St Brendan’s coach Scott Minto reveals plan to defend Dolphins Cup title
The Yeppoon school is gearing up to claim back-to-back titles in the regional schoolboys rugby league competition. Coach Scott Minto reveals how they’ve been fine-tuning preparations and the players who will have a big say in their title defence.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Match-ups against three southern heavyweights and a new addition to the coaching staff have St Brendan’s First XIII primed for their Dolphins Cup’ title defence.
The reigning champions open their campaign against Bundaberg’s Shalom College on June 3 in the regional schoolboys rugby league competition which also features Rockhampton Grammar, The Cathedral College and Emmaus College.
St Brendan’s head coach Scott Minto finalised his player squad last week and said everyone was “raring to go”.
“Two thirds of our team are Year 11s, which augurs well for the next two years,” he said.
“There’s some real hunger in the group and a lot of effort around what they do.
“I’m seeing fair improvement among the group week on week.”
The squad recently stayed at the Brisbane Broncos’ Cyril Connell Centre as part of its regular Term 2 tour to the capital.
There, they played against Langer Cup contenders Ipswich State High, Wavell High and national schoolboys champions Palm Beach Currumbin.
Minto said it was a great opportunity to get a gauge on how individual players, and the squad as a whole, were tracking.
St Brendan’s played the games over three days, also giving them a taste of the intensity of the upcoming Confraternity Carnival, which starts in Rockhampton on June 30.
Minto said in another exciting development, local legend and teacher Sam Holzheimer had come on as an assistant coach.
The Yeppoon Seagulls’ club captain, premiership winner and Ollie Howden medallist had plenty of experience to pass on to the playing group.
Minto has high hopes for his team, which includes six members of last year’s Dolphins Cup winning line-up in Lachlan Anderson, Cooper Pierce, Jake Murphy, Willem Lloyd, Jay Marsh and Brock Otto.
“They’re the boys who understand the systems and how it all works,” he said.
“We also have a number of boys who have come up from last year’s winning 10A side so we’ve got a good mixture.
“We’ve got depth across positions. Last year there were places where we had to plug holes but this year I don’t think there is.
“If they can get to the level I think they’re capable of, they’re going to be a really good side.”
Key players in St Brendan’s campaign
Jay Marsh
Spent 2024 in the centres in the Dolphins Cup winning team as a Year 10 student but will play a more familiar role in 2025 back in the middle of the field. Fresh off a stellar game for the Queensland Country under-17s, he has recently signed a long-term deal with the Dolphins NRL club. Will be a threat in both attack and defence this season.
Kobe Oberhardt
Younger brother of Jake from the 2024 First XIII squad, he brings a different skill set to the table. A fast-thinking fullback who has an uncanny knack of beating defenders and creating for those around him. A special talent who will no doubt make his mark in 2025.
Jake Symes
“Blocka” as he’s known to his peers is every coach’s dream middle - tough and relentless with an equally impressive football head to boot. His form this year
speaks for itself, even catching the eye of Queensland Schoolboys coach Josh Bretherton in a recent trial game against Ipswich State High.
Lachlan Anderson
Comes into this Dolphins Cup campaign fresh off a strong Cyril Connell Cup season. Captain of the Capras under-17 side, he showed leadership qualities and the game to match. Is one of the returning boys who hoisted the trophy in 2024. Look to him to step up when a game is tight and take things head-on.
AJ Gilbert
A newcomer to the competition hailing from Blackwater, he was instrumental in Queensland Country’s victory over City alongside Marsh. Strong, athletic and
aggressive, he will be a constant threat on the edges when given the slightest opportunity.
More Coverage
Originally published as St Brendan’s coach Scott Minto reveals plan to defend Dolphins Cup title
‘Beautiful inside and out’: Racing fraternity shocked by tragic death
A beloved horse racing identity who was a key player in the success of Black Caviar has died following a tragic incident in Gympie.
‘Unreal’ experience fuelling Central Qld athlete’s World Cup ambition
Softballer Nick Crouch has proudly represented his country in a World Cup qualifier series, now he’s determined to make it to the main event.
‘Pretty special’: Brilliant Bayles ready to realise sporting dream
From country Queensland to the world stage. Meet the teen star ready to wear Aussie green and gold as he takes on some of the world’s best touch football players.
Rare league talent unearthed in stunning 30-point solo effort
Meet the unassuming teen who racked up 30 points in his side’s Round 4 rugby league demolition over the weekend. His coach talks about the incredible achievement.
Player profiles: Meet the 2025 Capricorn Claws squad
The Claws make their long-awaited return to high-level netball when the Ruby North series starts on May 24 and 25. We run the rule over every player in the 20-member squad.
Coach’s bold prediction about Bushrangers’ title tilt
Aarre Hirsimaki believes the Central Qld women can get the job done at the Qld Country Rugby Union state championships. He explains why as he unveils his 25-player squad.