Young gun giving St Mary’s a spark
RUGBY LEAGUE: You just do what you’ve got to do.
It’s the mindset Harry Schwenke has taken into the Langer Trophy campaign for St Mary’s College.
At just 16 years old, the interchange forward is one of the younger players in the team, but that hasn’t stopped him from tackling every challenge head on.
“It’s really enjoyable (playing Langer Trophy). I was hoping to make the side, and I’m glad I did,” he said.
“I’m one of the younger guys in the team. I’m 16 and coming up against 17 and 18 year olds, I didn’t think I’d make it over them.
“It doesn’t enter my head (coming up against other teams). You’re just playing footy.”
Born in Warwick and growing up in Texas, Schwenke played his junior football in the border town before the opportunity presented itself for a move north.
“My parents have always lived in Texas, so I spent 13 years there before moving to St Mary’s in Year 8,” he said.
“It was a lot different. It’s so much more competitive here. There’s better players and more opportunities.
“I made the Darling Downs U12s and Dad decided to make the move, because I’ve got two younger brothers who are pretty good as well, to give us a better opportunity.”
Currently playing with the Valleys Roosters in the TJRL U16s, Schwenke loves playing for his team.
“I love club footy,” he said. “I’ve always played for Valleys since moving here in the U13s. We won the grand final that year, and it’s one of my biggest achievements.”
Schwenke and St Mary’s will look to get their Langer Trophy season back on track when travelling to Runaway Bay to take on Coombabah on Wednesday.
The game kicks off at 4.30pm and will be shown live on thechronicle.com.au.
The Chronicle digital subscribers can view St Mary’s vs Coombabah, as well as all Langer Trophy replays at thechronicle.com.au.