FORMER Redcliffe Dolphins’ head coach Gary O’Brien will take the reins of the Queensland Universities team when they take on their NSW counterparts in May.
Applications for the Queensland Universities team are open to university and tertiary students, with just one week left until the application closing date of Friday, March 20.
Applications for the team can be made here:
The Queensland Universities team, that has alumni members of the calibre of Lote Tuqiri, will play the NSW Tertiary team in Sydney on May 2.
That is the annual representative weekend, with the Intrust Super Cup and associated competitions on a bye week for the annual interstate Residents game.
From that match an Australian Universities team to tour overseas in October will be chosen.
O’Brien, who was coach of the Redcliffe Dolphins in 2008-09, follows in the footsteps of former coaches such as ex-Cowboys NRL coach Murray Hurst, former Test player and State League coach Darren Smith, and current Norths Devils Intrust Super Cup coach Mark Gliddon.
Universities Rugby League Queensland chairman Martin Unicomb said the URLQ was pleased to appoint a coach of the calibre of O’Brien.
“Gary is a well-credentialled coach who has had success at Intrust Super Cup level,” said Unicomb.
“The Queensland Universities team has had a great recent record which has translated into players making the Australian team that won the last Student World Cup in England.
“We know Gary’s input will add to that proud history.”
To be eligible for the Queensland side, players must be completing full-time tertiary education within any Queensland University, TAFE or recognised College or Tertiary institution.
All applicants must be completing a diploma level course or higher or working towards a University Degree.
Included in your commitment to this team will be a camp that will be based in Brisbane and run from the morning of Tuesday, April 28, until Friday May 1 prior to travelling to Sydney May 1-3.
The camp will be highly subsidised by the URLQ but a levy of between $1000-1200 per player will be payable.
This will include all meals, accommodation, flights and team apparel for the camp.
For queries or further information on either team, contact URLQ chairman Martin Unicomb at m.unicomb@griffith.edu.au
