XXXX CITY v XXXX COUNTRY

[Granty]

http://www.qrl.com.au/display.php?pg_id=1919

XXXX CITY v XXXX COUNTRY

Cloncurry Showgrounds, Saturday June 24, 4.30pm

SHANE Muspratt and Brandon Costin will lead their sides into battle at the Cloncurry Showgrounds this Saturday when the best of the QLD Wizard Cup do battle in the City Country extravaganza.

Having been soundly beaten last year, Muspratt’s Country side will be out for revenge under the guidance of Tweed Heads mentor Steve Murphy. After being steered to victory in 2005 by Mal Meninga, City is to be coached by fellow Queensland icon Kevin Walters.

Gates open at 9am, with junior games until 12.30pm when the Outback Muster Under 19s face a Central Highlands Under 19 side.

At 2.30 the Outback Muster A Grade team will clash with the Brisbane Second Division Rugby League, a match with a very rural-urbane feel. Players from both sides will be hoping to exhibit their skills and perhaps open up opportunities for season 2007.

The main game gets underway at 4.30pm, with the best City and Country players to earn selection for Queensland Residents, set to play New South Wales Residents in the main curtain-raiser to Origin III in Melbourne.

Announcement of the Queensland Residents will be made Monday morning, prior to the naming of the XXXX Queensland Maroons.

The QRL whole-heartedly thanks the City Country organizing committee, headed by Cr Graeme Lemmon and Shiralee McHardie and supporters, including the Cloncurry Shire Council, Xstrata Copper, EA Lemmon & Co, Foodworks, the North West Star and Imparja Television.

CITY COUNTRY, CLONCURRY SHOWGROUNDS, 24 JUNE

9.00AM - JUNIOR FIXTURES
12.30PM - UNDER 19 V CENTRAL HIGHLANDS UNDER 19
2.30PM - OUTBACK A GRADE V BRISBANE SECOND DIVISION
4.30PM - XXXX COUNTRY V XXXX CITY

Results Since 1996:
1996: Country 20 d City 18 at Langlands Park
1997: City 20 d Country 16 at Langlands Park
1998: Country 18 d City 16 at Suncorp Stadium
1999: Country 22 d City 20 at First Provincial Oval
2000: City 36 d Country 22 at Langlands Park
2001: City 16 d Country 12 at Pizzey Park
2002: City 34 d Country 14 at Kougari Oval
2003: Country 42 d Country 36 at Barcaldine Showgrounds
2004: City 48 d Country 16 at Barcaldine Showgrounds
2005: City 58 d Country 16 at Kougari Oval

[Granty]

XXXX QUEENSLAND COUNTRY

1. JASON BARSLEY – North QLD Young Guns - Recently celebrated 100 games in the Wizard Cup. A Mareeba junior who exhibits great consistency and has become one of the leading try-scorers in State League history.

2. TRENT PURDON – Burleigh Bears – Nicknamed NOS (Nitrous Oxide Systems) for his blistering speed, Purdon has featured in two Wizard Cup grand finals. He has scored seven tries this season in 13 games.

3. LEON BOTT - Toowoomba Clydesdales – Played 24 matches for the Brisbane Broncos in season 2005, but has found himself behind Tame Tupou and Darius Boyd in the pecking order. Still has plenty to offer and has 11 tries so far this year.

4. JORDAN ATKINS – Burleigh Bears – It has been a rapid rise for the Stanthorpe product, a Queensland Rangers representative last year. Atkins had brief stints with Ipswich and Toowoomba, but is playing more confidently since linking with Burleigh.

5. NAT BARNES – Tweed Heads Seagulls - Tipped to appear in the NRL next year, Barnes works hard on his game and has reaped the benefits. The 23-year-old is the leading try-scorer in the Wizard Cup this year with 15 tries.

6. SHANE MUSPRATT © – North QLD Young Guns – Desperate to captain Country, Muspratt has pushed through the pain of nerve damage in his neck. Has played two NRL games this year and is a fierce competitor.

7. BRENT McCONNELL – North QLD Young Guns - Pint-sized ‘Jockey’ has become a crowd favourite for his tenacious attitude and silky skills. Has directed teams to two Wizard Cup premierships and is a former QANTAS Player of the Year.

8. SHANE O’FLANAGAN – Burleigh Bears - Two months ago O’Flanagan was dumped to Reserve Grade. He has emerged a hungrier player and will have to shoulder much of the workload for Country. Is 18kg heavier than front row partner Chris Muckert.

9. JOHN TE REO – Toowoomba Clydesdales – A New Zealand product who never backs down from a contest. Has been one of the most improved players in the Wizard Cup this year and at 20-years-old may have an NRL future.

10. CHRIS MUCKERT – Toowoomba Clydesdales – A former NRL player with North Queensland and Parramatta who has both bulk and pace. Not a true front-rower but likes being heavily-involved. Grew up at Gatton and son of Toowoomba Chairman Noel Muckert.

