2023 RUGBY LEAGUE REPORT

WE MADE THE STATE FINALS!!!!

The NRL U16, 9's Competition was held on Tuesday 7th of March 2023, at the NRL State Centre at Seabrook Reserve, Goulburn Street, Broadmeadows. Our Under 16 Boys team performed exceptionally well. The games had no conversions, no scrums tap restarts, 2 x 8 minute halves, 1 minute half time which made the games extremely fast and requiring lots of fitness and stamina.

Our boy’s played their first game against Melton Secondary College. We let a couple of soft tries in close to the line which allowed Melton to win the game 6 tries to 4. An outstanding try by Lopeti Amato where he busted the defence down the short side was a real highlight. Oliver Tyerl, Naketi Turangakino, Oakland Matafeo and Ralph Fitiao were very strong contributors displaying repeated high-intensity performance ability.

The second game against Point Cook Secondary College, was an absolute demonstration of skills, tenacity and hard tackling. Staughton won this game 11 tries to 4. Outstanding players were Parryson Toafa (captain) and Feleti Valoa who both demonstrated defining rugby league skills. Parryson was judged best on field, and his sprinting ability, upper-body muscular power, strength and passing ability was awesome. I have no doubt his talent and his developing leadership skills will take him a long way to success in the future. I was very impressed with the hard tackling and strong runs by OJ Oto (the tank) and the tenacity displayed by our new players / brother’s Lotomau and Antonio Tuila.

This great win allowed the Staughton team to make the semi-final against Craigieburn Secondary School. Unfortunately, the Craigieburn team forfeited the match. This means Staughton have made it to the 2023 NRL 9’s Under 16’s State Finals to be played on the 28th March.

The day was highly combative, and many teams suffered injuries. Our star player Filipo Faamanu suffered an ankle injury and Lopeti Amato had a bad leg after a hard knock. This meant our team had to overcome adversity and "dig deep". As the coach, I am very proud of all our players who are a happy and disciplined group with a positive and disciplined attitude on the field.

A big thank you to Ms Nicole Jowett (Daily Organiser Coordinator), Mr Jesse Sciberras (Sport’s Coordinator) and Ms Anita Forlani (School Administration) who accompanied us and supported on the day.

As we progress to the State Finals, we will continue to train hard and prepare for this life event. It is all about taking responsibility for actions both on and off the field so that they grow in to fine young people and better players.

Daryl Nayler

Coach

After-school Sports Training