Two changes have been made to Queensland Country’s starting forward pack for their game against Sydney, with Harry Hockings returning at lock and Souths prop Jake Simeon set to make his starting debut.
In the backs, Seib has shuffled a number of players and positions, with Jordan Petaia returning to outside centre, seeing Chris Feauai-Sautia shift to the wing and Jock Campbell to fullback.
In the reserves, Easts prop Kirwan Sanday will make his first appearance in the Country line-up for 2018, coming into the reserves with Simeon promoted to the starting XV, while Rob Puli’uvea will provide lock cover with the return of Hockings.
Heading into the match, Country are coming off the back of loses to the Western Force and Brisbane City, but given their three wins in the opening three rounds of the competition, the team are still in fourth place on the ladder and in contention for finals.
“The message to the team this week is that they have a great opportunity ahead of them on Saturday,” said Seib.
“Given their performances in the opening rounds we’re in control of our own destiny. If we can perform well in our last two games and deliver on field, we’ll be playing at the business end of the season.
“The team need to be prepared for the Rays, who have improved with every performance, they’re aware of the challenge ahead.
“Our match forms part of a big weekend of Rugby at Bond University, with some of the best emerging women’s and men’s Rugby talent in Australia all converging on the Gold Coast. It will be an exciting few days of Rugby and the team are looking forward to it.”