IPSWICH State High School has done the unbelievable this year with its talent-rich Rugby League Program, with all six of its teams making the semi-finals for the Broncos Cup Competition.
In 2023, the program has had a landmark season, with five out of the six grades reaching the semi-finals, going the next step for a perfect run in the league.
The success further highlights the commitment to the playing pathways created by the rugby league program of excellence at Ipswich State High School and the nursery that continues to thrive at the school.
The Langer Cup team led the way, going undefeated through seven games, and last week cruised home over the top of Caloundra State High 38-26 in a high-scoring affair.
After the victory, director of Ipswich State High School Rugby League and Langer Cup coach Joshua Bretherton spoke with Local Ipswich News about the program’s success after the victory.
“To be qualified for finals in all age groups is an outstanding reward for all the staff and students’ hard work over many years,” he said.
“It is a result that doesn’t come from just one season of hard work.
“There has been a great feeling around this group throughout the season.”
Acting Ipswich State High School principal Susan Taylor said the success was a showcase of what the school offered in terms of elite athleticism.
“The rugby league program continues to be a benchmark for the sporting school excellence across the state,” she said.
“The benefits of the program stretch far past the playing field and into our classrooms. There is a sense of belonging imbedded in the program that reaches out to the community, drawing everyone together”.
The Langer Reserves Trophy side finished the season with five wins and two losses, with coach John Dore, saying that the group continued to work hard for every success.
The Year 10 Walters Cup side won four games and lost three, with coach Shane Harris saying that his side had taken some valuable lessons heading into the post-season.
“The team started the season flying with a 3-0 start but learnt some valuable lessons against Keebra Park and Marsden.
“We ended the season well with a comfortable 46-6 victory over Stretton.”
The Year 9 Hancock Cup side also had a decent season, with four wins, one draw and two losses.
Coach Daniel Hobden said the team had built on a scrappy first half of the season and worked incredibly hard to make the post-season.
Peter Poole, coach of the Year 8 Renouf Trophy team (4 wins/3 losses) said the group had showed grit and determination throughout.
Ben Newton said his Year 7 Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Trophy side (4 wins/3 losses) finished its campaign strongly and like the other sides, was ready to go into the finals.
“For the playing group and coaching staff, the focus is the same: effort, heart and punching above their weight in physicality, while also playing smart footy,” he said.
“It’s an exciting week to be a part of, with all six teams at the school being involved in the finals series.”
