Langer, Walters Cup qualifying games’ update and Players to Watch
UPDATE: Langer Trophy and Walters Cup schoolboy rugby league latest - who made it into Div 1 from Wednesday’s qualifying matches revealed here.
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Redcliffe SHS and Caloundra SHS were through to the elite eight team Langer Trophy competition after a shootout between contenders at Gibson Park today.
They will join Ipswich SHS, PBC SHS, Keebra Park SHS, Marsden SHS, Wavell SHS and Mabel Park SHS in the Brisbane Broncos sponsored competition.
150+ IMAGE PICTURE GALLERY FROM THE LANGER, WALTERS QUALIFIERS
And in the Year 10 Langer Trophy, Stretton SC were the first team to qualify from today’s games, with the eighth position going to Caloundra SHS. More coming soon.
Caloundra’s Langer Trophy captain Tully McLellan said the group had been working hard for years to achieve a position in the Divison 1 schoolboy competition, the Langer Trophy. It is a big sigh of relief given all the hard work we have put in,’’ he said.
“We had a big off-season and it oaid off today.’’
Redcliffe Langer coach Jay Wilkinson said it was terrific for the squad to qualify for its second successive season in the Langer after a debut in 2022.
QLD UNDER 18 EMERGING STATE OF ORIGIN SQUAD HERE
“We are happy. We knew after last year we could come back if we put in the hard work,’’ he said.
“Our defence was the most satisfying thing today. We came here, got the job done and we are looking forward to giving the Langer a shake.’’
Caloundra SHS Walters Cup coach Craig Monaghan said it was a huge day for the Caloundra rugby league program, with both teams qualifying for the first time in Langer and Walters.
“The effort over the last couple of years have really built to this,’’ he said.
So how did it all unfold in today’s qualifying games?
Langer Trophy
Caloundra SHS def Stretton SC
Big plays
Caloundra edge forward Zac Garton unloaded in a tackle to a flying centre Brooklenn Mundraby-Grogan who raced 35m for the only try of the match.
The big players
Mundraby-Grogan scored a runaway try, made an important one on one tackle when Stretton attacked and snared a crucial steal when Stretton were hard on attack.
The Canterbury signed flyer looked as fit as a fiddle after a 2022 was marred by a shoulder complaint.
Zac Garton v Jack McCosker
Two of the best edge forwards on this age group went one on one. There was not a struck match between them, but Garton’s unload to create his teams only try was a big play
Redcliffe SHS def Mountain Creek SHS
Big plays
John Fineanganofo of Redcliffe was a maestro with short and long passes, probing runs and deception. He was a threat from the time an inside outside ball created the opening try.
Big players
Big Fineanganofo had a helper in the even bigger Henry Sologinkin, with the big prop impacting the game with tellling effort runs.
St Marys College def Stretton SC
Big plays
Saints winger Lucas Paynter scored a try, the first of the gave, from a seemingly impossible position, wrestling clear of two defenders as he seemed certain to end up over the sideline.
Braithen Scott’s ball to looping fullback Tait Cameron was a ripper, and so was Cameron’s angled run to the corner.
Big players
Paynter rewarded his hard working forwards by scoring an interception try just as Stretton were rumbling toward a late rally. He also scored a strong try in heavy contact.
Caloundra SHS def Mt Creek SHS
Big plays
Caloundra’s Zac Garton impacted the match to score his team’s second try, a barrelling close to the line effort that gave his team a little breathing space.
Tyrell Hopkins
Stretton was enjoying its best momentum of the match until Hopkins turned the lights out with a stopping tackle that turned possession over.
Toby Irvine
A fantastic flick pass from Caoundra winger Irvine created the last try of the game for Jack Philip.
Big players
Chase Paterson of Caloundra was a class above with his involvement from No.13.
He was a ruck ball player, a thumping metre eater, could unload in contact and drove his shoulder hard in defence. He was the complete performer.
Zac Garton on the right edge scored two close to the line tries for Caloundra SHS, keeping his legs pumping in contact and driving over.
Redcliffe SHS def St Marys
Big plays
Jayden Evans of Redcliffe lit up the match with a brilliant solo try from centre field scrum ball. He was first receiver and blitzed the opposition with. 50m run to the line.
Lucas Paynter of St Mary’s did it again, swooping on a lose ball to turn defence into attack and score.
Big players
With John Fineanganofo such a focal player, hooker Hayden Potts subtly played his hand around the Rick.
