Brisbane City has announced a 35-man squad, with 11 Super Rugby representatives, to compete in the inaugural year of the National Rugby Championship
The squad features a number of Super Rugby and international players including; Quade Cooper, Will Genia and James Horwill (all of whom have captained the Wallabies) as well as a mix of young stars and seasoned club players.
When asked of the balance of the squad head coach Nick Stiles said “I feel we’ve got a good balance within the squad, with a mix of contracted Reds players and talented guys from club Rugby.
“The guys who are established Super Rugby players seized opportunities when they were presented to them. Those same opportunities now exist for the club players we are bringing in.
“I’m pleased we were able to present an opportunity to some young up-and-coming players like Michael Gunn, who has been in the Reds Wider Training Squad all year, as well as guys like Tim Buchanan, who has been around a while and played 100 games for his club, University of Queensland”.
The side will be captained by Super Rugby flanker backrower Curtis Browning who has also lead Australia at the under-20 level. The Brisbane City franchise will be run through Queensland Rugby Union and will reportedly have strong connections to the Reds Super Rugby team.
While not named in the current squad Wallabies and Reds flanker Liam Gill will be available for selection depending Sevens commitments.
The Full Brisbane City NRC squad is:
Forwards:
Props: Sef Faagase (University of Queensland), David Feao (Souths), Phil Kite (GPS), Pettowa Paraka (Easts), Semise (Sam) Talakai (Sydney University).
Hookers: James Hanson (Reds), Matthew Mafi (Brothers), Andrew Ready (Easts).
Locks: Tim Buchanan (University of Queensland), James Horwill (Reds), Marco Kotze (GPS), Dave McDuling (Reds), Sam Rochester (Sunnybank).
Back Row: Curtis Browning (Reds), Michael Gunn (Easts), Adam Korczyk (University of Queensland), Chazz Mahina (Sunnybank), Jake Schatz (Reds), Brad Wilkin (Easts).Backs:
Scrumhalf: Nick Frisby (Reds), Will Genia (Reds), Jack Mullins (Easts), Will Thompson (University of Queensland).
Flyhalf: Quade Cooper (Reds), Jake McIntyre (Sunnybank).
Centres: Samu Kerevi (Reds), Ben Tapuai (Reds), Toby White (Easts).
Outside backs: Matthew Feaunati (Sunnybank), Chris Kurindrani (GPS), Junior Laloifi (Sunnybank), Harry Parker (University of Queensland), Rex Tapuai (Sunnybank), Lachie Turner (Reds), Brandon Vaaulu (Sunnybank).
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