Bond University Queensland Country welcome back James Slipper for Melbourne Rising clash
Bond University Queensland Country will welcome back St.George Queensland Reds and Wallabies prop James Slipper, for their Round 2 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC) against the Melbourne Rising this Sunday, 4 September.
The inclusion of Slipper is one of six changes made to the side that turned out at Bond University in Round 1.
In the forwards, Souths hooker Alex Casey has been promoted to the starting side with Feleti Kaitu’u moving to the reserves while Lolo Fakaosilea will start at Number 8, pushing Apisai Naiyabo to blindside flanker and Tyrell Barker to the bench.
In the backs, the loss of Duncan Paia’aua with a shoulder injury see’s Tyrone Lefau shift to inside centre and Reds squad member Izaia Perese promoted to the starting line-up at outside centre.
2016 Australian U20s representative and BLK Queensland Premier Colts player of the year Liam McNamara has been named to start on the wing.
In the reserves, former Bundaberg junior and Newcastle Knights U20s representative Josh Birch has been named as centre cover.
“Following last weekend we’ve made a few changes to the Queensland Country line-up, but have managed to add some experience with likes of Slipper and Fakaosilea starting in the forwards,” said head coach Toutai Kefu.
“Slipper has played over 70 Test matches for the Wallabies and is the current captain of the Reds. He’ll add a lot to the side on and off the field this weekend.
“In the backs, Perese was one of our best on field with his performance off the bench last weekend and I’m hoping we can see more from him this Sunday.
“McNamara was a late call up for the Australian U20s ahead of this year’s Junior World Cup and started in all of their matches, before helping Sunnybank claim the Premier Colts title. He’s an exciting young prospect to bring into the team, as is Birch who is in line for his first opportunity in the Country colours.”
Queensland Country will play the Melbourne Rising as Melbourne’s Harlequins Rugby Club this Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm. Fans can watch the live stream of the match via www.foxsports.com.au.
Queensland Country side to play Melbourne Rising:
- James Slipper – Reds/Bond University/Gold coast*
- Alex Casey – Souths**
- Taniela Tupou – Reds/Brothers
- Izack Rodda – Queensland U20s/Easts
- Rob Simmons – Reds/Sunnybank/Theodore
- Apisai Naiyabo – Norths
- Conor Mitchell – University of Queensland/Sunshine Coast
- Lolo Fakaosilea – Reds/Sunnybank/Emerald**
- James Tuttle – Reds/GPS
- Mack Mason – Queensland U20s/Easts/Mitchell
- Eto Nabuli – Reds/GPS
- Tyrone Lefau – Wests
- Izaia Perese – Reds/Easts
- Liam McNamara – Queensland U20s/Sunnybank*
- Tom Banks – Reds/University of Queensland
Reserves
- Feleti Kaitu’u – GPS
- Ben Daley – Reds/Bond University/Gold Coast
- Sef Fa’agase – Reds/University of Queensland/Beaudesert
- Phil Potgieter – University of Queensland/Toowoomba
- Tyrell Barker – Easts
- Issak Fines-Leleiwasa – Sunnybank/Port Douglas
- Mitch Third – Bond University/Gold Coast
- Josh Birch – University of Queensland/Bundaberg***
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