When the St Patrick’s College Mackay boys and girls rugby league teams saddle up for their respective campaigns in 2023 they’ll both be motivated by a common desire.
Acquiring silverware has become second nature to this proud school with a rich sporting history, and after three runners up achievements this season the rugby league cohort will be athletes on a mission.
Bringing home the Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophies, NRL Schoolgirls and Schoolboys Cups plus the Aaron Payne Cup are top priorities for the College that has spawned Kangaroos internationals in Martin Bella, Wendell Sailor, Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty and Daly Cherry-Evans.
Under the guidance of newly appointed coaches Ian Schifilliti (Boys) and Jake Harney (Girls), the College will field powerful and exciting squads that should prove a force to be reckoned with in 2023.
Harney, a talented half back who had stints with Wynnum Manly U/20s and Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Hostplus Cup, has assembled a very strong girls combination – with eight members back on deck next season.
Outstanding hooker Paityne Johns is one of five Capricornia representative players returning to the College along with skilful locks Gracie Watt and Shaylee Hazledine and power running props Chelsea McLeod and Ciara Thomson.
They’ll be joined by classy fullback Trinity Grigg, a try scoring wizard with sharp footwork and the ability to create havoc from all parts of the field and Mercy College graduates Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney.
The inspirational Johns is a product of the Norths Devils club and rated one of the best number nines on the Queensland schools and Junior League scene.
A wily hooker with silky passing skills, warrior Paityne has turned in consistent performances in recent seasons with her ability to read a game, no-nonsense defence and spring-heeled runs from dummy half.
Johns and her teammates are determined to lift the second annual Girls Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophy at the 2023 Carnival in Brisbane.
It is all systems go for the mighty Mackay maidens who have next year’s Confraternity Games and NRL Schoolgirls Cup Division 1 trophies on the top of their wish lists.
St Patrick’s College impressed keen judges by reaching the Grand Final of this year’s inaugural Confraternity Rugby League Girls Carnival staged in Mackay.
Marymount College from Burleigh Waters defeated a courageous St Patrick’s side 18-10 in the Shield decider.
It is that taste of big match experience that will spur this impressive and hungry St Patrick’s outfit to great heights in 2023.
The girls are reaping the benefits of a tough pre-season campaign and remain in tip-top shape following extensive strength and conditioning and skills sessions.
Nucleus of the St Patrick’s team will feature in the Mackay Cutters Under 19 Harvey Norman Women’s squad for 2023.
An appreciative Harney will be assisted by one of the region’s best young coaches in Wanderers JRLFC mentor Imogen Healy and Girls Rugby League co-ordinator Samantha Nutt.
The respected Healy guided the club to this year’s Mackay & District Junior League Under 16s Girls Grand Final where they were beaten 10-6 by Moranbah Miners.
St Patrick’s College top grade rugby league coach Ian Schifilliti says he is “honoured and excited” to be taking over the reins from Michael Comerford, the newly appointed Mackay Cutters Head Coach, in 2023.
“It is a privilege to step into the shoes of Michael who has shaped the St Patrick’s Rugby League Academy into a real force,” said Ian.
“Our current group is brimming with talent - we have the nucleus of this year’s champion squad returning in hooker Xavier Kerrisk, half back Jaxon Purdue, fullback Will Shears, sharp backs Bailey Anderson, Tenzin Contor and Bailey Caruana.
“Add promising Mercy colts like Saxon Crofts, Hunter Harris, Reuben Saron, Javen Ramsamy, Hudson Smith, Kooper Shears, Cohen Jackson, Toby Woodall and Lachlan Whippy to the mix and you have the ingredients for a competitive outfit in 2023,” he declared.
By Chris Karas
St Patrick’s College Mackay’s Rugby League Class of 2023 are hungry for success next season
