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).
kippa
Guest
Gotta feel for frisby again playing second fiddle behind genia. Would have been better to split them so they both are getting quality field time.
jameswm
Guest
Fos, you mean sitting on the bench watching his teammates playing 7s?
Moreton Bait
Roar Pro
Apparently he will play for the Brisbane team when available. For practical intents and purposes he could be considered part of the Brisbane squad.
formeropenside
Guest
Player profiles are up on the website too.
Brett McKay
Expert
Gill doesn't think so...
Brett McKay
Expert
A bit of Brisbane City history, off the Reds/NRC site: http://www.redsrugby.com.au/NRC/BrisbaneCity/History
Boomeranga
Guest
Semise (Sam) Talakai (Sydney University). After what's been written on The Roar, that is funny!
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Gill's name is flagged for City "pending 7s commitments"
Working Class Rugger
Guest
I have the feeling that this is going to be an outstanding comp. Qld Country have released their squad as we'll.
Combesy
Roar Guru
liam gill hasn't been named in either squads?
formeropenside
Guest
Gill is off wasting his time playing 7's
jameswm
Roar Guru
OK so another likley starting XV to work out, to see how strong they are: 15. Lachie Turner 14. Feaunati/Junior Laloifi/Harry Parker/Brandon Vaaulu 13. Samu Kerevi 12. Ben Tapuai 11. Chris Kurindrani 10. Cooper (Reds), Jake McIntyre 9. Frisby/Genia 8. Jake Schatz 7. Michael Gunn//Adam Korczyk/Chazz Mahina/Brad Wilkin 6. Curtis Browning 5. Tim Buchanan/Marco Kotze/Sam Rochester (Horwill when available) 4. Dave McDuling 3. ?? 2. Matthew Mafi/Andrew Ready (Hanson when available) 1. ?? Heck of a backline, with the ? being at 10 when Cooper's not there, like NSW Country. Who is Liam Gill playing for? Don't remember seeing his name for either Qld team.
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
Tidy Team - hoping Sef Faagase does well. Definitely some strong sides being announced. Interesting that the more established backs (Frisby, Genia, Cooper...) are in the 'Forwards' coach's side.
Brett McKay
Expert
Decent looking squad... Big day of squad announcements so far!