Passion, power and pure footy: 2025 Kinetic Titans Schools League

What began as a grassroots initiative in 2006 has grown into Australia’s largest regional school-based rugby league competition.

In 2025, the Kinetic Titans Schools League once again proved why it holds such a prominent place in the development of junior rugby league talent.

More than 2,400 students across 140 teams represented 38 schools from the Tweed, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane in a record-breaking campaign that featured over 380 games.

Despite battling a disruptive weather season, including interruptions from Cyclone Alfred, the League not only endured but flourished, thanks to a powerful network of host schools and venues.

“This year truly showed the resilience and unity of everyone involved, from the schools and match officials to our delivery partners and staff," said Matthew Ash, Titans Operations Manager Community and Competitions.

"To complete more than 380 games in one of the most weather-impacted years we've ever faced is an incredible achievement.” 

This season marked a turning point in the competition’s evolution, with the mantra of Better, Not Bigger guiding strategic refinement in the boys’ divisions while expanding opportunities for female participation.

For the first time in league history, over 1,000 female students pulled on their school jerseys to compete in Kinetic Titans Schools League fixtures, a remarkable milestone in a movement that began with just 245 players in 2020.

“We’ve worked really hard to strike the right balance, refining the male divisions while providing greater opportunity for female participation." Ash explained.

"To have more than 1,000 girls take part this year, shows how strong the appetite is for schoolgirl rugby league."

The Titans schoolgirl competitions is now regarded as one of the premier school competitions in Queensland and increasingly, across Australia.

Beyond its size, the competition continues to evolve into a genuine development platform.

This year, Marymount College’s Open Girls have earned a place in the prestigious NRL Karyn Murphy Cup (QLD) finals, while their Open Boys team will take on the third-placed Allan Langer Trophy side in the National Schoolboy Cup.

Meanwhile, Aquinas College, crowned South Coast Sporting School champions, progress to the NRL Schoolboy Trophy (QLD).

These achievements highlight the increasingly competitive standard of the league. These schools and players are now getting real opportunities to compete at state and national level because of their performance in this competition.

Held across a packed day of rugby league theatre, the 2025 Titans Cup and Opens Challenge Grand Finals did not disappoint, a celebration of school spirit, athleticism, and hard-earned success.

Game 1 - 7/8 Boys Cup

Keebra Park 38 def. Ormeau Woods 8
Keebra Park kicked off the finals day with a commanding win over Ormeau Woods in the 7/8 Boys Cup. The match was lit up by Dejaun (Keebra Park #3), whose repeat standout performances earned him the Player of the Finals honour. Keebra’s speed, structure and size proved too much for a spirited Ormeau outfit.

Game 2 - 7/8 Girls Cup

Mabel Park 16 def. Keebra Park 12
Arguably one of the contests of the day, the 7/8 Girls Cup final between Mabel Park and Keebra Park delivered fireworks from start to finish. Mele Lupeomanu (#10) led from the front for Mabel Park in a hard-fought 16-12 victory that had the crowd on their feet all match.

Game 3 - 9/10 Boys Cup

Keebra Park 30 def. Palm Beach Currumbin 10
Keebra Park returned to the winners’ circle in the 9/10 Boys Cup, overcoming Palm Beach Currumbin with a 30-10 win. Brendan Tattam (Keebra Park #1) was near-flawless, featuring prominently in attack and converting three from five attempts to help secure the title.

Game 4 - 9/10 Girls Cup

Marsden SHS 24 def. Keebra Park 6
With a passionate crowd behind them, Marsden’s #6 Indiana Faa’aogo sparked early momentum with a try six minutes in. Her commanding performance, both in attack and defence, saw her awarded Player of the Finals as the Makos ran away with a 24-6 win.

Game 5 - Open Girls Challenge

Marsden SHS 34 def. Marymount College 8
Marsden returned for another tilt and again walked away victorious. Melennie Sau (Marsden #5) lit up the Opens Girls final with a grand final hat-trick and countless game-turning tackles. Her defensive prowess, coupled with attacking flair, made her a clear Player of the Finals in a 34-8 masterclass.

Game 6 - Open Boys Challenge

Aquinas College 12 def. Tweed River HS 0
A classic grind unfolded between two heavyweights in the Opens Boys Challenge. Aquinas #7 Harley Petersen showed why he's one of the region’s most exciting prospects, steering his team to a disciplined 12-0 victory behind exceptional game management and line-bending runs.

Game 7 - Open Boys Cup

Marymount College 18 def. Keebra Park 6
In the final act of the day, Marymount College stood tall under pressure. Axel Friend (#13) was everywhere, from lock to hooker, and played a monumental role on both sides of the ball. His second-half defensive effort, including four consecutive tackles and a try-saving effort in cover, sealed his Player of the Finals nod and delivered Marymount the Titans Cup crown.

The success of the 2025 season would also not have been possible without the contributions of several key delivery partners. Special acknowledgement must go to the National Rugby League - SEQ Game Development staff, whose on-ground support, strategic guidance, and operational investment continue to elevate the Kinetic Titans Schools League each year.

Grand Final delivery partners, the Gold Coast Bulletin, also shone a spotlight on individual brilliance from Grand Final day, naming the Top 32 standout performers across all seven deciders.

With a landmark season in the rear-view mirror, the Titans are already planning for 2026 with a clear goal; to raise the bar once more.

The club is proud of what’s been achieved, but excited about where it’s heading.