2025 Aaron Payne Cup live stream: Kirwan SHS v Mackay SHS, Round 6
The Kirwan Bears will take an extra bit of inspiration into Thursday’s Payne Cup clash, as they pull on their special NAIDOC-inspired jerseys. Watch the clash LIVE.
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The Kirwan Bears will draw on the school’s proud indigenous culture as they pull on specially designed NAIDOC-inspired jerseys for their Aaron Payne Cup clash this week.
The undefeated Bears travel south to take on a Mackay State High side determined to cause a boilover and earn its way into the Payne Cup play-offs.
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Kirwan unveiled its indigenous jerseys at a special presentation earlier this week, with a group of the school’s cultural dancers putting on a powerful performance in front of the school community.
Bears backrower Ezekiel Saylor-Pau said the team had been impressed with the design created by local artist Chris Gray.
Saylor-Pau’s family traces back to the Torres Strait Islands on both sides, mainly from Erub Island (also known as Darnley Island), and he said it was a proud moment representing his family.
“I’m really excited for the game, just for the opportunity to wear the jersey,” he said.
“It’s a really good design and it’s good to have the same concept as last year.”
The Bears conceded two tries from dummy half in Round 5 after coach Todd Wilson identified ruck defence as a priority in the lead-up to the game.
“That’s what they call a coach-killer. They pretty much killed Toddy (Wilson) in our game against Trinity Bay last week, so we’re definitely going to try and fix that up this week,” Saylor-Pau said.
“I feel like we’ve been preparing well. We had a good preparation this morning, and we definitely did some review on our game against T-Bay – there was a lot of stuff we can fix up there.
“We’re definitely not going to take this game lightly. We’re going to treat them as any other opposition.”
The Kirwan Grizzlies will also play against Mackay State High this week in a non-competitive friendly match. The game will not be live streamed.
Grizzlies captain Nylani Namai has Aboriginal heritage from Cape York’s Mapoon and Injinoo tribes, and Torres Strait Islander heritage from Badu Island.
She said it was important for the school to recognise and pay respect to its many cultures within the student group.
“It’s definitely different, and I love the topic of NAIDOC Week itself,” Namai said.
“I just love how we brought it out, and it’s everything we asked for.”
The workhorse middle forward said the team was looking continuing to develop as it marches towards finals.
“It just gets more exciting every week. All of the girls, our preparation gets better every week so it’s really exciting,” Namai said.
“Every game we’ve got new tricks, new plays, and it’s all coming together. Our coach Matty (Bowen), he’s growing with us as a team as well.”
Originally published as 2025 Aaron Payne Cup live stream: Kirwan SHS v Mackay SHS, Round 6
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