The state-wide rugby league competition – that also includes teams from Victoria – kicked off in early June with a gala day at Cootamundra.

First up was Gundagai High School who copped a significant defeat by the Young side, going down 36-nil. 

To continue Young’s winning streak was a 30 point victory over Hennessy Catholic College, 38-8.

The high school progressed to the Riverina finals at Wagga where they came head-to-head with two Wagga sides – Mater Dei Catholic College and Kildare Catholic College.

Young were victors in a comfortable defeat over Mater Dei, but a tight game against Kildare saw the end result even at 4-all.

The school’s fate in the competition now came down to the match results between Mater Dei and Kildare. Young won the day on a countback that was their key into the state semi final for the Southern NSW and Victoria Conference at Cootamundra on July 24.

The day started out promising with a 26-6 win against Camden High School, and was followed by a 12-all draw against Red Bend Catholic College of Forbes.

The team to progress onto the state grand final was again determined by a countback, this time not landing in Young’s favour and cutting their journey short.

But the defeat aside, Young was named within the top four teams in the state - a title well-earned according to Young High rugby league coordinator Ross Laker.

“They’re a small side but they’re very skilful,” Laker said.

“There always are standout players in the team, but I loathe to do that because they all play so well together,” he said.

“They’re very well coached by their junior rugby league coaches – Garry Lucas and Brad Pettit – and they’ve been a top side in the junior competition. I don’t think they’ve been defeated for two years. 

“They’ve been together a long time and they have some really good back line moves and the boys all put in and play for each other - they play very well together.”

And with their only weakness being they “lack a bit of size”, Laker is confident they’ll be an even stronger side in years to come.

“Their defence is fantastic and they’ve got some very good attacking moves too. They’re very good across the park, they’re strong everywhere,” he said.

The team wishes to extend a big thank you to their coaches.