Is there a list of the GC and Sunny Coast teams?
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3/22/2013
Stingrays and Breakers determined to begin season on a high note
Supporters are being given an early look at the 2013 Queensland Premier Rugby season when the rescheduled clash between the Gold Coast Breakers and perpetual rivals the Sunshine Coast Stingrays takes place on Saturday at Bond University (kickoff 3:00pm).
The Premier Rugby season doesn’t officially commence until April 6 however, in an important year for Country Rugby, both the Breakers and Stingrays agreed to move their round five clash forward in order to accommodate the Queensland Country Heelers match against the NSW Cockatoos in Townsville on May 4.
The move ensures that both sides competing in the annual ‘Battle of the Coasts’ contest are able to field their strongest possible line-up while still allowing players from the Stingrays and Breakers to make themselves available for the trip to Townsville.
Saturday’s match is an important match for both teams as they look to put disappointing 2012 campaigns behind them by beginning their new season on a high note.
Stingrays coach John Rangihuna has done a significant job in the offseason retaining most of his squad from 2012 and will be looking to build on that experience with a strong performance against the Breakers.
“We’ve had two trials so far against Sunnybank and Queanbeyan where we’ve had the chance to trial a number of new players and play with some combinations. So far, the boys are looking good,” Rangihuna said.
“There is a lot of new talent coming through with the likes of Jay Forrester coming into the side from Caboolture, while a few of the older guys in Louie Fesolai and Haydn Hirsimaki are still in the mix.
“The games with Gold Coast are always tight, but we’re going to focus on our own game and make sure we’re on track for the season ahead.”
Gold Coast coach Rob Nowlan is also optimistic that his side will begin the season strongly after promising trials against Far North Coast and Logan.
“The wet weather has been a bit disruptive throughout the preseason, but we’ve had two really strong hit outs against Far North Coast and Logan. That has given us the chance to look at a number of new players,” Nowlan said.
“We lost a few players from last year in Cayden Matehaere our flyhalf, as well as long-serving lock Matt Peel, but we’ve got some talent coming through the ranks as well as two new players from England so we’re building for 2013.
“The coaching and playing style of both coast sides are very similar, we both like to play expansive Rugby and move the ball around, so I’m sure Saturday’s game will be close. But, I think our boys will be keen to secure the win at our new field.”
Gold Coast Breakers
1. Israel Rapata
2. Josh Cooper
3. Will Slipper
4. Callum McKenzie
5. Rory Arnold
6. Stacey Hoskings
7. Callum McDonald
8. Dan Collins (C)
9. Luke Evans
10. Ryan Mauriohooho
11. Brad Jones
12. Cass Walding
13. Saua Emelio
14. Dan Nethery
15. Matt Langmack
16. Nick Turner
17. Cody Buck
18. Alex Holmes
19. Rubin Fuiamonoa
20. Alister McLay
21. Matt Farington
22. TJ Siakisini
23. Conor Malan
Sunshine Coast Stingrays
1. Hayden Hirsimaki
2. Trent Devere
3. James Zhao
4. Jason Welburn
5. Kurt Ludeke
6. Vinnie Berry
7. Lachlan Procter
8. Tom Beattie ©
9. Cameron Mead
10. Puric Boland
11. Tane Kiel
12. Matt Gandy
13. Matt Macaulay
14. Loui Fesolai
15. Jay Forester
16. Richie Smee
17. Jono Phillips
18. Bryden Laing
19. Nick Sykes
20. Grant Kay
21. Joe Pritchard
22. Harry Sellars
23. Dylan Fahey
