After a soggy, stop-start opening to the 2026 season, the Saints U17 Boys are finally ready to lace up the boots and let the football do the talking. Next Thursday, 19 March, they’ll take on inner-city rivals SEDA College in a pre-season friendly at TRL Stadium and the Saints are eager to make up for lost time.
Led by Year 12 leaders Alex Liddle (c) and Cooper Moore (vc), the team will run out in the fast-paced 9s format with a lineup packed with speed, strength and a few exciting new faces.
Starting Lineup:
- Timana Roe
- Luke Knight
- Cooper Moore (vc)
- Alex Liddle (c)
- Jordan Parfitt (Debut)
- Tarquin Banderson
- Jyles Boulton
- Judd Boulton
- Gopal Mutanda
Reserves:
- Sonny Watkinson
- Franco Barbajo
- Caleb Barry
- Vinny Di Donato
- Brody Drescher
- Zac Waters
- Charles Molan
- Xavier Geronimo
- Harry Liddle
- Jay Luchich
- Rallye Archer
Coach: Mr Sharp
Saints fans can expect fireworks early. Speedsters Timana Roe, Tarquin Banderson, and Gopal Mutanda are the type of players who can turn a half-chance into a highlight if they find open grass.
But it’s not all attack. Defensive anchors Luke Knight and Cooper Moore will be patrolling the edges, ready to shut down anything SEDA throws their way. Anyone thinking about charging down an edge might want to think twice.
The match will also mark the debut of Jordan Parfitt, who will be keen to make his first appearance in Saints colours one to remember.
Saints coach Mr Sharp said the match will be the perfect way to shake off the cobwebs ahead of a busy season.
“With all the rain we’ve had, training has been a bit hit-and-miss,” he said. “But that just means the boys are even more excited to get out there. It’s a friendly, but once the whistle goes, everyone will want to make a statement before the Dolphins Cup next term.”
It won’t just be the boys in action. The Saints Girls team, led by Ellie Pulman and Grace Laker, will also take the field, with the final squad still being confirmed at the time of publication.
The girls will kick off the day at 10:45am against Good Shepherd, before the boys take the field at 11:30am.
All supporters are warmly invited to come down, cheer loudly, and help the Saints kick off their 2026 campaign in style.
