DIEHARD
14-06-08, 01:13 AM
Centenary Trophy Final Preview
http://www.qrl.com.au/images_lib/CentenaryTrophyGeneral.jpg
FOR the best players local league in Queensland has to offer, it all comes down to this weekend.
The Gold Coast Vikings fly north to Mackay to take on Townsville in the State final of the Toyota Centenary Trophy on Saturday afternoon.
The match is a battle to be called the best rugby league region in Queensland and the winner will book a trip to State of Origin III at ANZ stadium in enemy territory, where they will face the best NSW has to offer before the Origin decider.
Gold Coast has been forced to play their third choice half back for the match, Dane Evans.
Gold Coast coach, Sam Stewart, says a win will be a tough ask considering the talent of the opposition and the lack of preparation his team has had.
“Our first half balk got injured so we went with another bloke who did well and then he got injured, so we have called Dane up and I’m sure he will do well,” Stewart said.
“Our five eighth is not a five eight either. He’s a second rower who we moved there because of injury so we certainly won’t be playing an expansive game.”
On their way to reaching the State final of the knock-out competition, the Vikings beat Brisbane FOGS, Brisbane Second Division and the Sunshine Coast.
The Townsville side’s path to the state final included victories over Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Two Townsville players, Roy Baira and Colin Wilkie, were selected in the Queensland Rangers representative team named earlier this week.
The only Gold Coast player selected was former Ipswich Wizard Cup winger, Rickie Dodd.
Stewart says the competition has been well supported by the Coast.
“All the players have really wanted to be involved in the competition. Previously with these type of rep teams, guys have done a bit of ducking and diving but now I have blokes calling me up wanting to play,” Stewart said.
“The comp has really improved the image of rugby league on the Gold Coast. We do have a good local comp with good local players down here.”
5pm kick off at the Mackay Jnr Fields.
GOLD COAST
Rickie Dodd
Nate Faalago
Tu Whaka-paikea
Brett Woolley
Adam Lacey
Dean Allen
Dane Evans
Ryan Pearson
Matt Francis
Hayden Jeans
Brendan Hoare
Scott Gray
Kurt Sorenson
Willie Issacs
Dean Murphy
Chris Kowaltzke
Nash Core
TOWNSVILLE
Sean Ashwell
Roy Baira
Tremaine Bowie
Ross Chatfield
Justin Dennien
Michael Green
Darren Griffiths
Lester Hero
Tom Humble
Lee McLean
Quintin Mitchell
Bilo Mosby
Kurt Olsen
Mitchell Seri
Gordon Santo
Craig Snell
Barrett Wherry
Colin Wilkie
Source: http://www.qrl.com.au
http://www.qrl.com.au/images_lib/CentenaryTrophyGeneral.jpg
FOR the best players local league in Queensland has to offer, it all comes down to this weekend.
The Gold Coast Vikings fly north to Mackay to take on Townsville in the State final of the Toyota Centenary Trophy on Saturday afternoon.
The match is a battle to be called the best rugby league region in Queensland and the winner will book a trip to State of Origin III at ANZ stadium in enemy territory, where they will face the best NSW has to offer before the Origin decider.
Gold Coast has been forced to play their third choice half back for the match, Dane Evans.
Gold Coast coach, Sam Stewart, says a win will be a tough ask considering the talent of the opposition and the lack of preparation his team has had.
“Our first half balk got injured so we went with another bloke who did well and then he got injured, so we have called Dane up and I’m sure he will do well,” Stewart said.
“Our five eighth is not a five eight either. He’s a second rower who we moved there because of injury so we certainly won’t be playing an expansive game.”
On their way to reaching the State final of the knock-out competition, the Vikings beat Brisbane FOGS, Brisbane Second Division and the Sunshine Coast.
The Townsville side’s path to the state final included victories over Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Two Townsville players, Roy Baira and Colin Wilkie, were selected in the Queensland Rangers representative team named earlier this week.
The only Gold Coast player selected was former Ipswich Wizard Cup winger, Rickie Dodd.
Stewart says the competition has been well supported by the Coast.
“All the players have really wanted to be involved in the competition. Previously with these type of rep teams, guys have done a bit of ducking and diving but now I have blokes calling me up wanting to play,” Stewart said.
“The comp has really improved the image of rugby league on the Gold Coast. We do have a good local comp with good local players down here.”
5pm kick off at the Mackay Jnr Fields.
GOLD COAST
Rickie Dodd
Nate Faalago
Tu Whaka-paikea
Brett Woolley
Adam Lacey
Dean Allen
Dane Evans
Ryan Pearson
Matt Francis
Hayden Jeans
Brendan Hoare
Scott Gray
Kurt Sorenson
Willie Issacs
Dean Murphy
Chris Kowaltzke
Nash Core
TOWNSVILLE
Sean Ashwell
Roy Baira
Tremaine Bowie
Ross Chatfield
Justin Dennien
Michael Green
Darren Griffiths
Lester Hero
Tom Humble
Lee McLean
Quintin Mitchell
Bilo Mosby
Kurt Olsen
Mitchell Seri
Gordon Santo
Craig Snell
Barrett Wherry
Colin Wilkie
Source: http://www.qrl.com.au