These schools have class in their ranks
SCHOOLS IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND HAVE A RICH HISTORY OF LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SPORTING SUCCESS. THE CAIRNS POST HAS RANKED OUR TOP SPORTING SCHOOLS WITH ST AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE COMING OUT AS TOP DOG. SEE THE ENTIRE LIST ON CAIRNSPOST.COM.AU
Founded: 1930 Top sports: Rugby league, hockey, AFL
IT’S hard to be as dominant as St Augustines has been in league in Cairns.
Under the guidance of Innisfail league legend Lionel Williamson, the school’s program has produced trophies and NRL stars to boot during his tenure.
The 1993 Confraternity Shield winners finished top four in 2016 after routing the local competition, and finished top eight in the 48-team national Catholic tourney last year before Covid halted the series.
The school has also proved it can mix it with other league notables in the Sunshine State, winning the 2021 Queensland Schoolboy Trophy final over Lockyer District SHS 20-18.
St Augustines’ under-13, under-15 and opens teams all took out the top spots in the peninsula competition last year under the mentorship of 2013 CDRL player of the year, Brothers’ Kris O’Farrell.
“We have a solid foundation in our team this year, with a strong spine that includes experienced players; fullback Kalen Marr, hooker Gabe Wood, five-eight Will England, and year 11 student – halfback Kaleb Eaton,” O’Farrell said.
“Wood and England (captain) are on the comeback trail from injuries, and I am excited to see Gabe control the middle of the field, he is a player with natural ability and good instincts.”
The school’s most notable league alumni include Rod Jensen (Cowboys), Nate Myles (Bulldogs, Storm, Sea Eagles, Roosters, Titans) and James Segeyaro (Sharks,
Cowboys, Panthers).
As for the program’s future, O’Farrell said he was confident in the first XII program, with grade point requirements and student expectations improving players.
“The squad trains before and after school which includes gym, field sessions and a captains run,” he said.
“We are currently implementing a College League Program from year 7 – opens with consistent defensive and attacking structures so each year is a stepping stone.
“We have our goals for the local competition and for the Confraternity which we have won for over 30 years, and we acknowledge there is a way to catch up to the top echelon schools.”
As well as league, St Augustine’s AFL program has produced much success over the years.
AFL alum include Gold Coast Suns player Jack Bowes as well as Jacob Heron (Suns), Sam Michael (Lions, Bombers) and Peter Yagmoor (Magpies).
The school’s success in Aussie rules has had them well represented in the AFLQ
Schools Cup, making back-toback appearances in 2019 and 2021 as a result from dominating FNQ and North Queensland opponents.
St Augustines has been a force on the hockey field recently.
The school’s produced a number of state-calibre players, most notably Cade Coghlan who helped Queensland secure a bronze in the under-18 nationals in Cairns earlier this year.
The school’s senior hockey team also won the MSG Invitational Hockey Tournament in Melbourne.