RLO Newsletter 16/5: Flegg Round 11, Colts Round 4
Plus a look at the Women's National Championships and the Schoolboys Cup
After a bye round, the Jersey Flegg Cup returned for Round 11 with a full slate of games. The round opened with Penrith taking care of the Roosters 34–20. I called this the “game of the round” last week and it was over after 40 minutes. The Panthers led 34–6 before conceding some late consolation tries. The loss was just the Roosters’ second of 2023.
The games continued on Saturday with the Dragons overcoming a 20–12 halftime deficit to beat Newcastle 30–22. The Knights, last year’s runners-up, continue to struggle and sit in ninth with three wins from nine. They’ve moved up a few of their talented SG Ball prospects who could inject a bit of life into the side.1
Melbourne pulled off an upset win over Canterbury at Belmore, recording back-to-back wins for the first time this season. The Storm, who trailed by two at the break, scored 16 unanswered second-half points. The Bulldogs used their 45th player of the season, after just nine games.
In Canberra, the Eels weren’t troubled by the 11th-placed Raiders, running out 32–14 winners. Richard Penisini, younger brother of Will, scored twice on his Flegg debut. He was joined by several of Parramatta’s successful SG Ball team who jumped up a grade this past weekend.2 One to keep an eye on is halfback, Ethan Sanders.
On Sunday, Cronulla took care of Manly 40–4 at Brookvale. Manly, who sit in last place, made a change of coaching with Leon Latulipe, who coached South Sydney last season, taking over from Adam McEwen. The final game of the weekend saw the Rabbitohs hold off the Wests Tigers for a 24–20 win at Mascot Oval.
You can watch all the highlights from Round 11 here.
My arbitrary, vibes team of the week: 1 Liam Ison (Penrith), 2 Matt Komolafe (Parramatta), 3 Ned Hicks (Parramatta), 4 Noah Lester (Cronulla), 5 Tyrone Munro (South Sydney), 6 Jye Gray (South Sydney), 7 Keagan Russell-Smith (Melbourne), 8 Loko Tonga (St George Illawarra), 9 Connor Mason (Penrith), 10 Lachlan Crouch (Cronulla), 11 Oryn Keeley (Newcastle), 12 Aston Warwick (Penrith), 13 Angus Hinchey (Melbourne).
Hastings Deering Colts – Round 4
Another wild weekend of Colts rugby league began with a close game at Mackay, with the Cutters besting Burleigh by eight points. This was quite a fiery game although riddled with errors and penalties. Mackay is off to their best Colts start ever, undefeated after three games.
Redcliffe also remains undefeated after beating the Capras 32–24. The Capras led 20–12 after 50 minutes but just couldn’t hold off a strong Dolphins outfit, who scored four tries in the following 20 minutes. Despite the loss, Capras winger Bob Tenza scored the try of the round.3
In Toowoomba, the Clydesdales picked up their second win of the year, thrashing the hapless Pride 56–22. The Clydesdales have now equalled their combined win total from the last two seasons. The Pride’s losing streak extends to 11. A surprise name on the Pride team sheet was winger Jacob Mene. Mene scored 30 tries for the Blackhawks Colts last year, including three in the Grand Final, and represented Queensland under-19. Absent from any pre-season duties with the Cowboys, Mene left the club and returned home due to personal reasons and has recently connected with the Pride after starting the season in the local Cairns competition.
After a massive win over Wynnum Manly in Round 3, Souths Logan was battered 48–10 by Tweed. The Seagulls sit atop the Colts’ ladder and look like the team to beat so far. Wynnum Manly brushed off the Souths Logan loss and dusted off Ipswich 64–0 in Beenleigh. Wynnum scored 12 tries and led 30–0 at halftime in complete domination of the Jets. Broncos’ prospect John Radel was named QRL’s “Heavy Lifter” of the week. He scored a try and ran for 245 metres. You can watch his highlighters here.
The Brisbane Tigers, the competition’s fourth undefeated team, ended Round 4 with a 20–4 win over Norths. In a very un-Colts-like fashion, there were no points in the final 24 minutes.
