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Sydney Catholic Schools

Ennis wants to give kids a sporting chance

Former Bulldogs and Sharks NRL star Michael Ennis is one of the exciting names to join Sydney Catholic Schools’ Sports Council.

As an NRL premiership winner and New South Wales State of Origin representative, Michael Ennis has plenty to be proud about in his rugby league career.

And Mr Ennis also wants to one day look back proudly at his time with Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) newly formed Sports Council.

The former Bulldogs and Sharks star is one of three representatives from outside SCS to join the Council and lend their expertise.

“I never like looking too far ahead but I suppose I’d like to get to a position where we can all as a group go ‘Well look what we’ve been able to create. Look what opportunities we’ve been able to further and extend and give the kids’,” Mr Ennis said.

Familiar face on and off the field

Mr Ennis has been a well-known face to rugby league supporters since making his first grade debut for the Newcastle Knights in 2003.

Playing as a hooker, a demanding position, he showed great longevity to continue his career for another 13 seasons, finishing with 273 NRL games.

That included stops at four other clubs: the Brisbane Broncos, St George Illawarra Dragons, Canterbury Bulldogs and Cronulla Sharks.

He also achieved representative honours, playing eight games in the prestigious State of Origin series for New South Wales against Queensland.

Mr Ennis played his final NRL game in 2016, going out in style with a Grand Final win for Cronulla, and has stayed busy as an analyst for the Fox League channel.

Family connection

Mr Ennis retired to spend time with his family and didn’t …

December 22, 2021|
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Jaxson gets Schoolboys’ nod

Holy Cross College Ryde student Jaxson Rahme is set to follow a path tread by some of the biggest stars in rugby league after being named in the Australian Schoolboys 2021 Merit team.

The prop forward was rewarded for a stellar year with selection in the 17-man squad, which features some of the best young talent in the country.

Rahme, who was named NSW Combined Catholic Colleges under 18s most valuable player earlier this year, was also recently signed to NRL club South Sydney Rabbitohs’ development program.

It all points to a big future for the 17-year-old, who joins household names like Nathan Clearly and James Tedesco as players who have recently represented the Schoolboys side.

Rahme said being named in the squad was a proud achievement for himself and his family.

“Mum started crying! It was a big moment” – Jaxson Rahme

“It doesn’t matter how good you play, it’s about what the selectors are looking for, so I’m just happy that I’ve been able to fill that role,” Rhame said.

Jaxson Rahme playing rugby league for Holy Cross College Ryde Rahme was named NSW Combined Catholic Colleges’ Under 18s most valuable player in 2021.

Coach White deserves a mention

Rahme credited the rugby league program at Holy Cross and his teacher and coach, Tim White, for helping him realise his ability.

“It’s helped me grow as a player,” Rhame said.

“They’re (Holy Cross) all about discipline, respect and loyalty.

“Mr White has taught me so much about the role that I need to play.”

Mr White, who was also named coach of the Schoolboys side, said he’s seen Rahme go from strength to strength in his time at Holy Cross.

“Jaxson is a player who sees things a play or two ahead and possesses the skill and size to make it work,” …

August 29, 2021|
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NRL Schoolboy Cup: Patrician Brothers defeat Holy Cross

In front of a crowd of over 1,000 students and fans, Patrician Brothers Fairfield defeated Holy Cross College 20-18 at Holy Cross campus in Round 2 of the NRL Schoolboy Cup.

Fans were revved up for the clash as Holy Cross celebrated their 40th anniversary of lifting the Schoolboy Cup off, you guessed it, Patrician Brothers Fairfield.

“Those last minutes, we knew we could do it” – Pats’ captain, Joshua Alhazim

The Sydney Catholic Schools’ derby was decided in the dying embers of the match with a gritty try to Pats’ captain Joshua Alhazim, reaping some revenge for their ‘Old Boys’ from 1981.

It was the away side that came out strongest, with Sam Samani exposing Holy Cross’ right wing, going over for two tries in quick succession.

Holy Cross hit back through debutant Cooper Wheelhouse who forced his way over the line after a powerful run by Will Carrol.

Again though, Pats’ would expose the right wing. This time Corey Akers dummied a pass before diving over the line and, with Taj’h Colquhuon converting, they were 14-6 up.

The home team managed to score and convert another try as Ati Teaupa crossed over to have Holy Cross only two down at the break.

It seemed that try gave Holy Cross confidence with captain Jaxson Rahme next to score and put the home team in front for the first time in the match with a converted try, 18-14.

But the drama was just getting started as both teams saw their no.7s sin-binned for the final 10 minutes of the game.

Pats’ captain Alhazim was the hero, crashing over the line to make it 18-18 before a cool headed Colquhuon converted for the win, 20-18.

“Those last minutes, we knew we could do it,” Alhazim said.

