Sport
16 July, 2026
Outstanding win by college
GOOD Counsel College boys’ team capped off a dream campaign by remaining undefeated and claiming a stunning Confraternity Division 4 grand final victory, an extraordinary achievement in only their second year back in the prestigious rugby league carnival.
GCC sealed the classic division title with a gritty 16-6 win over St Mary’s Catholic College, Cairns, at Ashgrove College in Brisbane on 3 July, cementing themselves as one of the competition’s rising forces.
The winning team featured Tyrell Forbes, Marlion Swain, Denan Anderson, Zyon Toms, Cohn Creed, Kade Corby, Tama Wilson, Jayden Lacaze, Ben De Paauw, Noah Balderson, Nathan Vue, Tyler Vue and Peter Solien, with Clayten Bensi, Noah Dickman, Brock Austin, Nathan Robinson, Bailey Duiker, Archer Ingram, Case Durighello and Dexter Bartolo-Solares providing impact off the bench.
GCC’s path to the final was anything but easy. Their semi-final against Siena Catholic College became an instant classic.
After leading 6-0 early, GCC were forced to claw back from behind in the second half.
With two minutes left, Zyon Toms produced a miraculous put-down to snatch the lead before the team crossed again to secure a gutsy 24-16 victory.
The quarter final was a dominant 42-6 performance over St Augustine’s, Augustine Heights, following a strong pool stage where GCC recorded wins over Siena Catholic College (14-4), Good Shepherd College (14-0) and Saint Anthony’s College (8-0).
Coach Brayden Huey said the grand final win was the culmination of years of hard work and he could not be prouder.
“Since last October, the boys’ goal has been to win. It’s been a work in progress since Stuart Russell and I came together in 2021,” he said.
This year, Jonny Dore and Chris Zanoletti lifted us to the next level.
Losing the Townsville Blackhawks grand final in extra time might have been a blessing as it made the boys hungry,” he said.
Mr Huey praised the team’s resilience.
“They were busted after four massive games, but their goal-line defence in the final was outstanding.
Everyone contributed, but a special mention to captain Tama Wilson, Tyrell Forbes, Kade Corby, Noah Balderson and Ben De Paauw. And Peter Solien, despite nursing a knee injury, played five minutes, scored a try and inspired the win.”
Good Counsel College principal Paul Melloy said the team’s unbeaten run at the Confraternity Shield was a proud moment for the school.
“Watching our young men battle through six straight wins filled me with immense pride,” he said.
Their performance reflects years of hard work from Brayden Huey and Stuart Russell in building our rugby league program.
“It’s an outstanding achievement and we’re only just getting started.”
GCC will move up a division next year, aiming for success in division 2 or 3. In just two years back in the shield, they have recorded an impressive 10 wins and only two losses. The college previously competed in 1997, 1999 and 2000, winning division 2 in 1997.
The Confraternity Shield, running since 1980, brings together 72 Catholic school teams and remains a highlight of the Queensland school sporting calendar.
The squad also enjoyed off-field experiences, including watching the Dolphins vs Warriors NRL match at Suncorp Stadium, captain’s run at Totally Workwear Stadium, home of the Brisbane Tigers, where former GCC student and Brisbane Tigers player Jarrett Subloo addressed the team.