Arbitrary, vibes team of the week: 1 Lachlan West (Brisbane), 2 Jakeem Thompson (Clydesdales), 3 Nathaniel Tangimataiti (Wynnum Manly), 4 Malakhi Donovan (Tweed), 5 Hopoate Finau (Clydesdales), 6 Cassius Cowley (Wynnum Manly), 7 Elliott Speed (Tweed), 8 Jesse Jackson (Tweed), 9 Ayden Hoad (Redcliffe), 10 John Radel (Wynnum Manly), 11 Tieran Ross (Wynnum Manly), 12 Ethan Sweet (Mackay), 13 Kobe Bone (Mackay)
Gun sons
John Hopoate’s son Lehi made his Jersey Flegg debut this past weekend for Manly. Lehi is the fifth of his brothers to come through the Sea Eagles’ lower grades.4 , Here are some of the several other second-generation talents in the Under-21s competitions this season.
Jersey Flegg: Toby Thorburn (Canberra); dad Scott played for the Crushers and Chargers in the late 90s. Sam Healey (Cronulla); Mitch played 222 games for the Sharks. Kobe Fulton (Manly); grandson of the immortal Bob Fulton and son of former Sea Eagle Brett. Joe Chan (Melbourne); Alex played for three NRL clubs and represented New Zealand three times. Turoa Williams (Parramatta); Jason was also an NZ international and won the 1995 premiership with Canterbury. Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney); son of former Warrior, Shark and Rooster Vince. Braith Alexander (Sydney); son of Panthers legend Greg.
Colts: Jordan Plath (Brisbane Tigers); dad John won four premierships with the Broncos. Reece Briers and Shay Martyn (Norths); the sons of Super League greats Lee Briers and Tommy Martyn. Harry Walters (Norths); the youngest son of Broncos legend Kevin. Kalani Sing (Sunshine Coast); a winger like his former Test and Maroons representative father Matt. Trey Valentine (Townsville); Shaun played 36 games for the Cowboys. Bud Smith (Clydesdales); son of Test and Maroons representative Jason.
Women’s National Championships kick off this week
UAA Park in Miami will host the 2023 Women’s National Championships, which begin on Thursday, May 18. The Championships have undergone another format restructure with Queensland and New South Wales City, having last competed in 2019.5 They’ll be joined for the first time by a New Zealand side, Ahi Kā Aotearoa. These four teams, as well as NSW Country, will be under-19 sides. The teams representing the affiliate states will be open-age. Queensland and Aotearoa have announced their under-19 sides but as of writing, I'm yet to find the NSW team lists.
Queensland Rubys: Alyssa McCarthy (Wynnum Manly), Destiny Mino-Sinapati (Wynnum Manly), Ebony Raftstrand-Smith (Canterbury), Emma Barnes (Wynnum Manly), Estanoa Faitala (Brisbane Tigers), Helen Uitualagi (Wynnum Manly), Jacinta Carter (Newcastle), Kiarah Siauane (Souths Logan), Lily Kolc (Burleigh), Livinia Kitai (Souths Logan), Malaela Su'a (Brisbane Tigers), Matekino Kahukoti-Gray (Burleigh), Mattisse Bettridge (Burleigh), Rilee Jorgensen (Burleigh), Shaylee Joseph (Sydney Roosters), Skyla Adams (Sydney Roosters), Tarleah Fisher-Pearson (Brisbane Tigers), Tayla Sykes (Norths Devils), Tavarna Papalii (Sydney Roosters), Trinity Veetutu (Wynnum Manly). Coach: Veronica White.
Queensland Sapphires: Aerielle Hobbler (Northern Pride), Alenna Whipp (CQ Capras), Dakota Taputoa (Brisbane Tigers), Dmaris Setu (Ipswich), Emily Bella (Mackay), Grace Gampino (Norths Devils), Jaydah Tofae (Sydney Roosters), Jayde Herdegen (Wynnum Manly), Kate Ellem (Sunshine Coast), Kayla Sheppard (Mackay), Kirby Richardson (CQ Capras), Libby Suhra (Mackay), Lily Peacock (Mackay), Luca Howarth (CQ Capras), Lylla Williamson (Townsville), Mackenzie Zeller (Western Clydesdales), Montaya Hudson (Brisbane Tigers), Paityne Johns (Mackay), Prue Peters (Wynnum Manly), Relna Hosea (Ipswich). Coach: Chelsea Baker.
