The MacKillop Saints have officially unveiled their Under-16 Boys squad ahead of next Wednesday’s high-stakes semi-final clash against Rosebery Secondary School. With a coveted spot in the NRL NT Schools Championships Grand Final on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the young Saints.
The blockbuster showdown will take place live on home turf at MacKillop Field, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM next Wednesday 3rd July 2026.
Saints Head Coach, Mr. Matthew Sharp, has named a formidable team that largely mirrors the squad that spectacularly took down competition heavyweights Taminmin College last week at Goodline Park. However, enforced changes have led to some intriguing tactical adjustments.
- Bryce Morley
- Gopal Mutanda
- Tyler Heikkinen (vc)
- Judd Boulton
- Trey Tauariki
- Zac Waters
- Harry Liddle
- Xavier Glassie
- Timana Roe
- Jack Angeles
- Zaiden Smith
- Xavier Geronimo
- Luke Knight (c)
- Tyler Moore
- Brody Drescher
- Isaiah Sayle
- Angus Pomroy
- Franco Barbajo
- Gabriel Walsh
- Josh Roberts
Emergency Players: Andrew Mutanda & Darby Luong
With star leading prop Jay Luchich ruled unavailable for next week’s clash, a massive opportunity has opened up in the engine room. Young gun Jack Angeles has been rewarded with a promotion to the starting lineup following a standout performance last week.
Coach Sharp emphasised that selection for the forward pack has been a fiercely contested battle all tournament.
“We are facing a really healthy selection headache in our front row right now,” Sharp stated. “Jay Luchich has firmly locked down one of those prop positions on the back of his consistent and reliable performances. However, our Year 9s—Xavier Glassie, Tyler Moore, and Jack Angeles—alongside Year 10’s Brody Drescher, have all put their hands up with solid performances throughout this tournament. Having that kind of depth and hunger in the squad is exactly what you want heading into a semi-final.”
The backline has also seen a reshuffle due to the team’s extensive depth. The ultra-versatile Trey Tauariki shifts from centre to the wing, while dynamic Year 8 prospect Josh Roberts is primed to make an impact anywhere in the backline after being named on the bench.
While the U16s battle it out for their spot in the grand final, the Saints Open Boys team have already secured their ticket straight through to the decider following a ruthless 54-0 dismantling of Driver Secondary earlier in the term.
However, the Opens face their own adversity. Crucial injuries to key stars Alex Liddle and Jordan Parfitt have left the senior squad short on numbers. The call has gone out for senior students to channel the school’s ethos.
“Time to step up, Saints Seniors,” the club issued in a statement. “Who will see the need and do something about it, just like Mary MacKillop did?”
Match Day Information
Saints fans and families are encouraged to pack the sidelines and create a formidable home-ground advantage.
- Date: Next Wednesday – 3rd June
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Location: MacKillop Field
- Attendance Policy: Parents of U16 players are warmly invited to attend. Please note that as this is a regular school day, no unaccompanied minors will be permitted to attend the game.
