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Young athletes hoping to join two of Redcliffe State High School’s specialist sports programs in 2027 will have their chance next month, with three afternoons of trials covering rugby league and the school’s dedicated girls’ sport academy.
The Girls’ Sport and Fitness Academy goes first on Tuesday, 13 October, followed by Rugby League Excellence trials on Wednesday and Thursday, 14–15 October. All three sessions run from 3.30pm to 5pm.
But the trials are an entry point into programs that extend well beyond conventional school sport — and in rugby league’s case, one that has just added another trophy to Redcliffe State High’s record.
A Rugby Pathway With Runs Already on the Board
Redcliffe SHS claimed the Year 10 De Vere Cup earlier this month, beating St Mary’s College 24–12 in the grand final after taking a 16–6 lead into half-time.
It was a timely result for a Rugby League Excellence program that combines competition with training built into the school curriculum. Senior students undertake skills and game work, fitness and weight training, theory and competitions at local and state level, with the school’s current subject guide also listing Dolphins training among its course components.
There is history behind the pathway, too. Former program director Scott Murray said as far back as 2018 that selectors were looking beyond players who were already performing at a high level, with self-discipline, motivation, teamwork and a passion for rugby league among the qualities considered.
The Redcliffe Dolphins identified Josh McGuire and Daly Cherry-Evans among graduates of the program at the time. More recently, Redcliffe State High students John Fineanganofo and Aholoka Toia moved into the Dolphins system, with Fineanganofo subsequently progressing through the club’s development pathway.
Read: Redcliffe State High School Stars John Fineanganofo and Aholoka Toia Join NRL Dolphins
For students outside Redcliffe State High’s normal catchment, Rugby League Excellence can also provide a possible route into the school. Out-of-catchment applicants must go through the selective-entry process, with offers subject to selection and the school’s enrolment requirements.
The Other Pathway Isn’t Built Around One Sport
The Girls’ Sport and Fitness Academy takes a different approach.
Rather than developing players for a single code, its current Year 10 program spans netball, touch football, rugby league and Rugby 7s, alongside theoretical work. The school says the academy is intended to develop sporting ability, fitness, confidence and teamwork, while its curriculum also places weight on health and safety, interpersonal skills, behaviour, effort and discipline.
It sits within a wider participation picture in which young women remain less likely than young men to take part regularly in sport. Australian Sports Commission figures for 2025 put weekly sport-related participation among females aged 15–24 at 36 per cent, compared with 50 per cent for males.
Unlike Rugby League Excellence, however, the Girls’ Sport and Fitness Academy is currently classified by the school as an academy available only to students within the Redcliffe SHS catchment.
Read: Wylei Parker Signs Dolphins Junior Development Deal, Forging His Own Path Beyond Broncos Legend Dad
The October girls’ trial is open to students currently in Years 6–9 who are interested in attending Redcliffe State High in 2027. Rugby League Excellence trials follow on 14 and 15 October, with registrations available through the school’s trial announcement.
Published 19-September-2026
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