Capricornia’s Hugh McKinlay stars at schoolboys rugby league championships

Hugh McKinlay was one of many who made a big impression for Capricornia at the Qld School Sport rugby league state championships in Gladstone. Discover the region’s other players who shone at the four-day carnival.

Prop Hugh McKinlay was a revelation for the Capricornia 14-15 years boys rugby league team.

Prop Hugh McKinlay won plenty of fans with his barnstorming brilliance at the Queensland School Sport state rugby league championships.

The 14-year-old starred for the Capricornia 14-15 years team, which finished 11th at the four-day tournament, which wrapped up in Gladstone on Tuesday.

Their senior counterparts came in fourth in the 16-18 years division, their grit and determination impressing coach Mick Busby.

Players from school regions across the state battled for selection in Queensland teams to contest the nationals later this year.

Met North was crowned the 14-15 years champions, while Met East claimed the 16-18 years title.

Capricornia 14-16 years coach Lachlan Hall said while it was a disappointing overall result, there were plenty of positive takeaways.

Capricornia 14-15 years coach Lachlan Hall gives a half-time talk to his troops.

The team’s heartbreaking 16-12 loss to Darling Downs after the siren on Day 1 proved costly but the players never dropped their heads, working hard in every contest.

“I believe that if we snuck away with the win on that first day, if we could have shut that last play down, we would have gone quite deep into the carnival,” Hall said.

“We only conceded 32 points in four games of football but we just failed to ice it in the big moments.”

Hall said Capricornia’s forward pack was outstanding, with McKinlay turning in some blockbuster performances.

“The tougher the challenge, the better he got,” he said of The Cathedral College Year 9 student.

Hugh McKinlay makes one of his powerful runs against Darling Downs. Photo: Pam McKay

“I wondered if the form he showed at the Cap trials would carry over to a state carnival and it certainly did.

“I knew he would be solid but he exceeded my expectations.

“He’s a real shining light in our region and someone who, down the track, could go on to do really good things.”

Busby said he was happy with Capricornia’s fourth placing in the senior division.

They were on the verge of a grand final berth, leading 20-10 in the semi with just 10 minutes to go, before they were run down by the Sunshine Coast.

“Our boys performed really well,” Busby said.

Capricornia centre Leo Fanuatanu produced a strong showing at the championships.

“It was good for them in that we played against Met East, Met West, Sunshine Coast and South Coast, teams we don’t get to play much.

“Everyone got plenty of time on the field and gave it a good crack.”

Busby applauded the commitment of every one of his players.

“Our side never gave up,” he said.

“Every time we played, the other teams knew they’d played us.

“That’s the resilience of the country kids and we always go better the deeper the carnival goes.”

Busby said that it was a great hitout for the players, with every one of them set to play for their respective schools at the Confraternity Carnival, which kicks off in Rockhampton on June 30.

Capricornia 14-15 years best

Lucas McLean, lock, St Brendan’s College

Hugh McKinlay, prop, The Cathedral College

Slade Carey, front row, Rockhampton Grammar School

Cooper Venz, second rower, Mackay State High

Brooklyn Taituma, utility, The Cathedral College

Capricornia 16-18 years best

Mark Morrow, front row, St Pat’s Mackay

Leo Fanuatanu, centre, Rockhampton Grammar School

Zac Bateman, front row/second row, The Cathedral College

Norman Campbell, wing, St Pat’s Mackay

Lachlan Anderson, lock forward, St Brendan’s College

Originally published as Capricornia’s Hugh McKinlay stars at schoolboys rugby league championships