“It was a grind, we kept talking and we worked …

May 28, 2021|
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Three sports, one dream

There were three different sports on offer across three different locations in Canberra on Friday 30 April, as the MacKillop Championships took centre stage in rugby league, netball and hockey.

More than 60 students represented Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) at the championships, all vying for a spot on their respective MacKillop teams.

The SCS teams came up against the diocese of Canberra/Goulburn, Parramatta, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.

The chosen MacKillop teams will advance to NSW Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) carnivals in their respective sports and age groups.

Rugby League

The frosty morning kicked off with the rugby league trials for the 11-years and Opens teams at Southwell Park.

Cobi Ryan-Last, from St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Daceyville, was a standout on the day, securing her position in the rugby league under 11’s team.

Her skill and speed didn’t go unnoticed by selectors and she will continue along SCS’ representative sports pathway to the NSW PSSA Rugby League Championships in Kiama from 1 June to 3 June.

“I put all my effort in that last game and I’m really happy that I made the side,” Cobi said.

Eight SCS representatives made the MacKillop team, a fantastic achievement by those students and Cobi says they all feel “very supported, as everyone knows each other and they all work well together.”

St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School student, Sydney Israel, heard his name get called out at the end of the day.

“The day went really well and it was fun,” Sydney said.

Playing out of position for most of the day, Sydney was one of six SCS players to be selected to the team.

“It’s good because most of my …

May 4, 2021|
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VIDEO: Trying is everything

More than 120 primary students gathered at Blakehurst, vying to represent the Sydney Archdiocesan rugby league team at the MacKillop trials in late April.

Some impressive tries, hard hitting tackles and skills were there for not only the selectors to see, but also parents who could be heard in full voice on the sidelines at Todd Park on Wednesday 17 March.

Coach and selector for the Open’s Boys team, Adam Bowmaker, said he was impressed with what he saw, adding it was difficult to select a squad.

“The event continues to grow every year and the quality on show is consistently improving,” Bowmaker said.

Event convenor Donna Smith echoed Bowmaker’s words.

“The day has gone well,” said Smith. “We’re so happy with the weather, which was our biggest concern before the day started.”

“The talent has been outstanding and the selectors have been pushing to get the best talent we can” – Donna Smith

Among those trialling for spots in the Under 11’s Team were four girls. Impressively, two of the four gained selection – Cobi Ryan-Last from St Michael’s Primary School Daceyville and Ruby Seitula from Christ The King Catholic Primary School Bass Hill.

“Exceptional to have the girls here and they’ve really matched it and kept up with the boys,” Smith said.

Chosen athletes will now move onto the MacKillop Trials in Canberra on Friday 30 April.

Sydney Archdiocesan Under 11’s Team:

  • Christ the King Bass Hill – Ruby Seitula
  • Christian Brothers Lewisham – Patrick McMahon
  • Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mount Prichard – Deon Haynes
  • Regina Coeli Beverly Hills – Jayden Tuione
  • Regina Coeli Beverly Hills – Damien Taufateau
  • St Aloysius Cronulla – Flynn Coady
  • St Andrew’s Malabar – Luka Cavlovic
  • St Bernard’s Botany – Aholelei (Junior) Pohiva
  • St Francis Xavier’s Lurnea – Sesefo Katoa
  • St Gertrude’s Smithfield – Dominic Ters
  • St Jerome’s Punchbowl – …
March 22, 2021|
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Bold new agenda

A school once famous for breeding some of the greatest football stars has put the focus back on excelling in rugby league.

After a slow start at the turn of the century Andrew Neaves and Steve Nikolovski, two teachers at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield, decided it was time to wind the clock back.

“Six years ago Steve and I made an effort to bring back the pride in that ‘blue and blue’ jersey and we’ve had some massive success in doing so,” said Mr Neaves.

“The boys that have come through this period have been outstanding young men and they’ve really helped with the (Patrician Brothers’ rugby league) program.”

Mr Neaves says the program has become a big drawcard for parents.

“There’s no two ways about it, the amount of boys that are here for sport and the success that has come off that is definitely a draw card,” he said.

“There’s boys all over the place that want to come in – not just (for) rugby league, but soccer and basketball also.

“Sport really brings the community and college together.”

School snags big name in coaching

The school’s latest coaching acquisition is Australian-born Samoan former NRL star Frank Pritchard, also known by the nicknames of Cranky and Frank the Tank.

“With the addition of Frank Pritchard at the college, we’ve brought in that NRL expertise and it’s doing wonders for the boys not only on the field but also off it, giving them some good life lessons,” said Mr Neaves.

“The work Frank is doing, not just on the field but also the work he’s doing with learning support and the indigenous population here, really adds something to the program that has probably lacked in the last few years.”

Stars of tomorrow

Currently contracted to the Parramatta Eels S.G. Ball team, Year 12 student Larry Muagututia …

October 23, 2020|
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