Squads announced for Under 17 City and Country extravaganza

Queensland Rugby League will this week facilitate a unique development opportunity for some of the state’s leading under 17 male and female players.

As part of the QRL’s talent identification program, selectors have canvased the talent on show in junior statewide competitions to confirm the list of players who will represent City and Country in two matches at Totally Workwear Stadium this Saturday.

Both the boys and girls games will provide aspirational players with the opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition, while also experiencing the intensity of representative rugby league.

A major focus will also be placed on what it takes to succeed in the high performance environment, with squad members able to learn from a number of guest speakers covering topics like nutrition and wellbeing.

Former Queensland players Tahnee Norris, Meg Ward, Veronica White, Annette Brander, Darius Boyd, Matt Gillett, Matt Ballin and Andrew McCullough will share their immense rugby league knowledge and insight into their Origin experiences.

All Queensland eligible players were considered for selection, however players involved in this weekend’s Cyril Connell Cup and Harvey Norman Under 19 grand finals were not available for City or Country team selection due to their club commitments.

The City and Country teams will enter camp in Brisbane on Wednesday to begin preparations under the guidance of their respective head coaches.

Rob Tanielu will coach the City boys team, while Duane Carpenter will prepare the Country line up.

In the girls’ match, Ana Fotu (City) and Jo Kerr (Country) will work alongside some of the state’s most promising players.

The girls’ City versus Country match kicks off Saturday’s game-day program at Totally Workwear Stadium.

The Cyril Connell Cup and Harvey Norman Under 19 grand finals will follow the City v Country games, with the BMD Premiership match between the Brisbane Tigers and Tweed Seagulls to round out a massive day for rugby league fans.

Queensland Under 17 City boys

Mace Andrew - Souths Logan Magpies
Fa'apale Feaunati - Souths Logan Magpies
Kobi Floro - Brisbane Tigers
Seth Gundry - Burleigh Bears
Jared Horne - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Kilarney Lavender - Burleigh Bears
Adaquix Luke - Souths Logan Magpies
Nelson Makaafi - Tweed Seagulls
Sam Martin - Souths Logan Magpies
Marley McLaren - Burleigh Bears
Tom Parker - Souths Logan Magpies
Oliver Patterson - Norths Devils
Siosaia Poese - Souths Logan Magpies
Ronnic Starkey - Souths Logan Magpies
Taylan Toa - Wynnum Manly Seagulls
Joseph Tupuse - Souths Logan Magpies
Hayden Watson - Burleigh Bears
Cooper Young - Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Queensland Under 17 Country boys

Zac Bateman - Central Queensland Capras
Harrison Braithwaite - Wide Bay Bulls
Charlie Coates - Sunshine Coast Falcons
Shaun Elara - Western Clydesdales
Declan Grady - Mackay Cutters
Brodie Hilt - Western Clydesdales
Cohen Jackson - Mackay Cutters
Finn Kendell - Ipswich Jets
Jackson Koina - Sunshine Coast Falcons
Joseph Litidamu - Western Clydesdales
Elijah McKay - Central Queensland Capras
Harrison Meilland - Central Queensland Capras
Tyler Melrose - Central Queensland Capras
Christian Mikaele - Ipswich Jets
Cayde Miller - Northern Pride
Mark Morrow - Mackay Cutters
Braithen Scott - Western Clydesdales
Xzavier Timoteo - Ipswich Jets

Queensland Under 17 City girls

Saskia Croyston - Tweed Seagulls
Enah Desic - Brisbane Tigers
Sky-Yvette Faimalie - Brisbane Tigers
Lilianah Lewis - Souths Logan Magpies
Torah Luadaka - Tweed Seagulls
Janique Mili - Souths Logan Magpies
Amanii Misa - Souths Logan Magpies
Sharlene Lilliana Nati - Redcliffe Dolphins
Nikeisha Ngaru - Souths Logan Magpies
Raewyn Olomalii - Redcliffe Dolphins
Deleni Paitai - Redcliffe Dolphins
Keira Rangi - Redcliffe Dolphins
Shalom Sauaso - Redcliffe Dolphins
Easter Taualai - Norths Devils
Sienna Trew - Souths Logan Magpies
Danielle-Elizabeth Tutakangahau - Souths Logan Magpies
Lishainah Ulugia - Brisbane Tigers
Harlem Walker - Redcliffe Dolphins

Queensland Under 17 Country girls

Mia Byrnes - Western Clydesdales
Jakaia-Lee Collett - Townsville Blackhawks
Jessica Cross - Norths Devils
Makayla Elliott - Sunshine Coast Falcons
Macey Evans - Central Queensland Capras
Cianna Faulkner - Mackay Cutters
Pypah Ferguson - Western Clydesdales
Shakina Godbee - Wide Bay Bulls
Tayla Horrobin - Western Clydesdales
Sifa Leapai - Ipswich Jets
Vaitafao-Gisele Masun-Feleti - Ipswich Jets
Jaeda Morato - Northern Pride
Ayslinn Pollock - Sunshine Coast Falcons
Zoe Robson - Central Queensland Capras
Elishama Suavai - Northern Pride
Pauline To’o - Ipswich Jets
Evoltia Tuala - Townsville Blackhawks
Chanelle Williams - Central Queensland Capras

The two games will be available live and free at Qplus.tv.