11. SCOTT BOLTON – North Queensland Young Guns – Junior representative star who is well-built for a 19-year-old. Plays an aggressive game, but also has ability with the ball. The youngest player on the Country team.

12. MARK DALLE CORT – North Queensland Young Guns – Spent his youth split between the Burdekin and Burleigh. Gifted all-round sportsman and capable of playing both in the forwards and out wide at centre. Another player who has shown great improvement in the last 12 months.

13. ROBERT APANUI – Burleigh Bears – One of the hardest and most consistent hitters in the Wizard Cup in recent seasons. Excited to be given a representative opportunity and, interestingly, the only member of the Country starting pack remaining from when it was first announced.

INTERCHANGE

14. DANNY COBURN – Ipswich Jets – A proud Beaudesert boy who continues to give his all for Ipswich, despite unfavourable results. Steady-handed lock who boasts a strong all-round game. One of the most-capped players in Wizard Cup history.

15. BEN LOWE – North QLD Young Guns – Tall forward with good foot speed who has had recent trouble with suspension. The younger brother of South Sydney prop Jaiman Lowe, he put his hand up as a replacement after a spate of withdrawals for Country.

16. EDDIE HARRISON – Tweed Heads Seagulls – Relishing the chance to play in the back-row this season, after toiling at prop in recent seasons. Tweed Heads’ most-capped Wizard Cup player and a former Australian Schoolboys representative.

17. TIM MACCAN – Tweed Heads Seagulls – Former Penrith lower-grader who has had an impact on the Wizard Cup since returning to his roots at Tweed. Can dominate a game when on-song, but will have to share playmaking duties with McConnell.

COACH: STEVE MURPHY – Tweed Heads Seagulls – Has gained great respect in coaching circles for building a strong Tweed Heads squad over a number of seasons. Demands intensity and smart thinking from his players.


XXXX QUEENSLAND CITY

1. RYAN CULLEN – Redcliffe Dolphins – Scored three tries in last year’s City Country match and was denied two more. Was recently invited to train with the Brisbane Broncos. After suffering an ankle injury early in the season, is yet to regain his top form. Originally hails from Mount Isa.

2. ALWYN SIMPSON – Redcliffe Dolphins – Simpson has enjoyed a well-traveled career at just 22, playing for a wide variety of senior and junior clubs. Had a chance to improve his development with the Wests Tigers last season and has shown the benefits.

3. JACKSON NICOLAU – Norths Devils – The youngest player from either side, still just 18-years-old. Tipped for a big future and capable of playing a number of positions. The rangy talent has good strength and is an accurate goal-kicker.

4. JIM AHMAT – Wynnum Manly Seagulls – Fresh from celebrating his 100th game with Wynnum, Ahmat has a chance to show a wider audience his wares. The former North Queensland Cowboy has been a valued representative performer in recent seasons and should enjoy the move to centre.

5. SIMON PHILLIPS – Wynnum Manly Seagulls – An electric talent on his day and the leading Wizard Cup try-scorer in 2005. Grew up in Mackay and was in the NQ Cowboys development system for several years. Has a good combination with Ahmat.

6. BRANDON COSTIN – Souths Logan Magpies – Played strongly for City last year and has been a standout performer for Souths Logan. His knowledge of the game keeps him a step ahead of most others, but he can still get physical when needed.

7. LUKE BRANIGHAN – Easts Tigers – Briefly tasted the NRL with several Sydney clubs. Boasts a rich pedigree in rugby league, with his father and uncle enjoying first grade careers. A good passer who also has one of the best kicking games seen at Wizard Cup level.

8. TROY LINDSAY – Redcliffe Dolphins – Old warhorse who keeps getting better with age. Trains tirelessly and enjoys the big clashes. Owns the record for the most games by anyone in the Wizard Cup.

9. MICHAEL ROBERTS – Redcliffe Dolphins – A multiple award-winner, Roberts has played both hooker and halfback this season. His dummy-half skills have progressed markedly in the past 12 months and he can blitz teams when running hot.

10. SCOTT ANDERSON – Norths Devils – Touted for a big future in the game and will want to dominate in this game to force his way into the frame for the Melbourne Storm. Has had a tough run with back injury this year but is starting to string a few games together.

11. AARON BULOW – Norths Devils – A favourite of coaches for his enthusiastic attitude and unrelenting workrate. Has been in the Wizard Cup from a young age, a go-getter who excels in most pursuits. Hits hard in defence and can cover ground quickly.

12. ADAM BLAIR – Norths Devils – Just 20 but boasting good leadership qualities. After initially finding the transition from junior to senior football challenging, he has really kicked on in the past year. Another Wavell high product linked to the Melbourne Storm

13. ANTHONY BOYD – Norths Devils – A formed Parramatta lower grader now considered one of the most consistent and well-rounded players in the Wizard Cup. Can hurt teams with his running game, but also a good handler of the ball. Sets a good example for teammates with whole-hearted performances.

