NRC: Stars and Brisbane name sides for Friday Leichhardt clash

Fri, Oct 2, 2015, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City return to action in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC) this Friday night, when they face the Sydney Stars for the Horan-Little Shield at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney. 

 

After a bye in Round 6, City head coach Nick Stiles has made just one change to his starting team, from the side that secured a bonus-point win over the NSW Country Eagles in Round 5 at Ballymore. 

 

The only change to the starting line-up sees GPS lock Corey Thomas rotate with Ben Hyne in the number four jersey. 

 

In the backline, Nick Frisby and Jake McIntyre continue their development as a halves pairing with Henry Taefu and Samu Kerevi once again selected to combine in the centres. Junior Laloifi retains his spot on the left wing, alongside Chris Kuridrani and fullback Karmichael Hunt.

 

On the bench, Matt Mafi has been selected as the replacement hooker, with Ryan Freney and Feao Fotuaika completing the front-row reserves. GPS back-rower Michael Richards retains his spot on the bench. University’s Moses Sorovi has been recalled to the match-day 23 after scrumhalf Tim Smith suffered a season-ending injury against NSW Country. 

 

Current Australian Under-20s representative flyhalf James Dalgleish is in line to earn his first NRC cap of 2015 having featured in last year’s squad. Australian Sevens flyer Alex Gibbon is also likely to receive another opportunity off the bench.

 

With Liam Gill still on the sidelines, prop Sam Talakai has been entrusted with the captaincy for this week’s clash. 

 

Stiles said that Talakai has been a leader in the squad and continues to improve his game.

 

“Sam has come on in leaps and bounds over the past 18-months. He is a great player to have in the team, both in terms of his on-field and off-field abilities. I have no doubt that Sam will do a great job for the team as captain on Friday.”

 

When asked about the inclusion of Corey Thomas, Stiles said it is essential to give everyone in his squad an opportunity this season.

 

“Corey started the first two games of the season and performed well. Ben Hyne has also been great for us this season, so it is promising to see players battling for places and that there is healthy competition in the squad.”

 

Meanwhile, Sydney Stars Head Coach has brought Tolu Latu in at hooker to replace James Hanson, who was called up to the Wallabies squad for the Rugby World Cup during the week. Competition top try scorer Harry Jones has been named on the left wing.

 

Friday’s match kicks off at 7:30pm and the match will also be live streamed at www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/nrc/nrcondemand.

 

Sydney Stars team to play Brisbane City:

1. Jeremy Tilse

2. Tolu Latu

3. Chris Talakai

4. Matt Philip

5. Senio Toleofoa

6. Rohan O'Regan

7. Jordan Tuapou

8. Jake Wainwright

9. Jake Gordon

10. Jordan McGregor

11. Harry Jones

12. Andrew Robinson

13. Jim Stewart

14. John Hale

15. Tom Kingston (c)

 

16. Tom Coolican

17. Alasdair Kingston

18. Kirwan Sanday

19. Tipaloma Kaveniga

20. Ofa Finau

21. Richard Draper

22. Christian Kagiassis

23. Christian Yassmin

 

McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City side to play Sydney Stars:

1. Pettowa Paraka – Reds/Easts

2. Andrew Ready – Reds/Easts

3. Sam Talakai (C) – Reds/GPS

4. Corey Thomas - GPS 

5. Cadeyrn Neville – Reds/Manly

6. Luke Beauchamp - Brothers

7. Waita Setu – GPS

8. Scott Higginbotham – NEC Green Rockets

9. Nick Frisby – Reds/GPS

10. Jake McIntyre – Reds/Sunnybank

11. Junior Laloifi – Sunnybank

12. Henry Taefu – Sunnybank

13. Samu Kerevi – Reds/GPS

14. Chris Kuridrani – Reds/GPS

15. Karmichael Hunt – Reds/Brothers

 

16. Matt Mafi - Brothers 

17. Ryan Freney - GPS

18. Feao Fotuaika - Sunnybank

19. Ben Hyne – Brothers

20. Michael Richards - GPS

21. Moses Sorovi – University of Queensland

22. James Dalgleish – University of Queensland

23. Alex Gibbon – Southern Districts

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