The MacKillop Saints Open Boys have sent an early warning to the competition with a dominant 56–6 victory over Driver College in the opening round of the NRLNT Schools Championships.

Playing at home, the Saints ran in 11 tries in a commanding performance that showcased both depth and attacking flair, even with several U16 players stepping up to fill key roles.

Captain Cooper Moore set the tone early, crossing in the opening minutes before the Saints quickly took control of the contest. From there, the points came thick and fast, with Timana Roe producing a breathtaking first-half performance, scoring four tries in a devastating display.

Vice-captain Jackson Jones also got in on the action, helping to maintain momentum as the Saints surged to a 34–0 lead at halftime.

At the break, Head Coach Matthew Sharp was full of praise for his side’s opening effort but challenged them to maintain their standards.

“The first half was close to exactly what we’ve been working towards,” Sharp said. “But good teams don’t switch off. They finish the job. That was the challenge put forward at halftime.”

The message resonated, with the Saints piling on five more tries in the second half. Judd Boulton, the youngest player on the field, crossed twice in an energetic display, while Luke Knight powered through the middle with clever footwork to add his name to the scoresheet.

Out wide, Gopal Mutanda also broke through for a try, before Moore capped off the performance with his second of the match to bring the scoring full circle.

In between, Driver College managed a late consolation try and showed determination throughout, with expectations high for a more competitive rematch later in the term.

Roe’s rare four-try first half earned him MVP honours, while Zac Waters impressed with his control and direction in the halves alongside the experienced Jones. Sonny Watkinson was another standout out wide, coming close to scoring but denied only by a desperate defensive effort.

Despite the attacking highlights, Sharp was quick to acknowledge the foundational work done by players in the middle.

“Jyles Boulton, Xavier Geronimo and Jordan Parfitt really set the platform for us,” he said. “Their effort with the ball and in defence gave our edges the chance to shine.”

Injury-Hit U16 Girls Show Fight in Tough Loss

Earlier in the day, the Saints U16 Girls displayed resilience and determination despite going down 32–16 in challenging circumstances.

Entering the match undermanned, late inclusions Chai Waqa and Tilly Cogill stepped up impressively against older opposition, showing composure beyond their years.

Lily Roberts was the standout performer though, delivering an MVP effort with three tries, including two in the first half to help the Saints head into the break locked at 12–12. Her attacking spark on the left edge and defensive consistency kept the Saints firmly in the contest.

However, the match took a toll, with vice-captain Grace Laker and winger Maddy Blazely both sidelined by ankle injuries, leaving the team without reinforcements.

Battling fatigue, heat, and a determined opposition, the Saints struggled to keep pace in the second half. A late try to Emily Cogill, who stepped in to support the younger squad, provided a fitting reward for the team’s persistence.

Former Saints President Oren Tyler, in attendance, singled out Natasha McNair for her effort.

“Natasha never stopped competing,” he said. “She came up with a crucial try-saving tackle and showed real determination all game.”

The U16 Girls will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture in two weeks’ time, with hopes of bolstering their squad as they continue their championship campaign.