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Queensland Country hosts the NSW Country Eagles at Bond University on the Gold Coast today. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:00pm (AEST).
What would you do if your pack is 35kg heavier and your back five are an average of five centimetres taller?
Some might think the Eagles will want to ‘set-piece’ themselves to victory.
However, one of the contrarian telltales is the selection of Tala Gray.
He was handpicked by Michael Chieka from Biarritz Olympique to join the Waratahs.
This means the Eagles are going to attack, attack, attack!
Locks: 34-year old Roarer Cam Treloar will miss Kane Douglas who suffered a hamstring injury.
Ben Matwijow moves to lock from flank, whilst Waratah Stephen Hoiles makes his first start.
They will duel with 20 year old Sam Fattal and Gold Coaster comeback kid Cameron Bracewell, who broke his back in a game four years ago. It will be a massive home game for him.
Backs: Last week, the Eagles backs were fast and dangerous.
Ex-Queanbeyan Sam Windsor combined with Gray and the impressive Eagles backs. This includes 18-year-old Andrew Kellaway who recently broke the Junior World Cup try scoring record, and is hailed as “the next Kurtley Beale.”
He and Waratah Matt Carraro scored one try each. Fullback Patrick Dellit, the same weight as Wallaby Israel Folau, also caused some damage.
Today, they will be challenged by newly formed Queensland Country backline.
This was supposed to be lead by halves Ben Lucas and Scott Gale, who were the Reds pair in their last game of the season.
Due to an ankle surgery to Lucas, Easts’ Matt Brandon will step in as the playmaker.
One matchup that will have to wait is Tala Gray vs Lolo Fakaosilea.
Fakaosilea weighs as much a Scott Higginbotham and Kieran Read, and turned 19 years old two months ago. He was also announced as a new squad member for the Queensland Reds.
Front Row: The Eagles front row is 23kg heavier than Queensland Country, but they are also five centimetres taller on average.
Country will try to use their lower centre of gravity to overcome the Eagles in the scrum.
Captains: This game is captained by centres on both sides. Reds’ veteran (with 23 Wallaby caps) Anthony Fainga’a will face Waratah Matt Carraro.
Carraro and his men will probably take advantage of their one game experience to try to disrupt and overwhelm Queensland Country in their maiden game.
Whilst there has been a healthy dose of attack in the NRC, we have seen some weak defence.
Perhaps we can see some improvement during this game, something Ant Fainga’a is known for.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:00pm (AEST).
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.