About the St James College Rugby League Excellence Program

The St James College Rugby League Excellence Program develops students both on and off the field by fostering essential rugby skills, personal growth, and teamwork. 

Players benefit from high standards of coaching by NRL-qualified staff and former professionals, as well as access to high-quality training facilities through our partnership with Valleys Diehards Rugby League Club. 

The program integrates strength and conditioning, game tactics, and personal development, with students in Years 11 and 12 also completing a Certificate III in Sports Coaching to prepare for future opportunities in sport. 

Through structured training and curriculum-based learning, students build resilience, respect, and leadership, ensuring they leave with the skills to succeed in both rugby league and life

The College participates in the following competitions across the year:

Term 1-2:
Titans Challenge Cup
- Year 9-10 Boys B side, Open 2nd XIII Boys
- 9-10 Girls

Term 2-3:
Broncos Gee & DeVere Cup
- Year 9-10 Boys A side, Open 1st XIII

National School Girls Cup
- Consisting of our First XIII Girls team playing in the elite standard of Southeast QLD Rugby League

June/July Holidays:
Confraternity Shield Carnival
- First XIII Boys playing in the Division 2 Cup challenge
- First XIII Girls playing the in the Division 1 Shield challenge

Term 4:
Matt Gillett Cup
- Junior Boys, Junior Girls, and trials for our First XIII Boys and Girls

St James College Rugby League Excellence Program Coaching Team

Ana Fotu – Rugby First XIII Girls Head Coach. Ana brings extensive knowledge and experience in women's rugby league, inspiring and developing the next generation of female athletes with a strong focus on teamwork and resilience, having recently returned from touring with the NZ Kiwi Ferns, and winning an NRLW premiership with the Brisbane Broncos. 

Brenko Lee – First XIII Boys Head Coach and Former NRL, Origin and Tonga representative. Brenko’s professional career ensures that our players will receive world-class coaching, focusing on technical skills, mindset, and leadership.

Brandon Finnegan – First XIII Girls Assistant Coach. Brandon works alongside Ana, providing invaluable support and guidance to our female athletes, fostering growth both on and off the field. Brandon currently plays for the North Devils in the Hostplus Cup.

Tahnae Hunter – Year 9/10 Boys Coach and Excellence Development Mentor. Tahnae, is dedicated to nurturing both the athletic and personal growth of our young players, ensuring they become strong, well-rounded individuals.

Blake Henley – Rugby League Coordinator and our Year 9/10 Girls Coach. Blake oversees the program, ensuring that all aspects, from coaching to personal development, align with the high standards we set for our students. He is currently at North Devils assisting the Harvey Norman U19 Girls.

Bella Satui - Bella, a BMD player for the Brisbane Tigers, is dedicated to developing young female rugby league players. She focuses on skill-building, teamwork, and confidence, creating a positive and inclusive environment where players can grow both on and off the field.

Lachlan Taylor – Strength and Conditioning Head Coach. Lachlan’s expertise in fitness ensures our athletes are prepared physically to perform at their best. Lachlan is the North Devils Strength and Conditioning coach.