NRL Schoolboys Cup: What happened to the finalists from the 2020 Langer Trophy grand final
It’s the only time the Gold Coast’s two league nurseries faced off in a grand final, but four years on it can be revealed the 2020 Langer Trophy decider was a big windfall for a Titans rival. WATCH the best moments and find out where are they now.
It should have been a crystal ball moment for long-suffering Titans fans.
The 2020 Langer Trophy grand final showdown featured the two Gold Coast sporting school juggernauts – Keebra Park and Palm Beach Currumbin.
It was the last time the two proud nurseries – who have produced a laundry list of NRL talents between them – would face off in the trophy decider.
WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2020 DECIDER ABOVE
Since the Langer Trophy turned to a finals system to decide its champion in 2020, Palm Beach Currumbin has featured in every grand final since, winning four-from-five in the big dance.
But it was that first decider between the two Glitter Strip powerhouses, that finished in a gripping 16-8 win for Palm Beach Currumbin, which should have had Titans fans reaching for the little black book.
Shockingly only three players from that grand final have gone on to pull on a Titans jersey in the NRL, while a further six players made their debuts at other NRL clubs or overseas.
There are several players from the grand final who remain in the Titans system including Oscar Bryant and Ryan Foran, but they have yet to crack the top grade.
Check out the list of players who have kicked on from the 2020 Langer Trophy grand final below.
KLESE HAAS
Keebra Park SHS, Centre
The most-capped Titan in the grand final, the younger brother of NSW Origin enforcer, Payne Haas, has carved out a regular role in the Titans first grade squad since making his NRL debut in 2022. Haas stepped up in the long absence of Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamalauei in 2024, playing 22 games for the Titans. Arguably one of the club’s best young forwards, Haas inked a contract extension after the season which will keep him at the Titans through to the end of 2027.
TOM WEAVER
Palm Beach Currumbin, Halfback
The young halfback played a big role in directing Palm Beach Currumbin to victory against their rivals and has been in the Titans junior systems since he was a teenager. Weaver got his big break in first grade at the back end of the 2023 season and backed it up with three games this season filling in for the injured Kieran Foran. Weaver came off contract at the Titans at the end of this season, but it is understood he is in negotiations to stay with the club for the 2025 season.
DEINE MARINER
Palm Beach Currumbin, Centre
The Samoan representative flyer was at the centre of an NRL turf war between the Broncos and Dolphins only two games into his NRL career. The blistering speedster has gone on to forge a home in the Broncos outside backs, scoring 17 tries in 21 games this season, and is locked into a contract at Red Hill until the end of 2027. Mariner was a key part of back-to-back Langer Trophy titles for Palm Beach Currumbin in 2020-21.
XAVIER WILLISON
Palm Beach Currumbin, Prop
He has made an imposing start to his career in the NRL, with the 199cm man mountain casting an imposing shadow over the league since his debut in 2021. The front rower, who had been locked up by the Broncos for the better part of a decade, played a small role in his first three seasons before breaking out in the 2024 season playing 19 games following the departure of key forward Tom Flegler. Willison has been rewarded for his barnstorming performances with an upgraded deal to remain at the club until 2027.
JAHREAM BULA
Keebra Park SHS, Centre
The flashy fullback has become one of the key focal points of Benji’s Babes at the Wests Tigers, showing flashes of brilliance over a 39-game NRL career. Bula made every post a winner in his first season in the top grade in 2023, signing a multimillion-dollar extension to stay at the Tigers. While much has been made of his basketball background and time in rugby sevens, few remember that Bula was a star in the Keebra Park outside backs and tore up the Langer Trophy fields.
BLAKE MOZER
Keebra Park SHS, Hooker
He has long been anointed Brisbane’s hooker in waiting, the talented Mozer has been forced to bide his time in the Queensland Cup developing his game. The Keebra Park rake showed enough glimpses during a glittering schoolboys career that made him a near-household name before he’d even stepped foot on an NRL field. Mozer has played nine games in the past two years in the NRL, and was one of the few bright sparks in a dour year at Red Hill.
RYAN RIVETT
Palm Beach Currumbin, Five-eighth
The talented five-eighth played second fiddle behind Toby Sexton in one Langer Trophy triumph Palm Beach Currumbin, before backing up the following year alongside Weaver. Rivett was always earmarked for greatness in the junior ranks, but never quite managed to convert his natural talent to the top grade. The playmaker bounced between several NRL clubs before finally earning a debut at the Newcastle Knights in 2023. Rivett only managed the one NRL game, but has made a big impact in the French second tier with Toulouse Olympique this season.
JAYLAN DE GROOT
Palm Beach Currumbin, Fullback
De Groot is contracted to the Titans and will be part of the club’s top 30 squad in 2025. He made his NRL debut in the final round match of the 2024 season. De Groot scored five tries and set up another three in 17 games in the Queensland Cup.
MICHAEL ROBERTS
Palm Beach Currumbin, Wing
The younger brother of former NRL flyer James Roberts, Michael showed that speed ran in their genes. Michael was touted as one of the best young stars to come through the Palm Beach Currumbin program and was picked up by the Dolphins when they first entered the league. He also spent time at South Sydney before he had his contract torn up earlier this month due to an ongoing court case.
Originally published as NRL Schoolboys Cup: What happened to the finalists from the 2020 Langer Trophy grand final
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