#SIRU2015 Rep Squad announced:
SIRU Rep Coach Richard Turnbull has selected the below squad from a total of 71 players who made themselves available for the 2015 Rep Program and it looks like a pretty sharp team, particularly in the backs.
There are plenty of options amongst the inside backs for Richard to work with combinations there - Manion, Olds, Manulaveo, Curgenven are all proven performers from 10-13. There are also some big boppers in the forwards in Ben Leaper, Ash Lefevre, Chris Latu and Daniel Dowson to lead from the front.
It's been a while between drinks for SIRU at the NSW Country Championships with SIRU's last outing in 2003 before the Brumbies affiliation began. In terms of ongoing commitment to the NSW Country Championships, SIRU have only been invited to the 2015 Competition, however there will likely be a review of SIRU participation by NSW Country, SIRU and Brumbies Rugby post-tournament.
Historically, SIRU have been a little off the pace in terms of competitiveness but will likely be able to mix it with the teams in the second tier. From my perspective, I would suggest that this tournament gives SIRU the chance to see where they stand in the greater scheme of things and also to prepare for the showdown with NSW Country on the 13th June at Bruce Stadium.
The SIRU Rep Pathway has caused much debate in recent years and 2015 provides the perfect opportunity for players from this area to showcase their talents to a wider audience.
Ag College and Albury are the two teams with the highest representation - I wonder if this is any indication of likely standings later in the season?
SIRU have drawn Western Plains on the first day of the Richardson Shield in Bowral at 10.10am. Further games are dependant on results in the competition.
The SIRU Rep. squad is;
Tom Dunstan, James Grimmett, Ben Leaper, Tanian Naude & Sam Hobbs (Wagga Ag. College), James Daley & Steve Tracey (Wagga Waratahs), Ash Lefevre, Aaron McDougall , Richard Manion, Liam Krautz, Blake LeCornu & James Olds (Albury), Rambo Lagaali, Seth Stoltenberg & James Curgenven , (Wagga City), Nick Gleeson, Daniel Dowson, & Chris Latu (Griffith), Daniel Patu, Maika Ravouvou & Farrel Maota (Leeton ), Tino Manualevo (Tumut)