Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) teams have again shone at rugby league’s famous Confraternity Carnival which attracted more than 1500 students to Rockhampton during the school holidays. A total of 18 BCE schools took part in the boys’ competition while four BCE schools played in the girls’ competition at the event organised by Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League. This was the 45th Confraternity Carnival, attracting Catholic and Independent schools from across Queensland with a famous history for playing in the “spirit of Confraternity” and for producing future football stars. QISSRL president Peter Elmore said Confraternity Carnival brought together teams united by a Christian background. “The Carnival has grown in size since it was first contested in 1980 but it remains an event in which fair play, respect and fellowship are most highly valued,” Mr Elmore said. “We are proud of the many schools and players who have contested this event over the decades. While there is a great list of former Confraternity players who have gone on to the game’s highest levels, we’re always just as proud of the manner in which the Carnival is played. The Spirit of Confraternity underpins this carnival.” BCE schools were represented across the four boys’ divisions and two girls’ divisions. Trinity College, Beenleigh, won the inaugural Division 4 Confraternity Cup for the boys in a hard-fought final against Emmaus College, Jimboomba. A brave McAuley College, Beaudesert reached the final of the boys’ Division 3, going down to Townsville’s Ryan Catholic College in an entertaining decider.
Clairvaux MacKillop College and St Columban’s College performed very well, finishing in third and fourth places respectively in the difficult boys’ Division 2.
And Marymount College, St Peter Claver College and Aquinas College took on the boys’ Division 1 against some of the best school rugby league teams in the state. St Patrick’s College, Mackay won the boys’ Division 1 for the first time in 22 years.
Former girls’ Division 1 champions Marymount College were again excellent and were the only team to defeat eventual champions The Cathedral College during the pool rounds.
Mt Maria College, Mitchelton, Emmaus College and Xavier Catholic College also competed in the girls’ competition, showing continued improvement.
Individual players from BCE teams were recognised for their performances and some were included in honorary merit teams.
Marymount College’s Kiara Wright was named in the girls’ merit team as one of the best players of the week and received the Carbine Club Spirit of the Carnival Award.
Mt Maria College’s Dan Sullivan was named as the manager of the girls’ merit team.
The boys’ merit team included Sterling Wilkinson and Ryder Abell from Marymount College and Flynn Moore from Aquinas College.
Jason Hamilton (Marymount College) was named as the merit team coach while Todd Riggs (St Peter Claver College) was named as manager.
Jesse Jones (St John’s College, Nambour) was named as the best player in Division 3 while Jordan Carlson (Trinity College) was the best player in Division 4.
Seven carnival graduates will play for Queensland in Wednesday night’s men’s State of Origin decider including Xavier Coates from Marymount College.
Next year’s Confraternity Carnival will be hosted by Marist College, Ashgrove beginning with a Mass and opening ceremony on Sunday 28 June.