Kirwan State High have defeated Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown, to become the first school from North Queensland to win the GIO Schoolboy Cup.
Patrician Brothers were on home turf so to speak, with the game held at Pepper Stadium, and scored first through Mose Feilo to lead 4-0.
Back to back tries by Queensland under-18s winger Enari Tuala gave Kirwan a 10-4 lead going into half time.
After the break it was all Kirwan, as the Townsville boys raced out to a 24-point lead thanks to doubles by AJ Willis and Julian Christian.
Patrician Brothers salvaged a late try but it was too late, Kirwan winning 28-10.
Julian Christian was named man of the match and was awarded the Peter Sterling Medal for player of the tournament.
To qualify for the final, Kirwan defeated Erindale College 44-12 in the semi final and Westfields Sports High 28-26 in the quarter final after being down 22-0 at half time.
Kirwan State High is the fourth Queensland side to win the tournament after Palm Beach Currumbin (2001, 2008), Wavell State High (2002) and Keebra Park (2009, 2013).
Sam Thaiday, Jason Taumalolo, Jacob Lillyman and Ray Thompson are just some of the current NRL players who attended Kirwan State High, while Luke Lewis, Andrew Fifita, Bryce Cartwright and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are among a list of players who attended Patrician Brothers Blacktown.
Past winners
2014 Endeavour Sports High School
2013 Keebra Park State High School
2012 Patrician Brothers’ College Blacktown
2011 The Hills Sports High School
2010 The Hills Sports High School
2009 Keebra Park State High School
2008 Palm Beach Currumbin State High School
2007 Matraville Sports High School
2006 Endeavour Sports High School
2005 Endeavour Sports High School
18TH MAN 