Burdekin Catholic High School’s Open Rugby League team has made a powerful impression in their inaugural year competing in the prestigious Townsville Blackhawks Schoolboys Shield, North Queensland’s elite secondary schools rugby league competition.
The BCHS Bears entered the competition with high hopes and quickly proved they belonged among the region's best. Their campaign began with a commanding 20–8 win over All Souls St Gabriels School, showcasing grit, skill, and impressive teamwork.
“The boys really came together on the field,” said Principal, Lorraine Wolffe. “It was a solid team performance that set the tone for the rest of the competition.”
Building on that strong start, the Bears powered through their next match with a thrilling 30–20 victory over Blackheath & Thornburgh College. Known for their fast-paced play and relentless drive, the BCHS boys demonstrated composure under pressure and excellent cohesion across all positions.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Coach, Luke Marano added, “but the effort, determination, and spirit shown by the team was outstanding.”
In their final game of the round, the Bears faced a formidable challenge in Columba Catholic College — last year’s champions. Despite falling short with a 24–10 result, the BCHS side played with heart and courage, never backing down from the contest.
“Columba is a well-drilled team with a lot of experience in this competition,” said team captain Lleylan Lampton. “But we’re proud of how we played — we showed resilience, stuck to our game plan, and represented our school with pride.”
The team's debut season in the Blackhawks Schoolboys Shield has not only been a significant milestone for the school but also a perfect build-up to the upcoming QISSRL Confraternity Carnival in Rockhampton this July. The Confraternity Carnival, often referred to as "Confro," is an annual rugby league competition organized by the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League (QISSRL). Established in 1980, it brings together Catholic and independent secondary schools from across Queensland and other regions for a week-long tournament that emphasizes sportsmanship, community, and the values of Catholic education. Many NRL players have risen from this competition.
Principal Mrs. Lorraine Wolffe praised the team’s performance and attitude throughout the tournament.
“Our students have shown what it means to wear the BCHS jersey — with determination, respect, and school pride,” she said. “We’re incredibly proud of our Open Rugby League team and can’t wait to see what they achieve in July.”
As the Bears turn their focus to the QISSRL Carnival, one thing is clear: Burdekin Catholic High School has arrived as a force in schoolboy rugby league in the North.
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