MacKillop Saints Head Coach Mr Matthew Sharp has unveiled his squads for the highly anticipated Round 2 clash of the Taminmin Tri-Series, with both the Year 7/8 and 9/10 Boys teams set to travel to Taminmin College on Wednesday in Week 9.
With silverware on the line and momentum firmly in their favour following strong Round 1 performances, the Saints are looking to seal the series away from home in what promises to be a fierce and high-stakes encounter.
Year 7/8 Boys Squad
- Bryce Morley
- Tobi Fredricks*
- Jordy Lynch
- Andrew Mutanda
- Cooper Fraunefelder
- Tre Tauriki
- Harry Liddle (c)
- Tyler Moore
- Lachlan Kiernan
- Zaiden Smith
- Jack Angeles
- Gabe Walsh
- Josh Roberts
- Byron Goodwin
- Sonny Smith*
- Angus McLaren
- Ojja Pitia*
- Kruze Mitchell*
- Michael Kampouris*
*Indicates debut
Coach Sharp has brought five new players into the lineup for their full-contact debuts following impressive showings at this week’s Dolphins League Tag Gala Day. Tobi Fredricks, Sonny Smith, Ojja Pitia, Kruze Mitchell and Michael Kampouris have all earned their spots and will be eager to make an impact.
“We’ve kept some familiar faces in key positions while rotating in fresh legs,” Sharp said. “Round 2 out there in the furnace at Taminmin will be a fiercely contested match in front of a hostile home crowd. There are a couple of boys unlucky not to feature yet, but with one hand on the trophy after a strong Round 1 win, I didn’t want to throw debutants to the wolves in a game of this intensity.”
Sharp was quick to clarify that no player has been dropped, highlighting Darby Luong’s Round 1 performance as an example of depth in the squad: “Darby and others will absolutely get their shot again soon.”
Year 9/10 Boys Squad
- Tarquin Banderson
- Byron Pearce*
- Tyler Heikkinen*
- Gabriel Te Maro*
- Jesse Gregory*
- Timana Roe
- Jack Tilley
- Rallye Archer
- Walter Lasker
- Judd Boulton
- Jay Luchich
- Jyles Boulton
- Vaiola Tofilau
- Charles Molan*
- Brody Drescher
- Franco Barbajo*
- Xavier Geronimo
- Angus Pomroy*
- Caleb Barry*
*Indicates new addition to squad
The senior squad is also riding high after a tough 12-4 victory in Round 1, sealed by two late tries to dynamic fullback Tarquin Banderson. With the coveted Oren ‘Tiger’ Tyler Honorary Pewter Claret Jug up for grabs, the stakes are sky-high.
Coach Sharp has retained his core playmakers while welcoming several new additions to bolster the squad. Year 10’s Byron Pearce, Charles Molan and Jesse Gregory bring valuable big-game experience, while Year 9’s Caleb Barry, Franco Barbajo, Gabe Te Maro, Angus Pomroy and Tyler Heikkinen are set to provide fresh energy and hunger.
“We’ve named strong, balanced squads across both age groups,” said Sharp. “With school pride, silverware and reputations all on the line, it’s going to be a cracking afternoon of Northern Territory Schoolboys Rugby League.”
The stage is set for a thrilling Round 2. Will the Saints claim the Tri-Series crown on enemy soil, or will Taminmin force a decider at MacKillop next term?
All will be revealed in Week 9. Let the battle begin.
