Brisbane City might be without Quade Cooper, but it hasn’t stopped them from naming a strong team to take on the Perth Spirit in the NRC Final.
There are seven players with Super Rugby caps, including the impressive Brando Va’aulu, Liam Gill, new Wallaby camp Jake Schatz, Curtis Browning and key player and halfback Nick Frisby.
Frisby overcame a lower back injury sustained in the NRC semi against NSW Country, and will take his place in the starting team after being doubtful earlier this week.
These five Reds will be key if Brisbane City are to claim the inaugural National Rugby Championship.
Centre Samu Kerevi has been ruled out due to a quad injury in the only change to the 23, and he will be replaced by utility Jack Mullins, who started against the Vikings two weeks ago.
Coach Nick Stiles said while it was disappointing to see Kerevi missing from the squad, it’s a team capable of claiming the title..
“Samu has had a strong presence for City all season, but this side has made its way to the final through the collective efforts of the entire squad and depth has been one of our strongest assets.
“Jack Mullins has a lot of experience in Premier Rugby, having captained Easts to a title in 2013, and has played inside centre for us previously and played well.
“The key for us this weekend is our attitude. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve worked hard and earned a home grand final and the guys are proud of that and excited for the opportunity to play at Ballymore again.
“Our season has been based on hard work and enjoyment, so I expect nothing less from them this weekend.”
With two Wallaby-capped backrowers, along with the highly touted Curtis Browning, it’s no secret that is City’s area of strength.
Stiles admitted as much.
“Our back row was outstanding in the semi-final. We were able to stop their flow on numerous occasions, so having those guys starting for us again this weekend will be a massive factor,” he said.
City also announced that the Ballymore tradition of fans being allowed to flood the match post game will again take place.
Brisbane City team to play Perth Spirit in NRC Grand Final
1. Pettowa Paraka – Reds WTS/Easts
2. Andrew Ready – Reds EPS/Easts
3. Sef Faagase – Reds WTS/University of Queensland
4. Marco Kotze – GPS
5. Dave McDuling – Reds/University of Queensland
6. Curtis Browning – Reds/University of Queensland
7. Liam Gill – Reds/Sunnybank
8. Jake Schatz – Reds/Sunnybank
9. Nick Frisby – Reds/GPS
10. Jake McIntyre – Reds WTS/Sunnybank
11. Matt Feaunati – Sunnybank
12. Jack Mullins – Easts
13. Toby White – Easts
14. Chris Kuridrani – Reds/GPS
15. Brando Va’aulu – Sunnybank
16. Matt Mafi – Brothers
17. David Feao – Souths
18. Phil Kite – Reds WTS/GPS
19. Tim Buchanan – University of Queensland
20. Adam Korczyk – University of Queensland
21. Will Thompson – University of Queensland
22. James Dalgleish – University of Queensland
23. Junior Laloifi – Sunnybank
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