McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City side to play NSW Country Eagles in season opener

Aug 25 • General News, International • 1330 Views • Comments Off on McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City side to play NSW Country Eagles in season opener

McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City have named their side to take on NSW Country Eagles in their first match of the 2016 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship in Sydney this Saturday.

The match-day 23 features 10 players from last year’s squad, with another nine making their Brisbane City debut. There are nine players with Super Rugby experience, as well as a healthy representation from BLK Queensland Premier Rugby, with eight of the nine clubs having players selected for the opening match.

City head coach Rod Seib said: “The guys are really looking forward to the opening round. We’ve been together for two weeks now and have already seen a real willingness to work hard for each other. They’re buzzing for this first match.

“Brisbane City established itself as a successful team by working hard and enjoying our time together and that’s what we’re looking for from the group again this season.

“We’ve got a good balance of club and Super Rugby players and the NRC provides them an opportunity to continue to develop. It’s also great to see Reds players such as Sam Talakai and Andrew Ready, who made their progression from club, through NRC and into Super Rugby now stepping up as leaders for the next crop of players.”

Seib’s starting forward pack boasts an all-Reds front row of Pettowa Paraka, Andrew Ready and Sam Talakai, with Brothers youngster David Findlay-Henaway and Reds giant Lukhan Tui both on debut in the second row. The back row sees Brothers stalwart Luke Beauchamp joined by Reds openside flanker Michael Gunn and Reds recent recruit Leroy Houston at Number 8.

City will feature a new halves pairing for their first game, with Reds Under 20s scrumhalf Moses Sorovi teaming up with Sunnybank flyhalf Jake Strachan. Easts’ Toby White and University of Queensland’s Nathan Russell have been named in the centres, while the back three features Reds Alex Gibbon and Chris Kuridrani on the wings, with Brothers’ Patrick James at fullback.

Seib has opted for a five-three split on the bench. Matt Mafi, Markus Vanzati and Feao Fotuaika have been selected as front row replacements, while Isi Naisarani and Jack de Guingand round out the forwards. The back reserves include Angus Fowler as replacement scrumhalf, Levi Aumua in the centres and Western Force winger Brad Lacey to cover the outside backs. Fowler was a late call up into the City ranks after Nick Frisby was recalled into the Wallabies squad earlier this week.

City’s overall squad has experienced some change since it was announced last week, with Reds fullback Karmichael Hunt ruled out for the remainder of the year due to his ongoing groin injury. Reds outside back Junior Laloifi is also likely to miss much of the NRC due to a hand injury. Reds Under 20s player Jayden Ngamanu and Brothers flyer Mitch Felsman have been brought into the squad as cover in the outside backs.

Brisbane City plays the NSW Country Eagles at Sydney University this Saturday at 3:00pm. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports.

McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City side to play NSW Country Eagles
3:00pm, Sydney University, Sydney
1. Pettowa Paraka – Reds/Easts
2. Andrew Ready – Reds/Easts
3. Sam Talakai (C) – Reds/Brothers
4. David Findlay-Henaway – Brothers (Brisbane City/NRC debut)
5. Lukhan Tui – Reds/Brothers (Brisbane City/NRC debut)
6. Luke Beauchamp – Brothers
7. Michael Gunn – Reds/Easts
8. Leroy Houston – Reds/Wests (Brisbane City/NRC debut)
9. Moses Sorovi – Reds U20s/University of Queensland
10. Jake Strachan – Sunnybank (Brisbane City/NRC debut)
11. Alex Gibbon – Reds/Norths
12. Nathan Russell – University of Queensland (Brisbane City/NRC debut)
13. Toby White – Easts
14. Chris Kuridrani – Reds/GPS
15. Patrick James – Brothers

16. Matt Mafi – Reds/Brothers
17. Markus Vanzati – Souths
18. Feao Fotuaika – Sunnybank
19. Isi Naisarani – Souths (Brisbane City/NRC debut)
20. Jack de Guingand – University of Queensland (Brisbane City debut)
21. Angus Fowler – Brothers (Brisbane City/NRC debut)
22. Levi Aumua – Souths (Brisbane City/NRC debut)
23. Brad Lacey – Wests Scarborough (Brisbane City debut)