Sporting Updates
Wrap up of 2025 NRL National Schools Rugby League Competition
Mackay State High School proudly wrapped up another competitive year in the 2025 NRL National Schools Rugby League Competition, with teams representing the school in both the Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge.
Aaron Payne Cup – Open Boys
Our open boys team competed strongly in the prestigious Aaron Payne Cup, facing off against some of the best schoolboy rugby league programs in North Queensland. The team demonstrated resilience and teamwork throughout the season, showing growth each round despite tough results against powerhouse schools like St Patrick’s College and Ignatius Park. The experience gained at this level is invaluable and will help shape the next generation of senior players at Mackay SHS.
Cowboys Challenge – Years 9 & 10
Our Cowboys Challenge team, made up of talented Year 9 and 10 students, represented the school with pride throughout the season. The team showed promising signs in both attack and defence, with several close games highlighting their potential. Many of these students will transition into the senior squad over the coming years, ensuring the continued strength of our rugby league program.
We acknowledge the dedication of all players, coaches, and support staff who contributed to the 2025 season. Special thanks to families, sponsors, and school staff for their ongoing support of our Rugby League Academy. Our students continue to benefit from these valuable opportunities to compete at a high level while developing discipline, teamwork, and school pride.
We look forward to another big season in 2026 as we continue to build our presence in Queensland schoolboys rugby league. Go Mackay SHS!
Junior Boys ALF Team
Our Junior Boys AFL team recently travelled to Townsville to compete in the QSchools Cup, taking on two strong opponents across two action-packed days.
- Day 1 saw the boys face a tough match against Kirwan SHS, battling hard and holding their ground.
- Day 2 featured a closely contested game against The Cathedral College, where the team displayed outstanding resilience and skill.
Throughout the carnival, our students demonstrated grit, growth, and teamwork, playing with heart right through to the final siren.
A huge congratulations to the entire team for their impressive efforts and exceptional sportsmanship. A special shoutout goes to Wesley A., who was named MVP for his outstanding defensive performance.
Well done, boys – a fantastic representation of MSHS!
Interschool Sport Update – Week 4 Term 3
Our MSHS teams have been performing exceptionally well across a range of interschool sports over the past two weeks, with some fantastic wins, close contests, and continued improvement on and off the field!
Basketball
- Round 3: Our Girls Basketball team claimed a solid win over Carlisle Adventist College in a tightly fought game, finishing 45–38. The boys also took the Victory against Mackay Northern Beaches SHS, finishing 56-40.
- Round 2: The Boys Basketball team also came away victorious, narrowly defeating MCC 42–38 in what was another closely contested match.
- Round 1: Our Boys Basketball team defeated Carlisle Adventist College 71-53. The Girls Basketball team defeated Mackay Northern Beaches SHS 74-23
Volleyball – Round 2
- Our Girls Volleyball team put in a strong effort but were defeated 0–2 by Whitsunday Anglican School.
- The Boys team had a great match and came away with a 2–1 win over Mackay Northern Beaches SHS – fantastic job!
Netball
Our Boys and Girls Netball teams are playing weekly and are currently undefeated! They've been displaying excellent teamwork, tactics, and determination, with clear growth in their skills and confidence each game. Keep up the great work!
Football – Round 1
In a competitive season opener, our Football team drew 3–3 with Holy Spirit College. A strong start with lots of potential for the rest of the season.
Congratulations to all students for their commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We look forward to seeing what the rest of the term brings!
