A TEAM with plenty of star potential among its ranks in Metropolitan North, clashed with South Coast yesterday (Day 3) at John Bickmore Oval, Mackay in what was beckoning as an enticing match-up.
South Coast, who had so far won all of their games in the Queensland Secondary School Rugby League State Championships, proved unbeatable once more, coming out on top 34-16; making it into through into the championship finals.
However, the win did not come without a fight – with the Met North side committed to the end.
Met North coach Scott Maguire was disappointed with the loss, but praised his players for their continued effort.
"I think they tried really hard, their effort was really good; we just came up against a team that was a bit bigger and stronger than us,” McGuire said.
“They're a good bunch, but we probably were effected a bit by injuries this afternoon.”
There were solid passages of play for Met North and throughout the match, they proved they were not a team to meddle with. In both halves they kept their attack strong, pushing through South Coasts centre line and occasionally making a break and putting some points on the scoreboard.
A solid play was produced by Isaiah Nikorima, the younger brother of both Kodi Nikorima, a Broncos contracted player, as well as Jayden Nikorima who was last year's Player of the Championships and who had travelled north to watch his younger brother play.
Not being able to join in on the action due to a torn ACL was hard for such a keen footballer, but Jayden was just happy to be able to watch his brother Isaiah take the field.
"I actually haven't seen him (Isaiah) play much yet, but I'm excited to watch him today. South Coast is a pretty good side so hopefully he stands up," Jayden said.
Another player with potential and a point scoring reputation was Met North's halfback Logan Spaander.
Awarded the Cyril Connell Player of the Year in 2013, Spaander repeatedly gave a good performance and yesterday's game was no different.
An equally consistent player in terms of points and performance is Michael Molo, Met North's second rower.
Molo is another player with an older brother contracted with the Broncos; who has also played for the Queensland Under 20's State of Origin team. Francis Molo debuted for the Brisbane Broncos last night in their match against West Tigers and Michael was proud and excited to be watching his older brother play in his first NRL game.
"It's good, I'm keen to watch him play. He's definitely excited about the opportunity, it's been his goal since he was young," Michael said.
Met North's list of standout players did not stop there. The Fauid brothers David and Joshua consistently work well together as fullback and five-eighth. Their skill and ability is not unexpected though with their older brother Jacob Fauid having played the game at a high level.
Having so many players in Met North that are siblings of Broncos contracted players gives the boys a huge incentive to make the same achievements.
Maguire said it was really uplifting for his team.
"It's definitely a good thing because the team knows that those Bronco's contracted boys have been through the same carnival as them, they see it as really positive for their club," Maguire said.
Day 4 results from the QSSRL championship and the Queensland team selection can be viewed here: Results: QSSRL Under 18 Day 4
