The MacKillop Saints are poised for an exciting start to the NT Schools Championships, naming their Senior Boys and Girls squads for tomorrow’s opening round. With a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent, both teams will be aiming to begin their campaigns on a strong note.
The Senior Boys enter the competition with confidence after a convincing trial win over SEDA College earlier this year. However, several regular players will be absent due to Work Ready Program commitments, opening the door for new faces to step up and make an impression.
Cooper Moore will captain the side, supported by vice-captain Jackson Jones, as the Saints field a well-balanced lineup:
- Timana Roe
- Luke Knight
- Hunter Knight
- Jackson Jones (vc)
- Jordan Parfitt
- Zac Waters
- Cooper Moore (c)
- Jyles Boulton
- Kian T’Lam
- Kallen Cunningham
- Sonny Watkinson
- Charles Molan
- Judd Boulton
- Xavier Geronimo
- Gopal Mutanda
All eyes will be on 2025 Senior Player of the Year, Hunter Knight, who makes his first appearance of the season. He is joined by fellow Year 12 student Kallen Cunningham, returning after injury and eager to make an impact.
In a significant setback, Senior Captain Alex Liddle will miss the opening round due to an injury sustained while playing 1st Grade for the Palmerston Raiders, leaving a leadership gap the squad will need to collectively fill.
Earlier in the day, the Saints Girls team will take to the field under the guidance of captains Ellie Pulman and Grace Laker. Despite dealing with injuries to key players, the squad has rallied, with several players stepping in to bolster the lineup.
Ja’mea Artango, Maddy Blazely, Tilly Cogill and Chai Waqa have all answered the call, strengthening a side determined to compete strongly. Eva Krensel remains sidelined but is expected to return in Round 2.
The Girls squad is as follows:
- Ja’mea Artango
- Natasha McNair
- Lily Roberts
- Ellie Pulman (c)
- Grace Laker (vc)
- Abby Munnich
- Drincy Bregente
- Mia Keelan
- Maddy Blazely
- Tilly Cogill
- Chai Waqa
The Girls will kick off proceedings at 12:00 pm againts Rosebery High, with the Boys match set to follow at 1:00 pm against Driver High, as the Saints look to make a strong opening statement in this year’s championships.
