St Thomas of Canterbury haven't really been considered among the giants of NZ secondary schools rugby league - until now.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic - and an outbreak of measles - closed the tournament down for three years, they had reached the semi-finals just once, but largely battled against Auckland powerhouses that have produced generations of NZ Kiwis and NZ Warriors players.
Last year, they made the semis for the second time.
When they shocked St Paul's College - a school that has won more titles than any other over the years - in last weekend's final, the celebrations could be heard back in the South Island.
As the team debarked on their return to Christchurch Airport, they found their supporters waiting to greet them with a rousing haka that was answered by players in a scene that produced goosebumps for onlookers.
