MATESHIP AT HEART OF RYAN’S QUEST
RYAN Catholic College ruck rover Vyn Manhenga, 11, discovered a passion for Aussie rules by kicking a Sherrin around during recess at school.
The Brothers rugby league junior joined the school’s burgeoning AFL Academy under teachers and coordinators Vanessa Brage and Leonie Bonke and has not looked back.
He will now be a key part of the school’s campaign for North
Queensland supremacy in the AFL North Queensland Schools Cup in Townsville on Tuesday.
Ryan Catholic College will fly the flag for Townsville in the Primary Boys competition, while Hermit Park State School will compete in Primary Girls.
All of the games from the day’s action at Murray Sporting Complex will be livestreamed by the Townsville Bulletin.
“I am excited (for the tournament) because we are going against different places in North Queensland,” Manhenga said. “We are all friends (in the team), we have grown close on the field. That will help us.”
Brage said there were a lot of students like Manhenga who had discovered the sport by joining the school’s AFL Academy.
“It is a new experience for them. A lot of them end up joining clubs after they have joined the academy, because they find they are good at it and have a passion for it,” she said.
“These boys have worked really hard this year and they have really earned their spot in this. I am really excited to see what they can pull out.
“They are the most competitive group of boys I have every met so I know they will be laying everything out on the line so they can get away with that win.”
Ryan Catholic College will take on Whitfield State School, Moranbah State School and Holy Cross State School in the Cup.