Queensland can celebrate another underdog story of a rugby league team achieving what many thought unlikely.
St Augustine’s Parish Primary School at Currumbin Waters has the best primary school rugby league team in South East Queensland after a flawless run.
This is the story of a school that was undefeated throughout the South East Queensland Primary School Championships following an earlier win in the Bruce Fox Cup.
Along the way, St Augustine’s defeated schools with larger enrolments including well-known rugby league nurseries such as Palm Beach State School, Currumbin State School and Brisbane Catholic Education colleague Marymount Catholic Primary School.
There was a strong Catholic school feel to St Augustine’s achievements as they claimed both carnivals with finals victories over Guardian Angels Primary School, Ashmore and St Mary’s College Toowoomba.
“It’s a wonderful achievement for the school and for the determination that the players showed,” St Augustine’s Assistant Principal and team manager Brenton Edwards said.
“The games were played in great spirit, which was really good to see, and they included the involvement of many people across the school which showed the pride that St Augustine’s had in the team.”
Physical education teacher Shaun Dolan coached the team while Principal John Cameron, Primary Learning Leader Luke Holman and IT Technician Martin Sanders helped with running water to players through their 17-game unbeaten run.
Brisbane Catholic Education schools have a history of sons of former elite players showcasing their rugby league skills.
Marymount College’s secondary school ranks have this year included the likes of Cooper Bai (son of NRL premiership winner Marcus Bai) and Oscar Laffranchi (son of former Australian and Gold Coast Titans forward Anthony Laffranchi).
St Augustine’s winning team includes Leo Minichiello, the son of Anthony Laffranchi’s former Gold Coast Titans front-row partner Mark Minichiello.
The St Augustine’s team came together under coach Dolan last year, developing their skills and teamwork in a season of learning.
“They came back this year really looking forward to the season together and they really played for each other,” Brenton said.
“They had a lot of tenacity and grit and it showed in the way that they represented their school.
“The school community is very proud of what they have achieved together.”
St Augustine’s winning season
Southern Gold Coast Primary Schools Comp GF
def Palm Beach State School 16-6
Bruce Fox Cup
def Biggera Waters State School 22-0
def Norfolk Village State School 34-0
def Upper State Coomera College 18-10
def Guardian Angels Primary School Ashmore 36-0 (final)
SEQ Rugby League Championship
def Logan Village State School 20-8
def Coolum State School 8-4
def St Mary's College Toowoomba 4-4 (scored first, progressed on countback)
def Stretton College 12-4
def St Mary's College Toowoomba 24-12 (final)