Ahi Kā Aotearoa: Amarnee Shepherd (Waikato), Ana Allen (Northland), Charlie-Kaige Kamuhemu (Auckland), Destinee Mexted (Northland), Genesis Smith-Huriwai (Bay of Plenty), Henilietta Lokotui (Auckland), Ilaisaane Taufa (Auckland), Kyla Lynch-Brown (Canterbury), Maia Crutcher (Northland), Manea Waaka (Canterbury), Marewa Samson (Waikato), Monica Samiti (Auckland), Monika Fakaosilea (Auckland), Nina Faamausili (Auckland), Ronise Matini (Auckland), Sade Schaumkel (Auckland), Sina Tuitupou (Auckland), Summer Van Gelder (Auckland), Tamara Ruaporo Ngatuakana (Wellington), Tanaia-Aroha Mertin-Herniman (Northland). Coach: Frank Fuimaono.
Due to the success of the NRLW and the NSW and Queensland state leagues, the Championships have become redundant for top-line players. Before 2021, the best of the best would play, many earning NRLW contracts in those early years. While the top NRLW players won’t be in action, it’s still a great chance for players from affiliate states (Victoria, Western Australia, etc.) to catch the eye of scouts. Players in the Queensland and New South Wales sides will also use the competition to push for Under-19 State of Origin selection, which is set to be played in July.
Every game is streaming live on NRL.com and you can view the full draw here.
Schoolboy Cup update
Just two Schoolboy Cup games were played last week with the Victorian pool of the Peter Mulholland Cup in action. The Grange smashed Mt Ridley 46–10, while Victoria Uni College defeated Hallam 24–14. This sets up a big final pool game between the undefeated Grange and Victoria Uni Colleges on May 26. The other Mulholland Cup games are finally set to begin, with Bass High facing Holy Cross College Ryde on May 17.
In Queensland, the Allan Langer Trophy (south-east Qld) and Dolphins Cup (central Qld) are set to kick off on Tuesday, May 30. The full draws for both competitions have been released. The Dolphins Cup will be contested by St Brendan’s Yeppoon, Shalom College, Emmaus College, The Cathedral College and Rockhampton Grammar, with Bundaberg State High dropping out.
The Aaron Payne Cup (north Qld) draw is yet to be released but will feature eight teams this season. St Patrick’ Mackay, Ignatius Park, Kirwan State High and Trinity Bay State High will contest Pool A, while in Pool B we’ll see Mackay State High, Mareeba State High, St Augustine's Cairns and Holy Spirit Mackay.
Queensland Secondary Schools championships
This past week the girl’s QSS Championships were held at Cbus Super Stadium, with the inaugural 17–18 years and 15–16 years teams being selected. The 17–18s will compete at the National Championships at Redcliffe in July, while the 15–16s head to Port Macquarie in September.
QSS 17–18 years: Leilani Ah Sam (Kings' Christian College), Armani-Lea Aurae (Murrumba State Secondary), Tiresa Elika (Ipswich SHS), Delilah Eliu (Mabel Park SHS), Fleur Ginn (Stretton State College), Reegan Hicks (Australian Christian College), Montaya Hudson (Marsden SHS), Paityne Johns (St Patrick's Mackay), Ana Malupo (Kirwan SHS), Tavarna Papalii (Keebra Park SHS), Lila Parr (Chancellor State College), Esther Pedro (Ipswich SHS), Ebony Raftstrand-Smith (Keebra Park SHS), India Seeto (Marsden SHS), Malaela Su'a (Mabel Park SHS), Mercedez Taluelei-Siala (Marsden SHS), Dakota Taputoa (Keebra Park SHS), Nadia Windleborn (Merrimac SHS), Lennice Wright (Deception Bay SHS), Relna Wuruki-Hosea (Ipswich Girls Grammar)
QSS 15–16 years: Affirca Heppi (Keebra Park SHS), Amanii Misa (Mabel Park SHS), Bailey Sorbello (Mt Maria College), Caydance Fourace (Rockhampton SHS), Chloe Mackenzie (Mareeba SHS), Danielle Tutakangahau (Mabel Park SHS), Eta Fusi Sikahele (Keebra Park SHS), Gabriella Savage (Trinity Bay SHS), Harlem Walker (Mabel Park SHS), Keira Rangi (Wavell SHS), Lillianah Lewis (Marsden SHS), Nazlyn Waaka-Rhind (Mabel Park SHS), Okalani Crompton (Keebra Park SHS), Orianna Clark (Ipswich SHS), Shalom Sauaso (Ipswich SHS), Taliiah Anderson (Keebra Park SHS), Janique Mill (Marsden SHS), Pauline Moliga (Ipswich SHS), Porche John (Marsden SHS), Deleni Paitaii (Morayfield SHS).
