NRL TEAMS

Mickleham SC’s U14 & U16 Rugby League Teams Excel at 2025 Cameron Smith & Cameron Munster Shields

U14 Boys Qualify for State Finals – U14 and U16 Girls Show Courage and Growth

Mickleham Secondary College proudly fielded three tackle rugby league teams at the 2025 Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster Shield regional competitions. Across both junior and senior divisions, our students displayed exceptional sportsmanship, resilience, and pride while representing the college against some of the strongest rugby league programs in the state.

The Under 14 Boys secured a place in the State Finals on September 16, the Under 14 Girls finished 4th in Victoria, and the Under 16 Girls, led by senior leaders, demonstrated heart, improvement, and powerful team spirit.

Under 14 Girls – Led by Captain Carter Nonoa

The U14 Girls competed in four competitive matches and showed strong progress, teamwork, and leadership:

Game 1: vs Yarrabing SC – Win, 12–4Captain Carter Nonoa scored early as Mickleham dominated through structured play and solid defence.
Game 2: vs Lalor North SC – Draw, 0–0A tight defensive effort from both sides kept the scoreboard blank in a disciplined showing.
Game 3: vs Tarneit P–9 College – Loss, 0–16Despite the scoreline, the girls fought hard against one of the most organised teams in the pool.
3rd vs 4th Final: vs Victoria University SC – Loss, 4–12Carter Nonoa scored again in a strong final showing. The team finished 4th in the state—an incredible achievement for this emerging squad.

Under 14 Boys – Led by Captain Daniel Baggio

The U14 Boys impressed with power, discipline, and smart team play, earning their ticket to the State Finals:

Game 1: vs Yarrabing SC – 4–4 draw (win awarded on first try)Zachias Loau scored the opening try in a well-contested match.
Game 2: vs Carranballac P–9 College – Loss, 0–4Jayden scored Mickleham’s only try in a physical contest.
Game 3: vs Hoppers Crossing SC – Win, 12–8Nathan scored once and Jayden Lui added a double in a thrilling win.
3rd vs 4th Final: vs Carranballac (Rematch) – WinMickleham turned the tables with a determined team effort. Jayden Lui scored again to seal victory and progression to the Cameron Smith Shield State Finals on 16th September.

Under 16 Girls – Led by Captains Penny Pati & Bella Faletau

The U16 Girls, competing in the Cameron Munster Shield, showed improvement, leadership, and tremendous character across five matches.

Round 1: vs Mount Ridley College – Loss, 0–20
Round 2: vs Craigieburn SC – Loss, 4–16
Round 3: vs Mount Ridley (Rematch) – Loss, 4–16
Round 4: vs Craigieburn SC – Win, 20–12The girls hit their stride with a strong attacking performance and a well-earned victory.
Finals Play-Off: vs Victoria University SC – Loss, 0–16Despite fatigue, the team played with spirit and refused to give up until the final whistle.

Try scorers across the tournament included co-captains Penny Pati and Bella Faletau, as well as standout contributors Liv Fuaiva’a and Lillian Faletau.

Special mentions for bravery and defensive effort go to:

Peta Maota
Neryah Sosene
Ariana Lauletta (Aussie Rules convert)
Blessing Va’a

This squad demonstrated exceptional growth across the day and represented the college with pride and maturity.

Acknowledgements

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing staff team:

Renee Unasa
Jess Helm
Jayden Perez
Lui Foloi
Eli Morris
Tully McLellan

Your support before and during the event ensured our students were well-prepared and able to perform with confidence.

We also thank the families and supporters who turned out to cheer on the teams—you made a huge difference and helped build our growing school sport culture.

Proud. United. Relentless.

Our rugby league teams embodied the values of Mickleham SC—teamwork, resilience, and respect. Whether heading to the State Finals or learning from close contests, every player left the field better than they entered it.

Congratulations to all involved—and good luck to our U14 Boys at the State Finals on September 16!

Written by Bart Oswald