With the cancellation of this year’s Senior Boys Catholic Cup following O’Loughlin Catholic College’s withdrawal, all eyes now turn to the Palmerston Cup. Scheduled for next Friday, the stakes have never been higher.
For the likes of Ralph Lonsdale and Jackson Jones, who played in last season’s loss, next Friday’s clash is about payback. Last season’s game saw Palmerston stun the Saints on home turf, snatching their first Cup in three years. The Saints’ hunger for redemption is real.
But for others, this isn’t just another fixture. For Year 12 graduates Henry Green, Louis Shepherd, Deacon Summerville, Curtis Gottwaltz, and Fin McMullan, it’s a farewell performance. This will be the last time they’ll suit up in Saints colours. Win, lose, or draw, their high school rugby chapter closes on MacKillop Field next Friday at 1.50pm.
Saints team for the 2025 Palmerston Cup:
- Tarquin Banderson
- Vaiola Tofilau
- Jyles Boulton
- Kian T’Lam
- Rohan Cram
- Deacon Summerville (TBC)
- Jackson Jones
- Khai Nguyen
- Alex Liddle
- Hunter Knight
- Fin McMullan
- Ralph Lonsdale
- Cooper Moore
- Sonny Watkinson
- Henry Green
- Curtis Gottwaltz
- Louis Shepherd
- Nathan Wilson
- Ethan Unwin
Coach Sharp is confident in his squad’s ability, but remained realistic about the task ahead.
“From 1 to 20, we’ve got the firepower to win the Cup back. But Palmerston have been the benchmark in senior boys footy the last couple of seasons — they’re not coming to Johnston to hand it over. It’s going to take our absolute best.”
Among the players to watch is Deacon Summerville who is fresh off a Seniors debut and already a threat every time he touches the ball. With a decorated Juniors history and a knack for the big moments, some are already whispering his name in the next “Team of the Decade” conversations, potentially following in the footsteps of last decade’s #6, Nathan Dixon.
Then there’s Curtis Gottwaltz, a Rabbitohs premiership-winner in the Darwin B Grade comp and a Saints mainstay since Year 7. Known for his work rate, leadership, and heart-on-sleeve attitude, this one means everything to him.
And while they’re newer to the jersey, Henry Green, Louis Shepherd, and Fin McMullan have shown exactly what it means to wear it — grit, resilience, and a no-nonsense approach to every contest.
So, can the Saints take back what was once theirs?
Next Friday, the boots hit the turf and the final whistle will tell the tale.
Parents, families, and former players – we welcome your voices on the sideline.
It’s going to be one to remember.
