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ST PETERS SHINES IN DEBUT AIC RUGBY LEAGUE SEASON
In 2024, St Peters Lutheran College marked a significant milestone by making its debut in AIC Rugby League, fielding both Senior and Junior teams in the growing competition's fifth year. Despite being new, St Peters' Rugby League program made an immediate impact, with both teams demonstrating they were well prepared for the challenges of AIC Rugby League.
The Junior team quickly became the season's standout story, finishing with only one loss across eight matches. Initially playing in the B division, their impressive results in July led to a promotion to the A competition. Once there, the Juniors defied the odds, going undefeated against Rugby League powerhouses Iona, Padua and Villanova— schools with deep traditions in the sport.
Rugby League Coordinator and coach Mr Nathaniel Bartlett reflected on his initial reservations about the team's promotion. "I was reluctant to go up to the A competition, but after a request from the AIC, we decided not to tell the players of this change before the first game against Iona. It paid off, with a 38-28 victory, and we never looked back".
Year 7 Junior player Jay Kim added, "I think I can speak for the team when I say moving up to the A competition and winning against Padua and Iona were the best moments. We thought we were going to lose, but we came through and played really well as a team."
Season preparation was vital to St Peters' success. With expert guidance from guest coaches, including Troy Clarkson, Dolphins Game Development Manager, Brett 'Bumper' O'Farrell from Tackle Tec and Mick Hancock, a five-time premiership-winning Queensland and Australian representative, the players honed their skills and prepared for the physicality of Rugby League. "Getting our boys ready to compete in such a physical game was our first priority," Mr Bartlett said. "Providing a range of expertise kept sessions fresh and gave a degree of legitimacy, with coaches who have been there and done it themselves at the highest level."
As for the future, St Peters is excited about building on this year's momentum. In the words of first-time Rugby League player Jay Kim, "I reckon you should just give it a go. It's a pretty easy game to learn. There are great coaches you can learn from, and it's fun playing with different grades."
St Peters' inaugural Rugby League season was one of hard-fought victories, team unity and the establishment of a program with future success firmly in its sights.
Article by: Daniel Fraser, Boys Sport Coordinator
