Ian Schifilliti Takes Over St Patrick’s College Rugby League Coaching Reins

Image: St Patrick’s College has a new rugby league coach, Ian Schifilliti. Image supplied

St Patrick’s College Mackay have appointed former international centre Ian Schifilliti as coach of its Open boys rugby league team for 2023.

The Ingham native – who joined the St Patrick’s teaching staff at the beginning of this year – was a popular choice to replace departing mentor Michael Comerford, who has taken on a new role as Head Coach of the Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Hostplus Cup.

Ian, the kid brother of former Illawarra and Parramatta star hooker Dean Schifilliti, guided the Mercy College senior boys rugby league team to the Cowboys Challenge Shield Grand Final this season.

Chasing back to back titles, the Mackay youngsters were left shattered after Kirwan State High snatched the trophy with a try after the full time bell.

Highly regarded during his playing career as a skilful and industrious forward and centre with a strong work ethic, the respected journeyman is an effective communicator and teacher who brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Schifilliti is a legendary figure in the Townsville region where he carved a niche with the Herbert River Crushers club.

He pulled on his first boots at the age of eight and helped the Crushers win Under 11, Under 12, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 16s premierships in the Townsville District Junior League while playing alongside the likes of Canberra flyer Royston Lightning and former Cowboys and Warriors hooker Paul Dezolt.

Although small in frame, what Ian lacked in size he more than made up for with his tenacity, courage, ball play and copybook defence as he entered the senior ranks.

By the age of 18, Schifilliti was an established Townsville representative forward in the Foley Shield competition and later trialled with Super League club Adelaide Rams and Parramatta after he was spotted by Eels’ talent scout Noel Cleal.

He took up an offer to play in the English Super League with the London Broncos under former Eels premiership-winning coach John Monie and enjoyed stints with the Rochdale Hornets and Keighley Cougars in the United Kingdom before returning to Ingham to complete his teaching degree.

A highlight for Ian was playing three Test matches for Italy at the 2000 Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament in England which was held alongside the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.  

Ian teamed up in the centres with Canberra ace Jason Bulgarelli and helped Italy qualify for the 2008 World Cup event with victories over Canada and the United States.

Schifilliti scored two tries in Italy’s 66-6 thumping of Canada and 40-16 win over the USA and featured in the 20-18 loss to the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) in the final at Dewsbury.

On his return, Ian lined up for the Crushers in the Townsville A Grade competition before retiring as a player in 2008.

He began teaching at Heatley Secondary College Townsville and his old school Gilroy Santa Maria College Ingham while serving his coaching apprenticeship with the Crushers A Grade team.

Schifilliti piloted Herbert River to three Grand Finals and a 2016 premiership and the Northern Open Schoolboys to success before assisting Michael Comerford with the Northern Queensland Marlins representative team.

Ian took over the Marlins’ coaching reins from Comerford in 2018 and continued to prepare Gilroy Santa Maria in the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools competition before moving to Mackay.

When asked about his new coaching role, Schifilleti said he was “honoured and excited” with the opportunity to coach a St Patrick’s squad brimming with talent.

“It is a privilege to step into the shoes of Michael Comerford who has shaped the St Patrick’s Rugby League Academy into a real force,” said Ian.

“We have the nucleus of the champion 2022 squad returning in hooker Xavier Kerrisk, half back Jaxon Purdue, fullback Will Shears, sharp backs Bailey Anderson, Tenzin Contor, Bailey Caruana and others.

“Throw in promising Mercy colts like Saxon Crofts, Hunter Harris, Reuben Saron, Javen Ramsamy, Hudson Smith, Kooper Shears, Cohen Jackson, Toby Woodall and Lachlan Whippy and you have the ingredients for a competitive outfit in 2023.”

By Chris Karas

‍