XXXX Queensland Residents coach Aaron Zimmerle says performances in the next two rounds of the Intrust Super Cup will hold considerable weight at the selection table ahead of next month’s annual representative clash against NSW.
Zimmerle’s message comes as the Queensland Rugby League today confirmed Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park, as the venue for the May 8 clash.
The game will be televised live across the Nine Network and will form part of a bumper three-match program featuring the state finals of the prestigious Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cups.
Zimmerle is eager to see who puts their hand up for selection over the next few weeks.
“The squad isn’t selected yet,” Zimmerle told QRL TV.
“There’s been some teams that have been dominant, there’s been players who have started the season really well.
“Those people have put their names forward and would be at the top of the list. But you probably have the next two weeks if you wanted to be someone that was in real contention for the side. You need to go out there and perform.
“One of the key performance things that we look for I guess is a consistency of effort.
“There’s always going to be highlights and I think a lot of players fall into the trap (of thinking) that this single play was special.
“What we’re probably looking more for though is that consistency of repeated effort, because we just know that the team we’re going to play against is going to challenge us for 80 minutes.’’
Zimmerle expects another tough encounter against the Intrust Super Premiership NSW Residents, who pushed Queensland all the way last year before succumbing 36-32.
As much as Zimmerle would dearly love to chalk up a third-straight win this year, the Tweed Heads club coach hasn’t lost sight of the bigger picture.
Players involved in the 2015 clash who have gone on to play in the NRL either last year or this year include Kyle Feldt, Javid Bowen, Mitchell Frei, Ben Spina and Matt Parcell.
“It’s twofold … for some it will be the pinnacle of their career, for others it’s a stepping stone to the next level,” Zimmerle said.
“I’m super proud of all these guys who have graduated on to the NRL. I think there’s some others like Rod Griffin and Cameron Cullen who are on the cusp of that as well.
“What you hope is that by being challenged by a slightly higher level, whether it’s speed or intensity, it just brings out the best in the players.”
Zimmerle is calling on Intrust Super Cup fans and those who just love watching the intensity of a Queensland versus NSW clash to pack out Langlands Park.
“Last year was excellent,” he said.
“I can remember some of the passionate supporters in the stand sharing a little bit of coaching advice to me when we dropped behind at one stage.
“But the fans in the stand were good enough to cheer us on when we won as well.”
