The Queensland Reds will kickoff their Super Rugby AU season against their oldest rivals New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium on July 3.
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Queensland Reds head coach Brad Thorn has named his first team of the 2020 Super Rugby season for the sides opening round clash against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Up to five players could make their Queensland debuts with Brothers backrower Harry Wilson named at number-eight and Henry Speight selected on the wing against his former club.
Following standout performances in Queensland Premier Rugby that led to selection with Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship last year, Queensland pathway trio Dane Zander, Seru Uru, and Hunter Paisami could potentially also make their Queensland debuts after being named on the bench.
The Reds will be bolstered up-front with the return of props JP Smith and Feao Fotuaika from injury, while Izack Rodda will also make his comeback following routine off-season ankle surgery post the Rugby World Cup.
Queensland’s backline remains unchanged from last week’s pre-season win over the Waratahs in Dalby, with Isaac Lucas earning his second Super Rugby start in the number-10 jersey and James O’Connor partnering Jordan Petaia in an exciting centre-pairing combination.
Liam Wright will lead the team in his first Queensland-capped match as captain and will have the support of Rodda, Speight and Bryce Hegarty as part of the Reds leadership group this season.
“We’re excited for the season to start,” Thorn said.
“We have the Brumbies first-up and we look forward to a tough contest.
“Dalby and Gladstone had us for two trial games which were important hit-outs leading into the season.
“Five guys could make their Queensland debuts on Friday night which is an awesome thing to recognise.
“They’ve worked hard during the pre-season and deserve their selection.”
St.George Queensland Reds v Brumbies – GIO Stadium, Canberra on 31 January at 6:15pm AEST
1. JP Smith – GPS
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank
3. Taniela Tupou – Brothers
4. Angus Blyth – Bond University
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
6. Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
7. Liam Wright © – Easts
8. Harry Wilson* – Brothers
9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
10. Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank
11. Henry Speight* – Bond University
12. James O’Connor – Brothers
13. Jordan Petaia – Wests
14. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
15. Bryce Hegarty – GPS
16. Alex Mafi – Bond University
17. Dane Zander** – Norths
18. Feao Fotuaika – GPS
19. Izack Rodda – Easts
20. Seru Uru** – Easts
21. Moses Sorovi – Wests
22. Hamish Stewart – Brothers
23. Hunter Paisami** – Wests
*denotes Queensland debut
**denotes potential Queensland debut
Reds fall short in Dunedin
The Queensland Reds have fallen short of victory in their opening fixture of the 2019 Super Rugby season, going down to the Highlanders 36-31 in a thrilling match at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Queensland Country side names for Grand Final
The Bond University Queensland Country side has been named for their National Rugby Championship Grand Final clash against the Fijian Drua, this Saturday at Lautoka’s Churchill Park, kicking off at 1:30pm AEST (3:30pm Fiji time).
Head coach Rod Seib has only made one change to his side that claimed a 45-24 win over the Western Force in their semi-final last weekend on the Gold Coast.
Scrumhalf James Tuttle has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, ruling him out of the match.
Sunshine Coast product Tate McDermott will return to the starting line-up in the nine jersey, while Bond University’s Harry Nucifora has been named as cover in the reserves.
Saturday’s Grand Final will be Country’s second straight National Rugby Championship decider, having last year staged a come from behind 42-28 win over the Canberra Vikings in the ACT to claim their maiden title.
From the match-day 23 that contested last year’s Grand Final, eleven players are returning for their second grand final appearance, including Angus Scott-Young, Harry Hockings, Angus Blyth, Filipo Daugunu and McDermott, who went on to make their Super Rugby and St.George Queensland Reds debuts in 2018.
Country head into the match having only dropped two matches during the 2018 regular NRC season, and having previously accounted for the Fijian side in Mackay in Round 4.
However, the Drua haven’t lost a match at home this season, and pose a tough challenge for the reigning premiers.
“We are fully aware of the challenges ahead of us this weekend and have great respect for the Drua,” said Seib.
“Both teams have the ability to score from anywhere on the field, so the game should be a fantastic spectacle for all Rugby supporters.
“We take great confidence from the way in which we have prepared and played in our away games this season.
“Whilst there are extra challenges playing in Fiji, the team is looking forward to the opportunity this weekend.
“The Fijian’s passion for Rugby is well known around the world.
“Most elite Rugby teams around the world are influenced by team members with Fijian heritage.
“Our team is no different with Filipo Daugunu and Kirwan Sanday both set to start for us on the weekend.
“We’ve had great support from the Queensland Country Rugby community throughout the season, and we hope we can do all our supporters proud on the weekend as we chase a second straight title for Country.”
The 2018 NRC grand final will kick off at 1:30pm AEST on Saturday, and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Channel 503.
Queensland Country side to face Fijian Drua in NRC grand final:
1. James Slipper – Bond University/Gold Coast
2. Efi Ma’afu – Wests
3. Kirwan Sanday – Easts
4. Harry Hockings – Reds/University of Queensland – Bowen
5. Angus Blyth – Reds/Bond University – Gold Coast
6. Angus Scott-Young – Reds/University of Queensland
7. Tom Kibble – GPS
8. Caleb Timu – Reds/Souths
9. Tate McDermott – Reds/University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast
10. Hamish Stewart – Reds/Bond University – Pittsworth
11. Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
12. Duncan Paia’aua – Reds/Norths – Rockhampton
13. Jordan Petaia – Reds/Wests
14. Filipo Daugunu – Reds/Wests
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – Gold Coast
Reserves
16. Richie Asiata – Easts
17. Harry Hoopert – Reds/Brothers – Jondaryn
18. Jake Simeon – Souths
19. Rob Puli’uvea – Wests
20. Harry Wilson – Brothers
21. Harry Nucifora – Bond – Gold Coast
22. Tom Lucas – Sunnybank – Rockhampton
23. Patrick James – Brothers
Queensland Country into National Rugby Championship Grand Final
Queensland Country have set up a grand final clash with the Fijian Drua after beating the Western Force 45 points to 24 in their National Rugby Championship semi final at Bond University on the Gold Coast.
Continue reading “Queensland Country into National Rugby Championship Grand Final”
Queensland Country side named to face the Sydney Rays
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.
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Timu commits to Queensland Reds through 2019
Rumours should always be taken with a grain of salt.
The Queensland Rugby Union has re-signed rampaging back rower Caleb Timu to the Queensland Reds for the 2019 season.
Continue reading “Timu commits to Queensland Reds through 2019”
Queensland Country Heelers win big in Goondiwindi
The Queensland Country Heelers have claimed the spoils in Goondiwindi over the weekend, defeating NSW Country in both seniors and colts for 2018 in front of over 1000 Country Rugby supporters.
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