Ipswich State High School is on their way up the Allan Langer Trophy mountain again in 2023, after last year’s effort shocked the state.
They are back again and their foe from 2022 Palm Beach Currumbin is back too in the decider at Totally Workwear Stadium on August 23.
Ipswich SHS defeated Palm Beach Currumbin 16-12 to be Queensland's schoolboy kings in 2022.
They have won through to another final with a clinical win over Wavell State High School and when hooker Tyler Peckham-Harris put Xavier Kirk over to seal the game, preparations began for another tilt at the title.
Laying in wait is Palm Beach, who defeated Marsden State High 16-4.
Preparation for Wednesday’s final started straight away for Ipswich, with coach Josh Bretherton detailing their preparation from full-time hooter to the hours before the big game.
Wednesday, August 16 - after full time against Wavell State High
“It’s all about enjoyment at fulltime after the semi-final. Enjoy the win, your family and the occasion.” Bretherton said.
“We don’t change too much; we have our systems in place and we try and keep that the same.
“We don’t want to spook the players or change anything.”
Thursday
“Today is all about recovery, so the boys are at school early for recovery in the pool.
“Then it’s a normal school day for the boys. At second break we have a gym session, so the boys will come into the gym and go through their program.
“I cut up the video after our game and highlight what I want to show them today.
“Last period they do a video review and that focus will be about us, what were the things we talked about before the game and did we do it?
“Shane Harris will start prep for the next week, things he has noticed about the other team and things we can put into practise on Friday.”
Friday - period two training
“The boys will train in period two and that will focus on skills, and address one other thing that we have highlighted.
“It will be something about us that we think we need next game.”
Weekend off
Monday 7am - training
“We train at 7am and it’s a captain’s run field session.
“It will be 13 on 13 against the reserve grade State High team.
“Skills plus a team run this week is a bit different we will have a breakfast and just enjoy each other’s company for 30 minutes."
Tuesday
“We will tidy anything up with a quick video that may highlight some things about the other side and then the boys get suited up and just do a very light run through - very similar to a warm up just so they are doing something physical.”
Wednesday - game day
“The boys will be at school like normal and in class the first two periods. We all agree that is what is best for them as students and footballers.”
“We want them to be good students too and a big part of that is being in class.
“Even though it’s game day and the school community understand they might be nervous, they’re still in class.
“We have our reserves in their grand final too, so we will leave school for their game and the boys will watch that first and then go get ready at about 1.30pm for their game.
“We have five players back from last season and they have been invaluable this week, just that experience and they can convey that to the boys.
“Tyler Peckham-Harris doesn’t speak too much - he was our fullback last season and our hooker this year - but when he does speak, the boys know it’s serious.”
In the other school rugby league competitions, St Patrick's College Mackay won the Aaron Payne Cup in the north last week, while Emmaus College won the Dolphin Cup, also last week. The two schools face off on August 23 in Mackay.
The final of the Queensland Schoolgirl Cup takes place next Wednesday at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, between Kirwan SHS and Mabel Park SHS.
