Srama Rapt With Uni Team

QUEENSLAND selectors have named a powerful line-up ahead of the 2008 Interstate Universities rugby league clash at Wollongong on May 2.

The annual grudge match against the New South Wales University team is to be played as a curtain-raiser to the NSWRL City-Country clash.

The interstate match will also double as a selection trial for an Australian Students side to compete in the 2008 Universities Rugby League World Cup in Brisbane from July 4-16.

Queensland Universities coach Paul Srama is ecstatic with the quality in the squad, declaring the 2008 line-up is easily the strongest throughout his three-year coaching tenure.

"The team is a good blend of youth and experience, with a large number of players having already experienced representative football at various levels,” said Srama.

“The coaching staff are keen to work with such a strong squad knowing the majority of players have had FOGS Cup experience, a handful having played Queensland Cup and the remainder involved in some form of representative football at either junior or senior level."

Having won the Interstate fixture in Brisbane 31-20, competition for positions in the 2008 Queensland's Universities Team was always going to be fierce.

URLQ chairman Martin Unicomb was equally impressed with the 19-man squad.

“Interest in University Rugby League is starting to increase with over 60 quality applications received for this Queensland team,” said Unicomb.

“I am extremely impressed with the quality of the squad, and we encourage the number of talented players that missed selection this time, to re-apply next year.”

Jonathan Crawley, Scott Morton and Chris Maccoll will represent the Maroons for the second consecutive year, while Crawley and Maccoll will be hoping that a strong showing will see them again represent Australia in the Universities World Cup in July.

The Souths Logan Magpies have been rewarded for a solid start to the season, with Brenton Stonier (pictured), Daniel Sleeman, Brogan Gibson and Martin Cordwell all selected.

The University Rugby League South East Queensland competition commences in late April.

For any queries relating to the team, please contact URLQ Chairman Martin Unicomb on 0417 728925.

Queensland

Matt Ross (ACU National)
Michael Cummerford (Central Queensland University)
Brenton Stonier (Central Queensland University)
Matt Francis (Gold Coast Institute of Tafe)
Walter Imo (Griffith University)
Jamie Richters (Griffith University)
Daniel Sleeman (Griffith University)
Brogan Gibson (Griffith University)
Jon Fraser (Griffith University)
Chris Maccoll (Griffith University)
John Crawley (James Cook University)
Matt Church (North Point Institute of Tafe)
Dean Bannerman (Queensland University of Technology)
Dennis Conlon (Queensland University of Technology)
Martin Cordwell Queensland University of Technology)
Eugene Seddon (University of Southern Queensland)
Rob Peters (University of Southern Queensland)
Scott Morton (University of Southern Queensland)
Chris Kaarsberg (University of the Sunshine Coast)

Coach: Paul Srama
Asst Coach: Grant Stephenson
Manager: John Earle
Trainer: Greg Kelly
Trainer: Pat Johnson

March 28 - 2008