St James College made its mark in Rockhampton, with two outstanding squads competing at the annual Confraternity Rugby League Carnival – a highlight of Queensland’s school sports calendar and a showcase of emerging rugby league talent.

For the first time, St James fielded a girls team in the Division 1 competition, and what a debut it was. The team powered their way to the Girls Shield Final, defeating defending champions St Patrick’s College, Mackay in a thrilling semi-final before falling to hosts The Cathedral College 26–16 in the Girls Shield decider. Their effort established St James as a force in girls’ rugby league and a team to watch in future carnivals. The team's Head Coach was Bella Satui, a Brisbane Tigers player.

The boys Division 2 team also impressed, claiming a convincing 54–16 victory over St Teresa’s College in their last game. Under the guidance of coach Brenko Lee, a former State of Origin player, the team displayed grit and cohesion throughout the carnival.

Both teams were recognised with specialty awards, with Kina Vainga and Katene Frey earning Best & Fairest honours, and Lenore Georgetown and Rico Toloi receiving Spirit of Confraternity Awards. Four St James girls – Reese Orcher, Lenore Georgetown, Kina Vainga, and Layla Satui – were also named in the QISSRL Girls Merit Team for 2025.

Teams Manager Tahnae Hunter said the week was about more than just the results, describing it as a turning point for the teams.

“For the majority, both girls and boys, it was their first experience competing at this level” he said.

“What stood out was how seriously the players embraced the opportunity. Their attention to detail, their commitment to one another, and the pride with which they wore the St James jersey each day was something special.

“We didn’t walk away with trophies, but we left with something far more valuable: belief from within and respect from those around us. That belief was built through the way our students showed up for each other, stayed focused under pressure, and lived our values every step of the way,” Hunter added.

The Confraternity Rugby League Carnival is one of the most anticipated events on the Queensland school sports calendar. Run by Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League, it brings together Catholic and Independent schools from across the state for a week of high-level competition and camaraderie. The carnival has a proud history as a launching pad for future professional rugby league stars.

In 2026, the carnival heads to Brisbane, where it will be hosted by Marist College Ashgrove.


SPECIALITY AWARDS

QISSRL Girls Awards

St James Best & Fairest Confraternity Award
Kina Vainga

Player with Most Potential at Confraternity
Kina Vainga

Spirit of Confraternity Award
Lenore Georgetown

Named in the QISSRL Girls Merit Team 2025
Reese Orcher
Lenore Georgetown 
Kina Vainga 
Layla Satui 

QISSRL Boys Division 2 Awards

Best & Fairest
Katene Frey

Spirit Award
Rico Toloi

ST JAMES COLLEGE QISSRL TEAMS

Girls Division 1 Team – 2026 Runners-Up
Players:
Shanequa Hartas
Atheena Alemcion
Breeze Apiata-Hobson
Rharni Law
Selina Afamiliona
Layla Satui (Captain)
Lenore Georgetown
Tina Gaw
Vaisaili Chan-Kee
Harmony Harris
Chloe Barnsdale
Mya Onosai
Kina Vainga
Leila Fanuatanu
Ariana Pakeho
Isla Morrison
Skye Blackburn
Reese Orcher

Coach: Isabella Satui
A/Coach: Breanna Irwin

Boys Division 2 Team – 2026 Champions
Players:
Katene Frey
Augustine Tau
Devine Timu
Tamati Frey
Zion Talima
Jotoa Lealiiee
Tyler Tofa
Will Moala
Zakius Matthew
Andrew Kwok
Julius Bell
Rico Toloi
Fui Taito
Kreston Semeatu
Isaiah Keung
Kimball Doig
Raidon Powell
Koedin Lacquiere
Montana Isileli-Fo’ou
Inoke Kalauta
Kyron Henare

Coach: Brenko Lee
Manager: Tahnae Hunter
Trainers: Blake Henley, Lachlan Taylor

Action shot photos by: Luke Fletcher/QISSRL