Jacks set for Super League challenge
HOCKEY: South West Queensland coach Adam Spry is sticking with his “give everyone a go” motto when his men’s team contests this weekend’s Super League championships.
“I hope they just go out and play their natural game, be willing to make mistakes and back yourself,” the Ipswich-based mentor said.
With a number of young Ipswich and Toowoomba players stepping up over the long weekend in Brisbane, Spry has challenged them to showcase their talents.
“Just show Queensland hockey what they are capable of and show exactly what they can do and cause some problems,” he said.
This year’s SWQ Lumberjacks team features 10 Ipswich competition regulars and eight players playing in the Toowoomba competition.
The side will be led by Ipswich-bred Australian Country captain Chris Mantell, with Toowoomba duo Jarrod Klease and Lachlan Brownhalls voted co-vice captains for the three-day tournament starting Saturday.
In the only change, Ipswich player Trent Davison joins the squad.
Davison replaces Toowoomba’s Craig Smith, who has been forced to withdraw due to work and university commitments.
Although some players only make themselves available for the State Open titles rather than the Super League tournament, Spry is excited about the opportunity for hockey’s next generation.
“It’s a fairly young group with a couple of experienced guys in there,” he said.
“It’s natural attrition I suppose. But we’ll give the young guys a go and see what they are capable of.”