Former Beaudesert Kingfishers junior Tupou Francis has reflected on the journey that took him from local rugby league to representing Queensland Under 19s.
The talented forward progressed through the Kingfishers and Marsden State High School pathways before joining the Brisbane Broncos system, with his selection in the Queensland Under 19 squad marking another significant milestone in his young career.
Francis said receiving the call-up from Under 19s coach Darius Boyd was a moment he would never forget.
“It was massive,” he said.
“Darbs actually had the wrong number, so he made me worried all of Monday. I didn’t get the call until Tuesday, so when I finally got the call, it was a great feeling.”
While Francis had previously represented Queensland Schoolboys Under 15s and Under 18s, the Under 19s opportunity carried special significance.
The Queensland jersey meant a great deal to Francis, who moved to the state as a 12-year-old and quickly embraced Queensland’s rugby league culture.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve loved every bit of it,” he said.
“They’ve treated me so well and I just wanted to give back to what they’ve given me.”
Francis credited much of his football development to long-time Kingies coach Scott Bannan, who helped guide him during his junior years.
“Big shout out to Scott. He was probably like a second father for me,” Francis said.
“He was the one who pushed me from when I was 12.”
“He brought me over to Beaudesert and from there he’s treated me like a son on and off the field.”
The former Kingfisher said the support he received in Beaudesert played a major role in helping him reach representative level.
“The development he and the club put into me means everything,” he said.
“That’s why I have so much love for Beaudesert.”
Francis also looked back fondly on last year’s premiership winning Under 18s Kingfishers side, a team featuring a number of players who have since progressed into elite rugby league pathways.
“When I was 12, we could never get one, so to get one last year meant everything,” he said.
“But I think the best part about it was all of our best mates. We all loved each other, and we all grew up together. To get the win all together is what made it special.”