INTERCHANGE

14. ADAM STARR – Redcliffe Dolphins – Towering forward who has experience in Sydney and abroad. With good speed for a big man Starr takes a lot to stop in his tracks. Because of his height he can also get his arms free for offloads, finding the likes of Roberts sniffing around the ruck.

15. DANNY BURKE – Redcliffe Dolphins – A one-time Brisbane Broncos prospect who has been a linchpin in the Redcliffe pack for several years now. Powerfully built and capable of taking it to much bigger opponents.

16. MATT LOCKYER – Easts Tigers – Another player who is as quick between the ears as he is with his feet. Knows how to exploit a gap and sets up teammates wonderfully. Able to play anywhere from the back-row to fullback.

17. PAT GARDNER – Redcliffe Dolphins – A late addition to the City squad, Gardner is a big man who will add to a sizeable weight advantage for his side. Moved from Norths to Redcliffe this year aiming for a premiership and has been a fantastic acquisition for the peninsula club.

COACH: KEVIN WALTERS – Aiming to progress his coaching career, Walters fills the same position which Mal Meninga occupied in 2005. A former international and Queensland Origin legend who coached Toowoomba to a premiership in 2001.

[RHINO]

never really pictured muckert as a prop

[Jordan]

Country will **** it in.

[Thommo]

never really pictured muckert as a prop

never really pictured him as football player :toofunny:

[Jordan]

How wrong was I...eh..

XXXX CITY 22 (Jackson Nicolau 2, Adam Starr, Matt Lockyer tries; Luke Branighan 3 goals) d XXXX COUNTRY 18 (Trent Purdon 2, Jordan Atkins tries; Nat Barnes 3 goals) at Cloncurry Showgrounds. Referee: Michael Wise. Halftime: City 16-12. Crowd: 3000.

[Granty]

http://www.qrl.com.au/display.php?pg_id=1934

City Survives Nail-Biter

INJURY-ravaged XXXX City has held on for a thrilling 22-18 win against XXXX Country at Cloncurry Showgrounds in a brilliant exhibition for the standard of the QLD Wizard Cup.

With game-ending knee injuries to Anthony Boyd and Pat Gardner, and teammates feeling the pinch, City clung on to a slender 16-12 halftime lead in front of a crowd of 3000 spectators.

Although Matt Lockyer scored first after the break to extend City’s advantage to 22-12, the match reached fever-pitch when Country winger Trent Purdon posted his second try 15 minutes from fulltime.

Separated by just four points, Kevin Walters’ troops were forced to dig deep in a tense finale, repelling several attacking raids by a Country side boasting NRL-experienced Leon Bott, Shane Muspratt and Jason Barsley.

“It was like the good old days. A couple of injuries didn’t help our resources and everyone was stretched thin and had to play longer than usual,” said the victorious Walters.

“I think that added to the spectacle and character of the match.”

Certainly the Cloncurry community appeared to be appreciative. Not only did fans stream through the gates, they flocked to a series of events in the lead-up to the game, including school clinics and a Sportsman’s Dinner.

Players from both sides were taken aback by the number of photo and autograph requests, with the town organising a community breakfast at 8.30am the morning after the match.

There was also a true taste of the Outback, as the squads visited the John Flynn Royal Flying Doctors Service Memorial and the Ernest Henry gold mine.

“This has done wonders for western rugby league to have this event out here,” Cloncurry councillor and event organiser Graeme Lemmon said.

“People have been bursting for it. It’s got all the juniors interested and the local people excited about rugby league. There’s only 3500 to 4000 people living in the town of Cloncurry and we had 3000 here today.

“I’ve been involved in rugby league for 15 years or so and I know personally, this has done my heart the world of good. It’s just like a fairytale. It’s been a terrific week.

“We recognise we’re only a remote country town and to us this is just brilliant.”

One player to impress in particular was City hooker Michael Roberts, a Redcliffe school teacher who curiously enough played junior football in Mackay.

Roberts was named Man of the Match after a tireless and incisive display, adding to credentials that have seen him twice awarded the QANTAS Player of the Year. In 2006 he is again one of the leaders in voting for the coveted mantle.

Recently turned 27, Roberts may have missed his opportunity at the NRL, but has been training with the Brisbane Broncos and is a front-runner for Queensland Residents selection.

Queensland Residents will be named Monday, set to face New South Wales Residents as the main curtain-raiser to State of Origin III in Melbourne.

City has now won the annual exchange against Country three years in succession.

XXXX CITY 22 (Jackson Nicolau 2, Adam Starr, Matt Lockyer tries; Luke Branighan 3 goals) d XXXX COUNTRY 18 (Trent Purdon 2, Jordan Atkins tries; Nat Barnes 3 goals) at Cloncurry Showgrounds. Referee: Michael Wise. Halftime: City 16-12. Crowd: 3000.

[Stido]

Anyone go to he game???????? How did all our boys go????????