Under 16 Boys Rugby League

Team photo: Lopeti Amato, Filipo Faamanu, Ralphael Fitiao, El-Kannah Mauu, Oj Oto, Clarnce Roberts, Ryan Silva, Parryson Toafa, Antonio Tuilau, Lotomau Tuilau, Nakeiti Turangakino, Oliver Tyrell, Feleti Valoa, Kadison Munn,

Coach: Mr Daryl Nayler

After making it to the Victorian Schoolboys 9’s State Finals, our Rugby League program continues to shine. Our team made it all the way to the semi-finals and came “all so close” to playing in the grand-final. The 2023 Under 16 boys team demonstrated resilience, by working through their comfort zone mentally, physically, and emotionally to overcome obstacles they faced in this competition.

We met out front of the school early and had a conversation about our team goals. Each player received a personal letter from the coach designed to motivate and encourage. I heard the talk that out Captain, Parryson Toafa gave to the team and he referred to all being “brothers”. It really reinforced the key message that being part of a team is about being part of growth and success. On the bus to the ground, it was quiet, and our players were focused on the challenges ahead. Our boys were handed our brand new Staughton Rugby League jerseys and we noticed the sense of pride being built.

The gala day was hosted by the National Rugby League (NRL) and Storm Junior Rugby League programs under the State Schools Victoria and International Rugby League rules in accordance with the Safe Play code. Games were played at the new NRL State Centre high performance facility at Seabrook Reserve, Broadmeadows. This is an awesome facility that is costing over $20 million and will be the headquarters for the NRL Victoria administration and a base for the Thunderbolts’ SG Ball and Jersey Flegg teams, along with a future Melbourne Storm NRLW side.

We were put into Pool A on Field 1 in a tough draw against quality school teams. Our first game was against Pakenham and we won 24 to 10. Staughton was far too good in a dominant display of physical skills.

Our second game was against Craigieburn which we drew 18 to 18. This was a tough game and entertaining contest. We dropped way too much ball and did not defend to the best of our ability. Some big tackles denied Craigieburn momentum, and this is a game that we let get away from us.

Our third game was against Maranatha which we won 26 to 18. Our team was tired but went out and put on a well-balanced effort and strong defence.

Our fourth game was a call up to the semi-final. We lost this game Staughton 12 to Point Cook 14. We did not control possession and Point Cook were able to gain territory way too easy. Compounding the issues, our star player was sent from the field for a tackle indiscretion which left us one player short in the defensive line. The result was, in the dying minutes, Point Cook was able to cross our line to beat us.

Nobody wins every game. We can look upon this loss as a learning opportunity. We need to own what was in our control and what we needed to be do better in executing. I am wanting the team to use this as motivation and bring our “A” game to the next event.

Overall, all our players showed character and as the day progressed with each game, our players-built confidence. I was highly impressed how each player contributed their skills, effort, persistence and awesome performance.

In my opinion, on the day 2 players were best afield. Parryson Toafa continues to be a “born leader” and is maturing into an outstanding rugby league player. Oj Oto is a humble giant and his marker defence and ability to pull off big tackles is excellent. Both of these players have tremendous talent and potential to play at the highest level.

This event was a very special moment and built on the success last year where our team made the finals. We are on the right pathway to building a competitive spirit and reputation.

Thank you to Ms Jowett for providing lunch for our boys and following up the administration work. Thank you, Mr Jesse Sciberas, for supporting the team in his role as Sport’s Coordinator. Thank you to Mr Riley Beech and Ms Anita Forlani for attending the day and providing supervision support, first aid, field running duties and strapping for our players. Very appreciated.

Staughton College is recognised as a dominant force and is delighted to continue providing opportunities for our students to compete in the greatest game of all. Moving forward, we have a number of upcoming events in the NRL calendar to include both boys and girls in Under 14 and Under 16 events. Term 2 we will begin our training campaign and work with players on basic rugby league principles, building core skills, and build positive behaviours and effort. We will continue to create a competitive practice environment, model positive behaviours, be grateful and most importantly have a real focus on being winners every time we take the field.

In the 3 years I have been coaching our Rugby League teams here at Staughton, one of the many joys is seeing students grow and thrive as they master new skills, become better athletes, and, most importantly, learn the valuable life skills presented through sports. I think Rugby League is a powerful tool to build teamwork and encourage young people to fulfil that role to the best of their ability.

Daryl Nayler

Coach

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