By Andrew Dawson,Matthew Elkerton,Ryan Rosendale
Copyright news
The Queensland contenders will return to enemy territory to take on NSW champions Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown in the decider on Thursday.
Both the schoolboys and schoolgirls grand finals will be live streamed KommunityTV.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE PLAYERS TO WATCH
It’s been eight years since Keebra Park claimed the national title and the Gold Coast league nursery will be seeking a fourth crown when they return to the scene of their 2017 victory – against Westfields Sports also at Leichhardt Oval.
Keebra come into the final on the back of a brilliant 32-10 win over Kirwan SHS to claim the Phil Hall Cup as Queensland champions.
Understated Keebra Park captain Cooper Murphy will be hoping good things come in fours, not threes, when his side takes to the field.
This year the inspiring hooker has already won a club premiership with Burleigh Bears (Meninga Cup U19s), the Langer Trophy decider and the Phil Hall Cup with his school.
“We want to go all the way. We have the team to do it. I believe in us,” Murphy said.
Before the season coach Peter Norman handed Murphy the keys to the side by naming him captain of an all-star team.
Asked what he saw in Murphy as a leader, Norman said: “He is a great human on and off the field, very high character.
“He was also a composed, solid defender. For his size I think a lot of the boys try to run at him. But he is really solid through the middle, gives good service and remains composed as a hooker.’’
Patrician Brothers Blacktown meanwhile will be out for redemption after losing last year’s national final in heartbreaking fashion.
In fact, they’ll be out to end a run of five national final defeats, with losses in 2024, 2018, 2015, 2014 and 2013 coming after a famous victory over Endeavour Sports High in 2012.
Several players in the Pats lineup have been thinking about this day for 12 months.
The Blacktown giants had one hand wrapped around the national trophy last year, before a final second hail mary play from Palm Beach Currumbin robbed them of glory.
It’s a moment in time which was replayed again and again across the nation, and for these boys it has been on a continuous loop in their heads for 12 months.
Patrician Brothers stars Cameron Bamblett, Jasais Ah Kee, Christian Taupau-Moors, AJ Johansson and Roman Tuaimau were all part of last year’s national final squad and that experience will be key for the Western Sydney powerhouse on Thursday.
Patrician Brothers coach Noah Meares said his side had done all the study they could on national final rivals Keebra Park, but it would likely count for nothing on the day.
“It is always a different beast when it comes to the national final,” Meares said.
“The boys who are backing up from last year know what we see on video is only half the story. Come kick off it certainly will take another step up in intensity.”
Ahead of the all-important decider, our team of reports have looked through both line-ups and identified the players set to make a major impact in Thursday’s clash.
GRAND FINAL PLAYERS TO WATCH
PATRICIAN BROTHERS BLACKTOWN
Jasais Ah Kee
Ah Kee often flies under the radar among some of the star power surrounding him at Patrician Brothers College, but the skilful playmaker is at the heart of the school’s success this season. Has a brilliant sleight of hand for a halfback, and will dazzle defenders with his penchant for no-look passes. Played most of last year as an underage player, and has been the better for his experience.
Roman Tuaimau
The Patrician Brothers leader fuses a workhorse attitude with an explosive ability. He can play anywhere across the forward pack, but has made a home for himself in the middle of the field. The Raiders-contracted big man is a heart on the sleeve style player and will be determined to carry his team to a national title after being part of last year’s last-second heartbreak on the Gold Coast.
Riley Davis
While there are few players better at finding their way to the tryline, it’s another part of the speedy fullback’s game that will make him crucial in this contest. Davis has been impressive from the kicking tee this season, booting 31 goals at a tick over 75 per cent on his way to 100 points for the season. In what is expected to be a close game, every extra point available will be crucial.
KEEBRA PARK SHS
David Bryenton
Of course Bryenton is Keebra Park’s main man. An Australian schoolboy selection, the stunning Kiwi fullback bound for Canterbury has more moves than you’d see in a hip-hop dance stream.He is electric, a No.1 with fast feet and blinding acceleration, someone with unmatched evasive skills who regularly changes matches on his own.
Pale Feaunati
So much of Keebra Park’s attack started with this towering No.13 who is signed by the Brisbane Broncos. His frame and mobility made his carries more effective than any rival, while his ability to unload in contact or before the line also sent the Keebra Park halves and backline members on their merry way.
Justus Lowndes
Halfback Lowndes has eased through the season in the shadow of his towering forward pack, outstanding five-eight Harvey Smith and an all-star three quarter line. But no No.7 in the Langer Trophy had more try assists than this unsung ace who helped pull the trigger on the Keebra Park attack which amassed more than 100 points more than their closest rivals in the Queensland competition. Don’t underestimate the importance of his unsigned half.
Originally published as 2025 NRL Schoolboys Cup final live stream: Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown v Keebra Park SHS
