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The university of Canberra Vikings have named a 37-man squad to compete in the inaugural year of the National Rugby Championship (NRC).
The side features players from all of the capitals seven Premier Grade clubs and also includes Wallabies Joe Tomane, Pat McCabe, Scott Sio, Sam Carter and Christian Lealiifano – as well as recently selected but uncapped international Henry Speight.
In accordance with the ethos of the competition the Vikings have also selected promising up and comers Liam Slater, Tom Staniforth, Rowan Perry, Jake Rakic and Joe Powell among others.
Vikings head coach Dan McKellar noted the significance of the competition to Australian rugby stating: “It’s an exciting time for Australian rugby with the evolution of a third tier, which will inevitably give our Super Rugby and national sides more to work with.”
McKellar also said that he had been blessed with talented players to choose from:
“We’ve been spoiled for choice with the squad we’ve been able to select.
“There were some difficult decisions to make and some quality players have missed out, but I think mixing young guys like Rowan Perry and Joe Powell with more experienced players like Fotu Auelua and Robbie Coleman will only improve their game and give us something to think about as Brumbies coaches later down the track.”
The side will look to improve on a seventh place finish in the Australian Rugby Championship in 2007. One lock is still be confirmed.
Full Canberra Vikings Squad for 2014 NRC:
Forwards
Tight-head props: Ruan Smith (Eastern Suburbs), Allan Alaalatoa (Uni-Norths Owls), Les Makin (Queanbeyan Whites)
Hookers: Siliva Siliva (Royals), Seilala Lam (TBA), Mitch Wade (TBA)
Loose-head props: JP Smith (Queanbeyan Whites), Scott Sio (Tuggeranong Vikings), Sione Taula (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Locks: Sam Carter (Royals), Tom Staniforth (Royals), Dave McKern (Western Districts Lions), Gareth Clouston (Tuggeranong Vikings), (One more TBA)
Blind-side flankers/No.8s: Fotu Auelua (Western Districts Lions), Tim Cree (Tuggeranong Vikings), Jordan Smiler (Eastern Suburbs)
Open-side flankers: Jarrad Butler (Tuggeranong Vikings), Sean Doyle (TBA), Rowan Perry (Tuggeranong Vikings)Backs:
Scrumhalves: Michael Dowsett (Uni-Norths Owls), Joe Powell (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Fly-halves: Rod Iona (Tuggeranong Vikings), Isaac Thompson (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Wingers: Henry Speight (Gungahlin Eagles), Joe Tomane (Uni-Norths Owls), Jerome Nuimata (Tuggeranong Vikings), Drew Southwell (Western Districts Lions), Liam Slater (Royals)
Inside centres: Christian Lealiifano (Tuggeranong Vikings), Matt Hawke (Gungahlin Eagles), Pat McCabe (Western Districts Lions)
Outside centres: Nigel Ahwong (TBA), Jake Rakic (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Fullbacks: Robbie Coleman (Queanbeyan Whites), Jesse Mogg (Western Districts), Brendon Taueki (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.