IGGY PARK OLD BOYS ON BIG STAGE
Coen Hess
TONIGHT they will run out for the Maroons, but the journey started on the grounds of a Townsville footy nursery.
Ignatius Park College old boys Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt will play in front of their own families and friends when their Queensland Maroons take on New South Wales in Game One of State of Origin at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Joining them in the
Maroons squad are fellow Iggy Park alumni Coen Hess (18th man) and Kalyn Ponga (injured), who were named in Queensland’s squad last week.
“These young men are not just training hard now but have trained since they were in their teens,” Ignatius Park head coach Steve Lansley said.
“They have done the hard work and now representing Queensland in front of their hometown is something that
Kalyn Ponga
dreams are made of.
“Each one of the players are creating history by playing a State of Origin in their home city.
“Ignatius Park College are proud of all the old boys who have gone on to become representative players.”
Iggy Park has been running its rugby league program since 2001, and has produced a host of NRL players including Danny Moore, Scott Prince, Aidan Guerra and Michael Morgan.
Valentine Holmes
College principal Shaun Clarke said the Ignatius Park community was proud of its NRL and Origin stars, and encouraged students to chase their dreams.
But Mr Clark said receiving a quality education was the key for students wanting to succeed.
“Getting a good education when you are in the rugby league program is necessary, as who knows what the future holds,” Mr Clarke said.