The Gold Training Titans under-20s will have three players run out onto Suncorp Stadium before a big crowd next Wednesday as a curtain-raiser to the State of Origin decider.
Prop Oshae Tuiasau (pictured) and hooker/five-eighth Karl Lawton have been selected on the interchange bench in the Queensland under-20s State of Origin side while winger/fullback Brian Kelly will play on the wing for the NSW team.
Lawton has played the past two rounds for Tweed Heads in the Intrust Super Cup while Kelly has been sidelined with a knee injury since round 13.
Under-20s side Ben Woolf said their selections were worthy recognition of his team’s effort and the individual contributions of the three, who have each had to overcome some setbacks.
“I think it reflects that even though we have only won four games we are performing better than results suggest,” said Woolf.
“The boys have really hung in there in many games and their spirits were lifted by beating fourth-placed Sydney Roosters on Sunday. Now to have three of the guys chosen to play as a State of Origin curtain-raiser is good recognition for their efforts.
“Karl only came into the team on a trial-and-train contract nearly halfway through last season but has impressed enough to earn an NRL contract for the next two seasons and now gain selection in the Queensland team.
“Oshea missed the second half of last season with a medial ligament injury and several weeks this year with an ankle injury and has only been back for three games, so this is a reward for his hard work and form in the past few weeks.
“And Brian would have only been fit this weekend to return after being out for three weeks with a knee injury after crashing into the fence at Leichhardt Oval. So his selection is shows what they think of his ability.
“The development of these three players over the past two seasons is a good endorsement of our development system and will give others plenty of encouragement. ”
The trio will go into camp on Friday.
Queensland under-20s:
1. Paul Byrnes |
Brisbane Broncos |
2. Gideon Mosby-Gela |
North Queensland Cowboys |
3. Jordan Drew |
Brisbane Broncos |
4. Marion Seve |
West Tigers |
5. Conor Carey |
North Queensland Cowboys |
6. Jayden Nikorima |
Brisbane Broncos |
7. Ashley Taylor |
Brisbane Broncos |
8. George Fai |
Brisbane Broncos |
9. Jayden Berrell |
Brisbane Broncos |
10. Lindsay Collins |
Brisbane Broncos |
11. Coen Hess |
North Queensland Cowboys |
12. Alex Barr |
Brisbane Broncos |
13. Jai Arrow |
Brisbane Broncos |
14. Karl Lawton |
Gold Coast Titans |
15. Luke Bateman |
Canberra Raiders |
16. Sam Lavea |
Brisbane Broncos |
17. Oshae Tuiasau |
Gold Coast Titans |
18. Andrew Niemoeller |
North Queensland Cowboys |
Coach: Kurt Wrigley |
|
NSW under-20s:
1. Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters)
2. Brian Kelly (Gold Coast)
3. John Olive (South Sydney)
4. Robert Jennings (Penrith)
5. Brent Naden (Penrith)
6. Jackson Hastings (Sydney Roosters)
7. Drew Hutchison (St George Illawarra)
8. Alex Twal (Parramatta)
9. Grant Garvey (Sydney Roosters)
10. Liam Knight (Manly)
11. Joe Stimson (Melbourne)
12. Tyrell Fuimaono (Parramatta)
13. Luke Yates (Newcastle)
14. Jacob Liddle (Wests Tigers)
15. Oliver Clarke (Penrith)
16. Addison Demetriou (Manly)
17. Hame Sele (St George Illawarra)
18. Matt Woods (Wests Tigers)
Coach: Dean Pay
