Wallabys and Chargers Renew Rivalry

By Rex Zeeman / QRL Central Division

FOR the third straight year Wallabys and CQU Norths will contest the grand final in the coveted Central Queensland Extended League. 

The teams met just two weeks ago in the major semi-final at Browne Park, with Wallabys running out comfortable 28-18 winners. 

However, the Chargers showed signs of improvement in that match, particularly in the second half, and further improvement was evident last Sunday when they knocked off Rockhampton Brothers to advance to today’s premiership decider. 

CQU Norths big guns Guy Williams, Todd Titmus, Kane Hardy, Brad Toby, Anthony Toby and James Waterton all rose to the occasion against the Brethren last weekend and will need to do so again if the Chargers are to retain the premiership trophy. 

Hardy in particular was tireless in his efforts, while Williams gave the team that much-needed direction around the park. 

Skipper Waterton is inspirational for the Chargers and a lot will depend on how he performs on Sunday. 

On the other hand, Wallabys have had the week off and should be fresh and rearing to go. 

Aaron Farrar’s team played a near faultless first half against the Chargers 2 weeks ago and was then able to resist the Chargers’ second half comeback. 

No doubt Farrar will be looking for more of the same from his troops and will lead by example, as usual. 

The experience of Garry Brown, Matt Rogers, Ron Craig and Graeme Warde should stand Wallabys in good stead. 

Craig was outstanding in the semi-final and will need to be watched closely by the Chargers, as will halfback Matt Baker and centre Chris Butler. 

This will be a tight, hard battle and the home ground advantage might give Wallabys the edge. 

No doubt Farrar still remembers 2004 when his beloved Wallabys triumphed over CQU Norths at Marley Brown but he was unable to play due to suspension. 

He’d love nothing more than to be on the park at full-time in front of his home crowd and the scoreboard showing a Wallabys’ win!

CQ EXTENDED LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 

Wallabys
1. Ashley Dodd  2. James Maroske  3. Chris Butler  4. Dan Gourley  5. Alf Gudgeon  6. Ron Craig (c)  7. Matt Baker  8. Aaron Farrar  9. Garry Brown  10. Matt Rogers  11. Glenn Forster  12. Graeme Warde  13. Dan Beahan  14. Dan Kerr  15. Sheldon Row Row  16. Ray Kaestner  17. Craig Bebendorf.  Coach: Aaron Farrar/Brad Richardson.

CQU Norths
1. Ben Toby  2. Levi Knickel  3. James Waterton (c)  4. Che Anderson  5. Hayden Carige  6. Anthony Toby  7. Guy Williams  8. Brad Toby  9. Terry Benson  10. Dennis Britten  11. Todd Titmus  12. Troy Murphy  13. Kane Hardy  14. Justin Miller  15. Shaun Johnson  16. Travis Stanton  17. Toko Heke  18. Matt Jarvis  19. Dean Rothery (2 to be omitted).  Coach: Michael White.