Top St Brendan’s players gunning for NRL contracts after Confraternity

St Brendan’s finished third at the prestigious Confraternity Carnival with just one NRL-contracted player in their ranks. We reveal which players might soon be inking a deal after their stellar performances.

A number of St Brendan’s unheralded players impressed at the 2025 Confraternity Carnival.

As the winningest team in Confraternity history, there’s always an expectation that St Brendan’s will be there at the pointy end of the annual schools rugby league carnival.

So it was in the 2025 edition played in Rockhampton last week where the Yeppoon powerhouse finished third in the boys division.

But unlike its star-studded line-ups of the past, this squad included just one player with an NRL contract - powerful middle forward Cooper Stacpoole, who was signed by the Sydney Roosters earlier this year at just 15.

Coach Scott Minto said it was very different to previous years, where St Brendan’s has had as many as six players linked to NRL clubs.

“We do have boys that are in what they call their elite player development programs but Cooper is the only one with an actual NRL contract,” he said.

St Brendan's finished third in Division 1 at the 2025 Confraternity Carnival in Rockhampton.

Minto believes that could soon change, with a host of his unheralded heroes doing their prospects no harm with impressive showings at Confro.

He said it was a very successful campaign from the 21-strong squad, which included 14 Year 11 students.

St Brendan’s conceded just five tries in their six games at the carnival and after a nil-all draw in their opening pool game, scored a total of 122 points.

“There’s a great feeling within the group; this is a really close-knit and connected team,” he said.

“They all want to work hard. That’s one of the most important ingredients you can get and these boys have pretty much got it.”

Brendan’s boys deserving of an NRL contract

Cooper Peirce

Cooper Peirce.

The powerful prop was consistent the whole tournament. His defensive work was immense and his ability to bend the line in attack equally impressive. One of St Brendan’s best in a team full of talent.

Jake Symes

Jake Symes.

The skilful lock was awarded St Brendan’s Player of the Carnival. His aggressive style of play mixed with fast feet and late footwork made opposition teams miss on many occasions. One of the Capras 17s best this year and his form has continued throughout.

Kobe Oberhardt

Kobe Oberhardt.

The team’s regular fullback, he was asked to play five-eighth in the week leading up to Confro to fill in for the suspended Lockyer Hill. He grabbed the position with both hands and made it his own. A threat in attack, he was also setting up his teammates. The kicker, though, was his defence. He did the job on every opposition back rower and held that green wall in good stead all carnival.

Noah Wright

The exciting winger was commissioned with the custodian’s role and excelled in the number one jersey. His safety at the back was first-class and his rapid bring backs made life hard for kick chase teams. Has the X factor and this was on show every time he took the field.

AJ Gilbert

AJ Gilbert.

Is only scratching the surface of where his talent can lead him. His aggression is something that will take him to greater heights and this was on full display when he ran 80m to score in St Brendan’s last game against The Cathedral College He defends as well as any centre going around and will develop into a classy backrower over time. Watch this space.

Lachlan Anderson

Lachlan Anderson.

When you talk about out and out footballers, he’s at the top of the pile. Played an unfamiliar position at dominant seven at Confro and grew in confidence with each game. His direction by tournament’s end was outstanding and his running game was also a feature. Equally as good at lock, which gives NRL clubs the luxury to fill positions if need be.

Brock Otto

The hard-working front rower was injured all pre-season right up until Confro. He featured in the First XIII for the first time in 2024 and with another year under strength and conditioning guru Mike Carron, has really come on. His ball skills, late feet and overall game sense raised the eyes of a few good judges last week and he too will no doubt be in the mix with clubs in the future.

Louis Maxwell

Louis Maxwell.

The prototype back rower that any coach would love to have at their disposal. Tall, rangy and adaptable, he has all the attributes that the good players possess. His output is unmatched with his effort areas the highlights of his game, not to mention an incredible ability to lead into space and score tries at will. Defensively a menace and a real gem all round this year.

Originally published as Top St Brendan’s players gunning for NRL contracts after Confraternity