Loka Toia of Redcliffe was in everything from No.13. This is a kid who is at the top of his game at the moment.
Mountain Creek SHS def Stretton SC
Big plays
Hayden Doyle’s burrowing dummy half effort was critical on his team’s 12-8 win. There was little between the sides and in a tight game, his effort was pure gold.
Big players
Finn Lawson of Mountain CReek was a threat behind is hard working middle men and the quicker Mountain Creek played the game, the more danergous he became.
Caloundra SHS def St Mary’s
Big plays
Caloundra edge forward Zac Garton continued to rule the roost on the left edge. No team could contain him for every minute of the matches.
Big players
Garton again. Fresh from helping Redcliffe Dolphins win the Meninga CUp under 18 grand final, Garton was a revelation for the Sunny Coast team.
Tully McLellan, the Caloundra SHS halfback, straightened play nicely with his pace and direct running, and unloaded beyond the ruck to set wheels in motion.
Walters Cup qualifying games
Caloundra beat St Mary’s 6-0
Moment of the game
Kalan Beattie breaking the nil all deadlock had to be the moment of the game.
After an arm wrestle of back-and-forth footy, the Caloundra centre hit his stride after spotting space and ran 70 metres to the match winner.
Players of the game
Kalan Beattie (Caloundra)
He didn’t get too much ball but when called upon he had a burst of speed which saw him shrug off defenders at will.
Ellyjah Birve (Caloundra)
He wasn’t at his brilliant best but he wasn’t far off. His kicks were accurate, passes on point and direction clear.
He steered Caloundra past the winners post against a very competitive St Mary’s team.
Stretton beat Caloundra SHS 14-0
Moment of the game
Headgeared assassin Bailey Vang had a moment of brilliance to put the nail in the coffin.
Up 8-0, the Stretton hooker who represented the Ipswich Jets Cyril Connell team this year, put in a brilliant 40-20 kick to pile on the pressure against Caloundra.
And on tackle No.1, Stretton’s danger man Monte Betham, a tough second rower, scored under the sticks.
Players of the game
Bailey Vang and Monte Betham (Stretton)
Stretton have a dynamic duo in hooker Vang and second rower Betham, with both boys capable of breaking open a game.
Vang’s leadership and game awareness mixed with Bethan’s destructive ball carrying proved the difference in their clash against a good Caloundra side.
Emmanuel Artango (Stretton)
This 14-year-old winger broke open the game with a scintillating two try effort on the left wing.
He didn’t see much ball but with the chances he did get he made no mistake turning them into points.
His speed and IQ on when to pin the ears back or dart back inside allowed him to burn past defenders.
Jonathon Leu (Caloundra)
A towering 15-year-old whose wingspan applies endless pressure on the opposition kickers.
Leu, a headgeared hardworker, was one of if not Caloundra’s best across the first two games of the day due to his brick wall defence among other strongpoints.
Ipswich SHS beat St Mary’s 16-0
Moment of the game:
No doubt Ipswich coach Shane Harris and his troops had hopes of getting off to a flyer. And, thanks to the deft grubber kicking of fullback Tyreek Carlo, they were on the board in no time.
Winger Reilly Goodwin chased with his luscious blonde mullet flowing in the wind before scoring just shy of the dead ball line.
Players of the game:
Tanielu Tu’u (Ipswich)
For a 15-year-old, this prop hits hard enough to fit right into the Langer Trophy.
He clobbered half a dozen St Mary’s crash ball runners, lifting the energy for his side.
Caesar Yeatman (Ipswich)
An elusive centre from Yarrabah, Yeatman can weave his way through the first line of defence with a subtle right foot step.
With his deadly footwork, the Ipswich Norths Tigers junior bagged a double.
Riley Pocock (Ipswich)
A tremendous bench weapon who provided Ipswich a huge boost when coming on late in the piece.
Pocock, a post-contact metre specialist, made several line-breaking runs in a limited amount of time.
Lachlan Lyons (St Mary’s)
His ball running and leadership was incredible. As captain of the team, Lyons’ passing linked well his teammates and there was no doubt he was St Mary’s best.
Stretton beat Ipswich SHS 10-4
Moment of the game:
From one end of the field to the other, Stretton rallied on their tryline with gutsy defence before advancing it 100m to score through rangy lock Jonah Huni.
Huni, put through a hole created by Stretton’s inspirational leader Bailey Vang, fooled the last line of defence with a dazzling side step.
This elevated Stretton from 4-4 to 10-4 with one minute to play.
