Cup, Cowboys Challenge action here