Queensland Country coach Brad Tronc has embraced a siege mentality ahead of his side's Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield defence deep in enemy territory.
Last year, the Heelers ended a 24-year Shield drought in spectacular fashion - defeating fierce rivals NSW Country Cockatoos 31-19 on home soil - but face a challenging 2025 ARS draw in Newcastle.
Learn more about the Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield here.
Queensland Country will tackle NSW Subbies, South Australia's Black Falcons and an Australian Defence Force outfit in a tricky Pool A.
Only three wins will guarantee Tronc's side a shot at consecutive titles but the Heelers coach is relishing a chance to defend the Shield across state lines.
"That 2024 final was a great game of rugby and a great advertisement for the game, both teams ran and attacked and it came down to little moments," Tronc told rugby.com.au.
"It adds a bit more pressure this year. That was the first time we’ve won in 24 years and we had lots of support as the local team so it'll be a little different this year, even just the logistics getting there and time in camp as a group.
"But we've got 13 players backing up from 2024 and we feel like we'll be in a good position.
"It's a tough draw but you want to be tested at every level, so we're comfortable having that draw and we feel like we'll better gauge of where we’re at."
"You've got to beat the best to be the best, right, so we'll just try to replicate what worked for us last time."
The Heelers have already begun their preparations with players hailing from the Dawson Valley to Port Douglas
"All our seasons end at different times - Central Queensland finished five weeks ago, Sunshine Coast three weeks, Darling Downs two weeks and Gold Coast just last week - so there's a lot to deal with when you don't have that earlier opportunity to connect," Tronc said.
"We've just had our first virtual sessions with a bit of strength and conditioning, just a program you do with the camera on so we can see each other and take the piss while working out - it's a good way to connect and get to know each other.
"We've got guys from Dawson Valley Drovers out west, up to Bowen and Mackay, a good contingent from Townsville, even Port Douglas, plus a few from Sunshine Coast, Downs and Gold Coast."
The 2025 Buildcorp Australian Rugby Shield kicks off Wednesday 1 October in Newcastle and will be livestreamed via rugby.com.au/videos and the Rugby Xplorer app.
