school in a large Australian city. Nuala "Boong" Magee - An unusual and rather unsettling girl whom Xavier meets at a train station and finds interesting. Alex Murray - A keen and thoughtful student who Xavier befriends and who helps him find out more about Nuala. Brother Allbecker - Deputy Principal at Xavier's school who provides useful advice and encouragement to him. Ben Preston - the St Matthew's Rugby Coach brought in by the Old Boys Association especially to win the premiership. He is 'old school' and loses sight of responsibility to the boys in his care. Scott Watson - St Matthew's football team captain and Xavier's best friend until events between himself and Nuala cause them to fight. Issues and themes Coming of age Guilt Sportsmanship Interpersonal relationship Loyalty Bullying Death Emotional trauma Betrayal Identity Sport Winning at all costs Power and gossip Sexism Sexual stereotypes Mateship/Friendship Homophobia Revenge Awards and nominations Won the Victorian Premier's Prize (Premier's Literary Awards) in 2001. Winner Children Peace Literature Prize 2001 Won the Herald Sun prize for Young adult fiction 2001. Shortlisted for Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award for Older readers 2001. References External links http://www.jamesmoloney.com.au/ 2000 Australian novels Novels by James Moloney Australian young adult novels Sports novels Novels set in Australia University of Queensland Press books