Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Simon Says Nathan Is One Out Of The Rugby League Box

Dynamic running is a common trait for talented Mackay rugby league siblings Kai and Nathan Simon.

Seventeen-year-old Kai – who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys - proved a sensation at centre for St Patrick’s College last year in his final season in the schoolboy ranks.

With his bustling runs, turn of speed, raw power and radar boot the goalkicking ace piloted St Patrick’s to the finals of the Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy competitions and the Walkerston Wanderers to an Under 17 Mackay Junior League premiership.

The powerfully-built three quarter was rewarded with selection in the 2022 Confraternity Shield Merit Team and the Queensland Country junior representative side that rolled City 38-20 in the annual Under 17s Challenge at Redcliffe – booting seven goals for a personal tally of 14 points.

While promising Kai has shone for the Mackay Cutters in this year’s Under 19 Mal Meninga Cup series, kid brother Nathan has stamped his mark in the Mackay Schools Rugby League Combined Year 7/8 Division 2 competition.

The dashing 13-year-old fullback was instrumental in St Patrick’s Navy’s 24-12 Grand Final victory over neighbours Mackay State High in the recent trophy decider at the Mackay Junior League Fields.  

Nathan’s elusive running and smart support play against his old school was a feature of the premiership triumph and capped an outstanding series for the Wanderers’ custodian.

He turned in consistent performances for the premiers with more than 200 running metres in each game, punishing defence and ability to counter-attack from all parts of the field.

Simon was ably supported by classy five eighth and skipper Matt Fenech, sharp centre Sonny Doring, rampaging prop Nate Faulkner, industrious back rowers Tayte Rowe and Angus Barns and skilful lock Flynn Taylor.

Contributed by Chris Karas

Standing L-R: Kian Steyn, Tayt Rowe, Fynn Shears, Nathan Collis, Harper Shields, Blake Battaia, Matthew Paul (coach), Flynn Taylor, Caleb Presbitero, Connor Peno, Zac Johnson, Theo James, Jaden Chimes, David Casale (League Safe); front Jordan Ramos, Karana Gartner, Nate Faulkner, Matt Fenech (captain), Sonny Doring, Nathan Simon, Angus Barns and Cooper Freiberg

St Patrick’s Navy premiership-winning captain Matt Fenech (left) displays the Mackay Schools Sport Year 7/8 Rugby League Division 2 trophy with centre Harper Shields, one of the College’s most outstanding all round athletes. Photos supplied

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