2023 Dolphins Cup Team of the Season named

The depth of talent in the region was on show in the second edition of the Dolphins Cup open schoolboys rugby league competition. Check out the cream of the crop here.

Emmaus College's Seth Carpenter, St Brendan's Carter Ford and TCC's Mutua Brown feature in the 2023 Dolphins Cup Team of the Season.

Emmaus College proved unbeatable in the Dolphins Cup, winning seven games including a dramatic decider on their way to the 2023 title.

The second edition of the open schoolboys rugby league competition served up some quality football and showcased the incredible talent in our region.

Five teams - Emmaus, The Cathedral College, St Brendan’s College, Rockhampton Grammar and Bundaberg’s Shalom College - contested the event.

Emmaus College celebrate their Dolphins Cup win.

Emmaus came into the competition in good form after finishing runners-up to St Brendan’s in the coveted Confraternity Shield.

St Brendan’s, on the back of their Confro win, were hot favourites to defend their Dolphins Cup title.

But they would be knocked out by The Cathedral College in the semi-finals, meaning a new champion would be crowned.

WATCH THE DOLPHINS CUP GRAND FINAL REPLAY HERE

Emmaus showed the resilience and resolve they had all year to score a 24-20 come-from-behind win over TCC in the final, their star fullback Seth Carpenter sealing it with a try four minutes from full-time.

Carpenter was one of the competition’s best, earning a place in our Dolphins Cup Team of the Season.

TEAM OF THE SEASON

1. Mutua Brown (TCC)

Mutua Brown.

One of the most exciting prospects in the game, Brown was instrumental in TCC making the Dolphins Cup grand final. The Australian Schoolboys representative finished the competition with a bag of tries.

2. Mataio Tapau-Bon (St Brendan’s)

Mataio Tapau-Bon. Photo: Academy Photography

Tapau-Bon was a standout for St Brendan’s. His ability to finish off backline movements and shut down opposition attacks was second to none.

3. Sam Durkin (Emmaus)

Sam Durkin.

Durkin was one of Emmaus’s best week in, week out. His carries out of yardage and his try-scoring strike rate was outstanding.

4. Rydell Tyrell (St Brendan’s)

It was no fluke that Tyrell was named in this year’s Queensland Confraternity Shield Merit Team. Fleet-footed, aggressive and skillful, he’s a handful for opposition teams with every touch.

5. Tom Morcom (Shalom)

Tom Morcom.

Morcom made the most of this year’s competition, scoring tries and defending his heart out. Broncos signed, he has also been included in this year’s Queensland Country under-17 team.

6. Clancy Hohn (Emmaus)

Clancy Hohn.

Hohn was Emmaus’ best all year. His ability to create for players around him has been a real highlight. His defence is also unheralded, which is a real feather in his cap.

7. Tommy Green (St Brendan’s)

Tommy Green.

Green has been the ultimate leader in St Brendan’s Dolphins Cup campaign. One of his team’s best each week, his talk and ability to steer his team around was the true mark of a great halfback.

8. Baylee Meilland (Emmaus)

Baylee Meilland.

Meilland has had an enormous 2023. Capras under-18 and Capricornia open schoolboys 18s player, he is an all-round leader of the forward pack.

9. Braelan Marsh (St Brendan’s)

Braelan Marsh.

Marsh has all the smarts of a quality nine. Dolphins signed and ever improving, he is crafty around the ruck and always looking for opportunities to get in behind the defensive line.

10. Carter Ford (St Brendan’s)

Carter Ford. Photo: Academy Photography

After a massive Confraternity Shield Carnival where he gained selection in the Merit Team, Carter carried his good form into the Dolphins Cup. Easily St Brendan’s best middle all year and only Year 11.

11. Jack Biles (TCC)

Jack Biles.

Biles’s game has gone to another level under the guidance of mentor Tony Martin. His ability to beat the first defender and his competitiveness have been a real marker of his importance to TCC’s game plan in 2023.

12. Cooper Broadhurst (Rockhampton Grammar)

Cooper Broadhurst.

Broadhurst made this team because of his never-say-die attitude and work ethic in a beaten side. His hard running and hard hitting were a real shining light for Grammar this year.

13. Logan Barclay (Emmaus)

Barclay has given Emmaus that extra dimension in the middle of the field. His leg speed has been a real asset and his ability to compete on the big plays has been the glue for his team’s pack.

14. Seth Carpenter (Emmaus)

Seth Carpenter.

Carpenter was pivotal in Emmaus’ success. His carries out of the back field and sleight of hand in good ball made him hard to resist for the backline cover bench spot in this line-up.

15. Liam Barnes (Emmaus)

Liam Barnes.

Barnes was a standout for Emmaus this year. An Australian touch player, he showed good vision around the ruck which helped Emmaus expose lazy opposition defenders in big games.

16. Zac Bateman (TCC)

Zac Bateman.

Bateman was asked to play a number of positions by his coach this year and he filled in more than aptly in each. He’s our ‘Mr Fix It’ on the bench and is only in Year 11 so he will go around again in 2024.

17. Noah Law (Shalom)

Noah Law.

Tall, fast and skillful, Law Noah has to be in this side. He played middle and edge this year, excelling each time he took the field for Shalom.

NOTABLE OMISSIONS

Banjo Walker (St Brendan’s): Walker’s form caught the eye of Queensland Country coach Antonio Kaufusi and he gained selection in this year’s under-17 team to play Queensland City.

Ezekiel Monckton (Shalom): A real livewire, Monkton has had a stellar season with strong showings in the Mal Meninga Cup, Wide Bay team and Shalom. Definitely one to watch.

Curtis Seierup (The Cathedral College): The last omission earned his spot with a steady guidance and strong kicking game for TCC. Halfback for his team, he was a big part of their success in 2023 and grew exponentially throughout the year.

Originally published as 2023 Dolphins Cup Team of the Season named