The boys’ 14–15s and 16–18s state championships begin this weekend at Townsville.
In New South Wales, the NSWCCC (Combined Catholic College) trials also begin this weekend at St Marys, while the NSWCHS (Combined High Schools) trials start Monday, May 21 in Wollongong. NSWCIS (Combined Independent Schools) trials start on May 17 for under-15s and May 27 for under-18s.
Wilson debuts
Blake Wilson became the latest Colts NRL graduate when he made his first-grade debut for the Bulldogs last Friday against the Warriors.
A Noosa Pirates junior, Wilson worked his way through the grades with the Sunshine Coast Falcons, starting in the Cyril Connell Cup in 2016. In 2018, he progressed through to the Mal Meninga Cup before moving into the Colts in 2019. He started on the wing that season, scoring 13 tries in 22 games before becoming the side’s fullback in 2021, where he scored 12 in 14.
Last season, he moved into the Falcons’ senior side, playing 12 games and earning a contract with Canterbury. After playing in the pre-season, Wilson started the year in the New South Wales Cup, scoring eight tries in eight games. Starting on the wing in his first NRL game, he ran for 197 metres and broke 11 tackles.
Around the grounds
For more information on all games head to 18thman.com.
Jersey Flegg Cup – Round 11
Penrith 34 (H Hassett, A Hotere-Papalii, Z Lipowicz, B Phillps, L Philp, A Warwick tries; T Sielaff-Burns 5 goals) def. Sydney 20 (V Tamati 2, K Fekitoa, H Savala tries; H Savala 2 goals) at St Marys Leagues Stadium. Referee: R Morey. Halftime: PEN 22–6. Tackles: C Mason 29 (PEN), C Ross 31 (SYD). Run metres: L Ison 164 (PEN), C Tohi 130 (SYD).
St George Illawarra 30 (L King-Togia, C Roberts, B Rumble, L Tonga, P Vetenibua-Finnerty tries; A Ward 5 goals) def. Newcastle 22 (K McCarthy 2, M Henderson, N Nailagoliva tries; M Henderson 3 goals) at Cessnock Sportsground. Referee: B Mani. Halftime: NEW 20–12. Tackles: T Blackman 24 (NEW), D Purcell 30 (SGI). Run metres: O Keeley 135 (NEW), L Tonga 121 (SGI).
Melbourne 34 (M Jennings 2, M Hill, T Petelo, G Satrick tries; K Russell-Smith 7 goals) def. Canterbury 20 (T Johannssen 2, S Kanaan tries; K Weatherall-Stacey 4 goals) at Belmore Sports Ground. Referee: M Ford. Halftime: CBY 20–18. Tackles: A Jones 23 (CBY), A Hinchey 23 (MEL). Run metres: T Johannssen 134 (CBY), A Hinchey 133 (MEL).
Parramatta 32 (R Penisini 2, J Davis, W Latu, N Reed, E Sanders tries; E Sanders 3, N Wrathall goals) def. Canberra 14 (L Kaloutolu 2, J Billing tries; R Carr goal) at GIO Stadium. Referee: B Williams. Halftime: PAR 14–6. Tackles: M Spencer 37 (CAN), J Davis 39 (PAR). Run metres: L Kaloutolu 188 (CAN), M Komolafe 138 (PAR).
