Busy and successful start to Term 2 for the Saints

It has been a busy and successful start to Term 2 for many players and staff involved with Saints Rugby League.

Last Thursday in Week 1 we were fortunate enough to welcome former NRL players, Luke Williamson (Manly/Canberra) and David Gower (most recently of Parramatta) into our College to deliver our Open age players a course on life and careers post school. Our students took a lot away from the experience, where they found out what the expectations are of an aspiring NRL player from a study perspective. All were shocked after listening to a story from David Gower who now acts in a wellbeing role with the Eel’s junior development programmes, when he revealed the fines at Parramatta for being late to training. Many heads turned to the floor when the question, ‘how broke would you be if MacKillop brought that in for being late to class?’ was asked.

The following day, our u16s Boys team successfully defended their maiden 2020 Eels Cup title by defeating Palmerston College 36-4 in the grand final held at TIO Stadium before the Eels vs Broncos clash later that evening. The Saints opened the scoring with an early try to half, Brandon Norris, who grabbed three for the day. The team walked off to a 22-0 lead at the half time siren and continued on to a comfortable win by the end bell. Other players who kept the scorers busy included Dylan Mugadza with a pair as well as Tyriq Stevens and Izyiah Pairama. Tyriq Stevens is an early candidate for most improved this season and his hard work in training both in the gym and in classes is beginning to pay dividends.

Moving forward, all players are encouraged to sign up to our Term 2 Rugby League Academy programme. The Academy is held during school hours, P5 Monday and Friday. Academy members always hold first preference when it comes to our organised school-based games and tours. Following the cancellation of our Townsville Tour which was scheduled for later this year, we are now looking at taking our Academy members on a playing tour of the Tiwi Islands. Other fixtures currently in negotiations include a Katherine Top End Shield Gala Day for the juniors scheduled in for later this year as well as the Palmerston Cup against arch rivals Palmerston College in the Opens Division.

Yours in Rugby,

Matt Sharp