The MacKillop Saints u16s Boys Rugby League team will play rivals O'Loughlin Catholic College in the annual Newcastle Knights Cup on June 14th, 2023.
While MacKillop has dominated this competition in recent years, a resurgent OCC almost defeated the Saints last season. The game was deadlocked with 10 minutes remaining before a late flurry of Saints tries sealed the victory. OCC will attempt to improve on their excellent performance from last year and bring the Cup back to Karama.
Mr Matthew Sharp, Head Coach, has exclusively revealed the team he will field in the contest in a fortnight's time -
1. Riley Heffernan
2. Tinashe Matadi
3. Manu Carter
4. Ethan McKenzie
5. Jaxon Boulton
6. Jackson Jones
7. Harry Heath (vc)
8. Trent Harvey
9. Daniel Murphy (c)
10. TJ Van Der Walt
11. Nathan O'Sullivan
12. Jack Elliott
13. Curtis Gottwaltz
14. Michael Tilmouth
15. Nash White
16. Jake Goodwin
17. Rohan Cram
18. Kole Heikkinen
19. Sam Johnstone
The roster looks very different from the NT Champion Eels Cup side that defeated Taminmin College a little over a month ago. Sharp explained that it was a fantastic opportunity to rotate the group and offer certain players who may not have always had the opportunity to represent the school some time in the navy and ochre.
Only Riley Heffernan, Tinashe Matadi, Jaxon Boulton, Harry Heath, Trent Harvey, TJ Van Der Walt, and Nathan O'Sullivan will wear their starting jerseys from the Eels Cup. Sam Johnstone, a Year 9 AFL convert, is a player to watch as he makes his Rugby League debut from the interchange.
The halves duo of Harry Heath and Jackson Jones is one to keep an eye on. Jones, a youthful half, will gain valuable experience playing with Heath, who made his Saints Opens debut from Year 9 last season.
The game will kick off at 3pm on Wednesday 14th June 2023 with parents and fans welcomed to attend.
All named players must return their permission forms prior to the game in order to be eligible to play.
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