The Whitebridge High School-based rock band Trophy Wyfe has taken out ABC triple j’s national 2026 Unearthed High competition.

This year Unearthed High attracted more than a thousand entries from high school-aged artists across Australia, with the Unearthed team listening to every track and selecting many for airplay.

Trophy Wyfe comprises Rex Wardle and Tallis Kessell, both in Year 12, and Neve Scully, who graduated last year. Their mix of indie-rock and post-punk earnt them the win with their single ‘Spiders’.

Relieving Principal Melita Morrow said the whole school was thrilled with their success.

“We’re absolutely delighted for them,” said Melita.

“They’ve worked really hard and made the most of the creative arts opportunities we offer through our High Potential and Gifted Education program.

“The back-catalogue of triple j contest winners might look daunting with bands like Silverchair, but I’m confident Trophy Wyfe will enjoy the moment and grab the opportunities this throws up with both hands as they work towards their debut album.”

The school and triple j arranged a surprise reveal of the winning band with an invitation to play at their school assembly to celebrate being finalists.

The announcement was made on stage seconds after the band performed ‘Spiders’. The whole student and staff body erupted in congratulations.

Trophy Wyfe have chosen former winners Genesis Owusu as their prize mentor and will soon work together in a studio songwriting session.