Cronulla 40 (C Barnes 2, K Dixon, C Fuz, B Hosking, N Lester, M Riolo, K Wilson tries; M Riolo 4 goals) def. Manly 4 (U Uasi try) at 4 Pines Park. Referee: C Suters. Halftime: CRO 18–4. Tackles: B Konz 35 (MAN), S Healey 24 (CRO). Run metres: L Hopoate 116 (MAN), L Crouch 191 (CRO).
South Sydney 24 (T Fletcher, J Gray, S Jinks, T Munro, D Towns tries; J Nohra 2 goals) def. Wests Tigers 20 (J Feledy 2, T Da Silva, T Peni tries; Z Camroux 2 goals) at Mascot Oval. Referee: B Greatbatch. Halftime: 10–all. Tackles: R Cook 32 (SOU), C Nicholas 36 (WST). Run metres: T Munro 215 (SOU), T Lolesio 155 (WST).
Ladder: 1 Sydney (18 pts), 2 Cronulla (18), 3 Penrith (17), 4 Canterbury (16), 5 South Sydney (15), 6 Parramatta (14), 7 Melbourne (12), 8 St George Illawarra (12), 9 Newcastle (10), 10 Wests Tigers (10), 11 Canberra (8), 12 Manly (6).
Hastings Deering Colts – Round 4
Mackay 22 (W Gething, E Roberts, K Simon, H Stocks tries; H Stocks 3 goals) def. Burleigh 14 (J Tamepo 2, A Christensen tries; B Tagg goal) at BB Print Stadium. Referee: C Kwik. Halftime: MKY 12–4. Tackles: K Bone 33 (MKY), S Nikotemo 36 (BUR). Run metres: E Sweet 216 (MKY), T Khan-Pereira 145 (BUR).
Redcliffe 32 (C Thomas 2, J Fineanganofo, A Hoad, N Lutui, T Toloi tries; M Roberts 4 goals) def. CQ Capras 24 (L Dale-Doyle, K Farr, T Martin, M Tanner, B Tenza tries; H Barham, T Martin goals) at Browne Park. Referee: D Lawrence. Halftime: CQL 14–6. Tackles: M Mitchell 34 (CQL), B Major 39 (RED). Run metres: J Wini 148 (CQL), J Fineanganofo 144 (RED).
Western Clydesdales 56 (H Finau 2, B Nash 2, J Self 2, J Thompson 2, K Duggan, T Hatch tries; K Duggan 6, K Buhse 2 goals) def. Northern Pride 22 (T Cornthwaite, H Davies, J Mene, K Rosas tries; R Herd 3 goals) at Clive Berghofer Stadium. Referee: A Rossiter. Halftime: WCL 36–6. Tackles: D Carswell 27 (WCL), S Cramp 23 (NPR). Run metres: H Finau 228 (WCL), B Salameh 220 (NPR).
Tweed 48 (M Donovan 3, T Harry 2, L Radzievic 2, R Foran, J Jackson tries; L Radzievic 6 goals) def. Souths Logan 10 (B Manson, K Winters-Chang tries; B Johnson goal) at Logan Metro Football Fields. Referee: L Sutton. Halftime: TWE 28–10. Tackles: M Pakai 41 (SOU), J Stewart-Lewis 28 (TWE). Run metres: B Johnson 121 (SOU), M Donovan 190 (TWE).
Wynnum Manly 64 (N Tangimataiti 3, T Bowman 2, T Ross 2, G Hagai, E Mikaio, W Parslow, J Radel, S Roache-Faimalo tries; S Roache-Faimalo 8 goals) def. Ipswich 0 at Hammel Park. Referee: C Wegner. Halftime: WYN 30–0. Tackles: T Bowman 26 (WYN), R Morris 37 (IPS). Run metres: J Radel 245 (WYN), S Sauaso 144 (IPS).
Brisbane Tigers 22 (G Fisher, J Lee, T Veukiso, T Woodman-Tuhoro tries; B Black 3 goals) def. Norths 4 (B Norris try) at Bishop Park. Referee: N McEwan. Halftime: BRI 10–4. Tackles: T Voll 30 (NOR), B Ashton 40 (BRI). Run metres: D Haydon 206 (NOR), L West 165 (BRI).
