The MacKillop Saints are hitting the road this Friday of Week 3, bound for Taminmin College, where the 2025 Academy Cup Championships will reach a thrilling conclusion. Both the Year 7/8 and 9/10 Boys Rugby League teams have their sights set on silverware and neither squad is short on motivation.
For the Year 7/8 Boys, the stage is set for a victory lap. After dominant wins in Rounds 1 and 2, Coach Matthew Sharp’s squad have one hand firmly on the Father Tom English Cup, a new addition to the Saints’ already impressive cabinet. With the title nearly secured, Sharp has opted to shuffle his lineup, giving several fresh faces the chance to make their mark.
Among them, Josh Adams and Isaac Eruera will be buzzing ahead of their debuts in the 13-a-side format, while crowd favourite Gabe Walsh, who has crossed the line in both opening rounds, will be hungry to add to his try count. Year 7 talents Eric Burarrwanga and Josh Roberts will also relish the chance to slot back into their preferred positions, having earned their stripes alongside older teammates earlier in the season.
Saints Year 7/8 squad list:
- Eric Burrarwanga
- Cooper Fraunefelder
- Tre Tauariki
- Bryce Anderson
- Knox Waqa
- Josh Roberts
- Harry Liddle (c)
- Tyler Moore
- Lachlan Kiernan
- Ojja Pitia
- Darby Luong
- Sonny Smith
- Zaiden Smith
- Lucas Eruera
- Gabe Walsh
- Quincy Carter
- Leyland Mati-Leifi
- Tobi Fredericks
- Josh
- Noah Blazely
While the younger Saints are poised for celebration, the Year 9/10 Boys face a very different challenge in a winner-takes-all decider on foreign turf. With the series locked at one win apiece, the Cup and bragging rights are both on the line.
Coach Sharp’s lineup features a blend of experience and determination, spearheaded by skipper Walter Lasker and fullback Jack Tilley. For both players, this will be their final outing in Saints colours before pursuing new opportunities interstate. There’d be no better way to sign off for both regular team players than by lifting a newly minted trophy.
Saints Year 9/10 squad list:
- Jack Tilley
- Tyler Heikkinen
- Gabriel Te Maro
- Vaiola Tofilau
- Zeb Buzza
- Tarquin Banderson
- Timana Roe
- Rallye Archer
- Walter Lasker (c)
- Kyren Green
- Judd Boulton
- Jyles Boulton
- Jay Luchich
- Brody Drescher
- Xavier Geronimo
- Phillip Taisali
- Zac Waters
- Alex O’Keeffe-Murray
- Gopal Mutanda
With pride, passion, and a Cup on the line, the Saints are ready to leave it all on the field one last time for season 2025. Whether sealing a title or fighting for redemption, one thing is certain, MacKillop’s navy and ochre will be worn with heart.