Deniro Lui (Ipswich)
For a kid born in 2008 he has size beyond his years. A big, mobile back rower who in this game dealt endless damage when lurking on the left edge.
He complimented Tu’u as well as forward movers James Pau and Neyon Taito.
Bailey Vang (Stretton)
A vocal leader whose presence on the field gave Stretton the confidence they needed against a Ipswich outfit with size.
He directed his troops from the ruck, while delivering front foot ball to his forwards.
Monte Betham (Stretton)
In his second game of the day there was no signs of slowing down from this big fella.
A bustling second rower, Betham used his ferocious fend to palm off his rivals and break the line and score his side’s first try.
Dylon Palupe-Taufua (Ipswich
A powerhouse prop who rumbles it up the middle with powerful leg drive, Palupe-Taufua provided Ipswich halves Jonah Afamasaga and Clement Karauti space to create out wide.
Caloundra def Ipswich SHS
Moment of the game:
Deadlocked at four apiece, Ellyjah Birve had to come to the party and so he did. A charge down and regather saw the exciting No.6 prospect surge downfield 90 metres to put his team back in front.
Players of the game:
James Pau (Ipswich)
He turned up in what was a crucial game for Ipswich’s Walters Cup chances.
Having lost to Stretton, they needed to bounce back and leading the way was this lock aggressor.
Teone Iaulualo (Ipswich)
It takes a level of confidence to come back from making a costly mistake to scoring a go ahead try out of dummyhalf. But, that’s the player Iaulualo is.
His older brother Oliver, a Langer Trophy usual, is renowned for making big plays and now Teone is following in his footsteps.
After an attempted chip kick was swatted down and scored by Birve, Iaulualo made sure he hit back with a smart scoot from in close.
Ellyjah Birve (Caloundra)
He scored and assisted but perhaps his best attribute this game was his kick restarts.
After Iaulualo sent Ipswich up 10-8, Birve nailed the kick off to regain possession. Then, Caloundra strolled over to retake the lead at 14-10 and send his team into the Walters Cup.
THE PREVIEW
The final pieces of the schoolboy rugby league puzzle will find their homes when the Langer Trophy and Walters Cup schoolboy rugby league qualifying games are held on Wednesday at Gibson Park.
The www.couriermail.com.au will be there to watch St Mary’s College, Toowoomba, Redcliffe SHS, Stretton SHS, Caloundra SHS and Mountain Creek SHS battle it out for two vacant Langer Trophy positions.
MENINGA CUP GRAND FINAL’S SUPER SEVEN PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Already Ipswich SHS, PBC SHS, Keebra Park SHS, Marsden SHS, Wavell SHS and Mabel Park SHS were confirmed for the Langer Trophy this season.
On the same day at Gibson Park, Ipswich SHS, St Marys, Stretton SHS and Caloundra SHS will compete for a place in the Walters Cup Year 10 competition.
So who will be the Players to Watch in the Langer and Walters qualifying games? Revealed below.
REDCLIFFE
Lange Trophy
John Fineanganofo: The most in form player of the Mal Meninga cup who is able to cover any position on the footy field. Look for him to play in the halves or as a ball playing lock forward. He will get the side on the front foot and has an ability to find the tryline from any situation.
Loka Toia and Bernard Smith: Two of the hard working middle forwards from the grand final Redcliffe Dolphins Mal Meninga team. Both can break the game open with a tough carry and quick play the ball but are equally capable of setting up a try with their ball skills.
Hayden Potts: A crafty hooker who has an ability to get his forwards going forward and then take advantage of a quick play the ball with a well timed run.
Lincoln Kemp: He may be the youngest member of Redcliffe SHS’s open’s squad but he is one of the toughest and can cover any position. But is most comfortable in the centres or second row. Kemp will compete on every play.
MOUNTAIN CREEK SHS
Langer Trophy
Finn Lawson: An elite fullback or halve, or hooker, he is an electric ball runner against a set or staggered line and skilful player who competes for everything. A leader through his actions. Was one of the Falcons best in the Mal Meninga Cup.
Jai Bowden: A crafty hooker who creates opportunities for those around him with his vision and running game.
Mason Kira: A edge forward or No. 13, he is a big uncompromising player. A damaging ball runner who can ball play when needed, he was a key member of the QLD Country under 17s last year in their win over City.
