The MacKillop Saints are gearing up for an exciting Rugby League tri-series against Taminmin College, kicking off Wednesday in Week 5. Both the Year 7/8 and 9/10 Boys teams will represent the Saints, looking to continue their strong form from last season.
Adding extra spice to the contest, the Year 9/10 clash will see the teams competing for the newly minted Oren ‘Tiger’ Tyler Honorary Pewter Jug — a prize that promises to be fiercely contested.
The Saints come into the tri-series full of confidence after recent success against Taminmin, having secured wins across both year levels in 2024 and a hard-fought draw in the Seniors at the 2025 Eels Cup.
The Year 7/8 team features a mix of experienced players and exciting debutants. Led by captain Harry Liddle — following in the footsteps of his older brother Alex, the current Senior Boys captain — the squad is ready to make their mark.
The team lists is:
1. Bryce Morley 2. Cooper Fraunefelder 3. Jordy Lynch 4. Andrew Mutanda 5. Eric Burarrwanga 6. Tre Tauariki 7. Harry Liddle (c) 8. Tyler Moore 9. Lachlan Kiernan 10. Leyland Mati-Leifi 11. Zaiden Smith 12. Jack Angeles 13. Josh Roberts,
Reserves – Byron Goodwin, Gabe Walsh, Darby Luong, Quincy Carter, and Solomon Grigg.
Several players will be pulling on the MacKillop jersey for the first time, including Eric Burrawanga, Josh Roberts, Lachlan Kiernan, Leyland Mati-Leifi, and Quincy Carter — the first of this year’s new Year 7 intake to make their debuts.
The Year 9/10 squad is packed with returning talent and a few fresh faces eager to make an impact. Walter Lasker will captain the side, bringing composure and leadership from the hooker role.
The team lists is:
1. Jack Tilley 2. Zed Buzza 3. Gabriel Te Maro 4. Tyler Heikkinen 5.Byron Pearce 6. Vailoa Tofilau 7. Timana Roe 8. Rallye Archer 9. Walter Lasker (c) 10. Jyles Boulton 11. Jay Luchich 12. Phillip Tailisi 13. Judd Boulton
Reserves – Zac Waters, Brody Drescher, Jesse Gregory, Charles Molan, and Caleb Barry.
Many of the Year 9 boys will be looking to carry over their strong performances from last year’s series into the older age group. Jyles Boulton will again shift into the prop role after impressing in the same position in 2024. Eyes will also be on Phillip Tailisi and Brody Drescher, who are both making their long-awaited debuts for the team.
Coach Matthew Sharp said he was impressed with how both teams had been preparing in the lead-up to the tri-series.
“The boys have been training really strongly, and they look great on paper,” Sharp said. “Now it’s about taking that energy and translating it onto the field. I’m excited to see how they handle the challenge.”
With pride, silverware, and bragging rights on the line, the stage is set for a thrilling series of matches.