Ladder: 1 Tweed (8 pts), 2 Redcliffe (8), 3 Brisbane Tigers (8), 4 Mackay (8), 5 Wynnum Manly (6), 6 Townsville (4), 7 Burleigh (4), 8 Sunshine Coast (4), 9 Norths (4), 10 Western Clydesdales (4), 11 Souths Logan (2), 12 CQ Caras (2), 13 Ipswich (2), 14 Northern Pride (0).
NRL Schoolboy Cup – Round 2
The Grange P-12 College 46 def. Mt Ridley College 10 at Seabrook Reserve.
Victoria Uni Secondary College 24 def. Hallam Secondary College 14 at Seabrook Reserve.
Upcoming fixtures
Jersey Flegg Cup – Round 12
20/5 Cronulla vs. Newcastle – Henson Park, 12:45pm
20/5 Wests Tigers vs. Penrith – Leichhardt Oval, 3pm
21/5 St George Illawarra vs. Sydney – Collegians Sports Centre, 11:15am
21/5 Canterbury vs. Canberra – Accor Stadium, 11:45am
21/5 South Sydney vs. Parramatta – Mascot Oval, 3pm
Manly, Melbourne – BYE
Hastings Deering Colts – Round 5
20/5 Ipswich vs. Tweed – North Ipswich Reserve, 1pm
20/5 Redcliffe vs. Mackay – Jim Lawrie Oval, 1pm
20/5 CQ Capras vs. Sunshine Coast – Browne Park, 2pm
20/5 Northern Pride vs. Souths Logan – Tully Showgrounds, 4pm
20/5 Burleigh vs. Western Clydesdales – UAA Park, 6pm
21/5 Norths vs. Townsville – Bishop Park, 12:15pm
Brisbane Tigers, Wynnum Manly – BYE
Super League Academy
19/5 Leeds vs. Hull FC – Stanningley RLFC, 7pm
20/5 Wigan vs. Castleford – Robin Park Arena, 12pm
20/5 Wakefield vs. Bradford – The Be Well Support Stadium, 12:30pm
20/5 St Helens vs. Hull KR – Totally Wicked Stadium, 1pm
20/5 Warrington vs. Newcastle – Monk Sports Club, 2pm
21/5 London vs. Huddersfield – Richmond Athletic Ground, 1pm
Peter Mulholland Cup – Round 1 (NRL Schoolboys)
17/5 Bass High vs. Holy Cross College Ryde – New Era Stadium, 12:30pm
QSS 14–15 years Championships
All games at Brothers Townsville – Saturday 20 May
Met North vs. Capricornia – 11am
Peninsula vs. North West – 12:15pm
Wide Bay vs. Darling Downs – 1:30pm
Northern vs. South West – 2:45pm
Met West vs. Met East – 4:00pm
South Coast vs. Sunshine Coast – 5:15pm
QSS 16–18 years Championships
All games at Brothers Townsville – Saturday 20 May
Met East vs. South West – 11:00am
Met West vs. Peninsula – 12:15pm
Wide Bay vs. Sunshine Coast – 1:30pm
South Coast vs. Capricornia – 2:45pm
Northern vs. Darling Downs – 4:00pm
Met North vs. South Coast – 5:15pm
Fletcher Sharpe, Kyle McCarthy, Taj Blackman, Myles Martin, Jermaine McEwen, Caleb Garvie and Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana. Sharpe and Martin were regulars in Flegg last season before moving back to SG Ball to start 2023.
Pensini, Sanders, Saxon Pryke, Sam Tuivaiti and Lance Fualema.
Tenza, in his first year with the Capras, is the younger brother of PNG international and Hunters hooker Wesser Tenza. Bob is flying the flag for PNG and all the Bobs out there.
Will played 33 games for Manly’s NYC side, Jamil played 32 after joining from Parramatta, Sione played 10 in 2016, while Albert went straight from SG Ball into the club’s first-grade system. Sister Kalosipani came through the Roosters’ Tarsha Gale system.
An open-age Country side competed and won last year’s competition.