Zarley Hodges: A middle forward, Hodges just loves to hit hard in defence. He is an effort player who never lets his teammates down
STRETTON STATE COLLEGE
Langer Trophy
Corey Nassif: A utility player who will likely play at hooker. Nassif has a high work rate through the middle and has no fear. Canterbury Bulldogs signed, he plays locally for Souths Logan.
Jack McCosker: Last season’s premiership winning captain and second rower, McCosker is a smart edge back rower with a high work rate. He played for Brisbane Tigers Mal Meninga and Colts.
Jackson Rose: A Premiership winning man of the match performer in 2022, the fullback has great positioning and direction from the back. He played for Brisbane Tigers Mal Meninga.
Kayliss Brown: An unsung hooker, he is highly skilful and creative and played for Brisbane Tigers Mal Meninga squad.
Walters Cup, Stretton
JZ Perenara: A Gold Coast Titans signed, and Brisbane Tigers Cyril Connell centre, Perenara who plays with aggression.
Jonah Huni: Huni is a terrific talent, a ball playing lock who is very strong defensively.
Monte Betham: Match hardened from playing Connell Challenge, Betham is a strong line running back rower who knows how to find the try line.
Bailey Vang: Vang is a creative Ipswich Jets Cyril Connel hooker who will take every opportunity given to him.
IPSWICH SHS
Walters:
Caesar Yeatman: A centre or fullback, Caesar is the younger brother of Jarvis Yeatman who played in Ipswich SHS’s Langer Cup team in 2021. Caesar is an exciting outside back who possesses quick feet and a good draw and pass. He’s an instinctive player who will make any opposite centre nervous.
Tanielu Tuu’u: Prop Tanielu will once again be a key part of the Ipswich SHS Walters Cup forward pack. Tanielu will play big minutes and has a combination of speed and power.
Jonah Afamasaga: A halfback with Norths Devils., Jonah is the younger brother of Jalen Afamasaga who was the halfback in last year’s National winning team. Jonah will lead the Ipswich SHS Walters Cup team in season 2023. Jonah is a calm headed half who will be a key figure in the Ipswich attack. His kicking game will help build pressure and he won’t be afraid to run.
Neyon Taito: A second row or centre, Neyon has enjoyed a successful season with the Ipswich Jets Cyril Connell team. Neyon’s long frame makes him very difficult to handle. Having just turned 16, he is beginning to grow into his frame and will only get stronger and faster.
CALOUNDRA SHS
Walters Cup:
Ellyjah Birve: THE 2022 Queensland under 15 schoolboys player will be a key figure. He is an electric runner of the ball and equally as strong in defence.
Keagan Zanchetta: Coming off a strong Cyril Connell season, Keagan has an athletic build with the skills of a halfback. He is match hardened and ready to go.
Jett Ryan: Ryan is a no-nonsense front rower who gets through plenty of work in attack and defence. He is a smart footballer who leads the way through the middle of the field
Jonathan Leuluai: A strong athletic kid that is going from strength to strength. Jonathan is a skilful edge player who aims to terrorise opposition edge defence.
Langer Trophy:
Toby Irvine: An exciting prospect who can easily fulfil and create havoc from any position in the back line. His game awareness and ability to put his body in the correct position make him hard to handle defensively.
Jack Philp: A well organised and calm half. His ability to correctly sum up situations and move the team around the park provides clear direction for his teammates
Tyrell Hopkins: With outstanding leg speed and absolutely no fear. Tyrell a genuine threat on the edge. He is the kind of player that everyone wants to have standing beside them on a football field.
Jaelym Hohaia: He often flies under the radar with his quiet and friendly demeanour. Make no mistake when he crosses the white line, he soon becomes the silent assassin. Combine that with his deep understanding of the game and physical attributes he will offer plenty for the team in both attack and defence.
ST MARYS
Jett Day: Day is a back rower who arrived Harry Grant territory, Yeppoon, in Central Queensland. He is currently contracted to the Bulldogs and has featured heavily for the Clydesdales in rep footy early in the year. He is a hardworking, a second rower who possesses a good running game.
Braithen Scott: Scott, a halfback, is currently contracted to the Broncos and has very good game management skills led by a sharp kicking game and combinations with his outside backs. He was one of the Players of the Year in the Connell Challenge competition this season.
Other players to watch include Jake Durie, a contracted Bulldogs player who is a leader on the field and is a running five eight.
St Mary’s also have an interesting development player, centre/winger Sam Shepard who recently has been selected in the Australian touch u18 team. He is very fast and is an x factor player.
Originally published as Langer, Walters Cup qualifying games’ update and Players to Watch
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