The NSW Country Eagles have announced a strong 33-man squad for the inaugural National Rugby Championship set to start in August, 2014.
Head coach Darren Coleman believes the squad to be a suitable amalgamation of senior and junior players.
“I’m really happy with the squad we’ve got. The recruitment process has been a long one, but I think in the end it’s a very balanced squad and one that will be very competitive this season”.
General Manager James Grant expressed his excitement in bringing rugby to the bush, citing that the side’s rural breakdown as a significant reason for why “the side has got off the ground”.
The squad features 15 players with Super Rugby experience and Coleman is optimistic that the younger players will be able to benefit from the knowledge and experience of the team’s senior players.
“It’s a massive opportunity for these young guys to use this competition as a stepping stone to professional Rugby,” Coleman said.
“By spending time with some of the older boys, I think they’ll learn pretty quick what it takes to be a professional footballer, both on and off the field.”
Among the exciting young talent that the Eagles boast are Junior World Cup stars Andrew Kellaway – the competitions leading try-scorer, David Horwitz and Sam Croake.
Significantly, former ACT Brumbies No. 8 Ita Vaea has been finally cleared of a life-threatening blood clots that ruled him out of the game for close to two years and will consequently play for the Eagles this season. Colleman said of Vaea;
“Everyone knows what a powerful ball runner he is but I think he’s going to surprise a few people with his work rate and presence at the breakdown. He’s definitely one to watch.”
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Sekope Kepu, Matt Toomua and Nic White have been allocated to the Eagles as part of the Wallabies fair distribution initiative.
Full NSW Country Eagles Squad for 2014 NRC
Forwards
Michael Alaalatoa (Prop), Mitch Chapman (Lock), Duncan Chubb (Prop), Sam Croke (Backrow), Ryan Danziel (Hooker), Kane Douglas (Lock), Tala Gray (Backrow), Steven Hoiles (Backrow), Max Lahiff (Prop), Josh Mann-Rea (Hooker), Ben Matwijow (Lock), Tim Metcher (Prop), Will Miller (Backrow), Ben Suisala (Prop), Pauli Tuala (Backrow), Cam Treloar (Lock), Ita Vaea (Backrow), Will Weekes (Hooker)
Backs
Matt Carraro (Centre), Patrick Dellit (Outside Back), Darcy Etrich (Halfback), Ethan Ford (Outside Back), John Grant (Outside Back), David Horwitz (Flyhalf), Andrew Kellaway (Outside Back), Apakuki Ma’afu (Centre), Brendan McKibbin (Halfback), Misieli Sinoti (Outside Back), Mick Snowden (Halfback), Ed Stubbs (Centre), Chris Tuatara-Morrison (Centre), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Outside Back), Sam Windsor (Fly Half).
The Eagles development squad will be released next week.
Mike
Guest
Don't mention the U word...
Mike
Guest
I agree James, these gents will be good to watch.
jameswm
Guest
Looking strong come finals time. How wouild it be for Kellaway to play with AAC and Toomua for a few games? Just awesome. Both tough, reliable pros. 15. Kellaway 14. Carraro 13. AAC 12. Tuatara-Morrison 11. Stubbs 10. Toomua 9. White 8. Vaea 7. Hoiles 6. Gray 5. Chapman 4. Douglas 3. Kepu 2. Mann-Rea 1. Lahiff
Bakkies
Guest
Dellit, Carraro.
Bakkies
Guest
Yeah he is eligible.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Sweet.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Nah jez I was only stirring. I knew it was a joke.
Rebel
Guest
Squad is up on the Rams website with a good smattering of Rebels. I can't see any glaring omissions.
Rebel
Guest
I saw a joke on Facebook where a US side spelt their moniker Villians. I thought it would be perfect for Uni, sorry I mean Stars.
Rebel
Guest
Pretty sure he was the 20s fly half this year. Goes alright. I got your subtle dig at Johnno as well.
jeznez
Roar Guru
The Scapegoats, I like it. An even better nickname than the Villains.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Pretty well I'd say. My Randwick comment was intended as a joke. Sorry if it didn't come out that way.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Now that the South Africans are practising 80 metre place kicks, we might need this law variation at international level!
Brett McKay
Expert
Absolutely, five teams!! Only Stars and Rays to come now...
Working Class Rugger
Guest
Big day of announcements in terms of squads. Rams have released there squad looks strong. Getting very excited about this. Only three weeks now.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Off the top of my head, Kane Douglas, Duncan Chubb, Tim Metcher, Mick Snowden, John Grant, Eli Sinoti, and Pauli Tuala all have roots in Country NSW. Max Lahiff is also a country lad - just not this country! ;)
Brett McKay
Expert
I was genuinely surprised when I heard this James, because it just hadn't been mentioned by anyone at all until now. I'm not really sure what I think about it. But your point there is certainly valid..
boomeranga
Guest
Fair point. He lives Phipps, Foley and Michael Hodge who are all Sydney Uni, so he might turn out for the Scapegoats.
Rugby stu
Guest
That makes a fair bit of sense. Particularly the red zone idea.
Pat Duff
Guest
Can't say how much Ita's return warms my heart. The man has Beebe through more then man should, and will always find support from the central coast