Hugh Jarse
Rocky Elsom (76)
Where: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
When: Sunday 20 September, kick off 3:30pm AEST
Match Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Damien Mitchelmore, Brett Cronan
Broadcast Information: foxsports.com.au and FOX SPORTS NOW
Brisbane City 2015 Form Guide: WWWW
NSW Country Eagles 2015 Form Guide: WLBW
Last Time They Met: 14/09/14; NSW Country Eagles 26-34 Brisbane City; Oakes Oval, Lismore.
At Stake: Horan-Little Shield Challenge
Match Notes: 2015 top try scorer Junior Laloifi faces off against all-time competition top try scorer Andrew Kellaway as Brisbane City battle the Country Eagles with the Horan-Little Shield on the line.
1. Pettowa PARAKA
2. Andrew READY
3. Sam TALAKAI
4. Ben HYNE
5. Cadeyrn NEVILLE
6. Luke BEAUCHAMP
7. Liam GILL (c)
8. Scott HIGGINBOTHAM
9. Nick FRISBY
10. Jake McINTYRE
11. Junior LALOIFI
12. Henry TAEFU
13. Samu KEREVI
14. Chris KURIDRANI
15. Karmichael HUNT
16. Markus VANZATI
17. Matt MAFI
18. Feao FOTUAIKA
19. Corey THOMAS
20. Michael RICHARDS
21. Tim SMITH
22. Alex GIBBON
23. Patrick JAMES
1. Dane MARAKI
2. Ryan DALZIEL
3. Dave FAEO
4. Nick PALMER
5. Sam LOUISI
6. Sam CROKE
7. Pauli TUALA
8. Sam FIGG
9. Mitch SHORT
10. Jono LANCE
11. Tom MERRITT
12. David HORWITZ
13. Will FAY
14. Jack PENNINGTON
15. Jarome MACKENZIE
16. Tom SEXTON
17. Clay BRODIE
18. Andrew COLLINS
19. BJ EDWARDS
20. Mark BALDWIN
21. Dave HARVEY
22. Brogan ROODS
23. Charlie CLIFTON
@RugbyReg says (http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/nrc-2015-round-5-preview/)
There are at least two reasons for Brisbane City fans to get down to Ballymore for this Sunday’s NRC match between Brisbane City and NSW Country. The first is that the QRU is out to set a record for the world’s largest scrum, which is currently held by about 1,200 New South Welshmen. The scrum is set to be packed at around 2:15pm, so make sure you get there about 30 minutes earlier to ensure you don’t miss out on being a part of this unique experience.
So being a World Record Holder aint a bad reason, but what about the quality of the game on show? These teams have an epic history in the NRC with two classic encounters last year, both won by Brisbane City despite both being played in regional NSW. The Eagles remain a force to be reckoned with having, last week, been the first team to defeat the Sydney Stars. Brisbane City did a number on the North Harbour Rays, but will need to be a great deal tighter this Sunday to take the chocolates over the Eagles, and retain the Horan-Little Shield.
Key Match ups:
Eagles flyhalf Jono Lance, who went to school in South East Queensland, and City flyhalf Jake McIntyre, who went to school in regional NSW, face off in a key battle in this the last match of Round 5. Lance was superb last weekend in scoring, setting up and converting tries. McIntyre played a more understated role for City v the Rays, but stayed composed as all around him threatened to collapse. This will be a tactical game as much as anything with both players key to the game plan execution and then, of course, it’s outcome.
There’s nothing like a player with pure speed and a competition such as the NRC, with his rule variations, can really allow such a player to stand out. Last year it was Jarome McKenzie, playing fullback for the Eagles this week, and this year it has been Junior Laloifi who is playing on the wing for Brisbane. There is nothing quite like a player who just has that innate ability to find the try line and both of these players have it in spades. Of course having a pair of jet shoes on your feet doesn’t half help either, and is just another reason to not take your eyes off this match for a second.
