Downs to defend title
Selectors set to name 2018 squad
RUGBY UNION: Selectors are poised to introduce some exciting new blood to the Darling Downs ranks for its South Queensland Championship defence in eight days time.
Darling Downs, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast resume their annual championship battle on Friday week when the triangular tournament kicks off at Dalby’s John Ritter Oval.
Downs and Sunshine Coast launch the tournament when they meet in the Friday night match.
The Gold and Sunshine Coast clash on Saturday afternoon with Downs facing Gold Coast in the Sunday 3pm match.
Downs reclaimed the South Queensland title last May with a thrilling 15-13 win over Sunshine Coast at Noosa.
The squad has undergone some key personnel changes for 2018 but kicked off its year in good style with a 55-3 win over Central Queensland in their annual Cattleman’s Cup clash at Highfields in March.
Eight Downs open squad newcomers were part of that successful 23-man line-up.
Selectors will now be sweating on those players being given a clean bill of health ahead of their likely championship call up.
Downs Rugby general manager Mitch Simpson said selectors were now putting the finishing touches on the final squad.
“There are just a few things to finalise regarding injuries and player availability but the squad will be announced possibly by the end of the week,” Simpson said.
Meanwhile Darling Downs Colts selectors have announced a 25-player squad for
next weekend’s under-19 championship being played at Dalby in unison with the open championship.
The final line-up will be confirmed following this weekend’s round of Risdon Cup fixtures.
■ THE Darling Downs over-35 Barbarians’ squad to face the Classic Wallabies will also be announced this week.
The exhibition match will be played on Sunday, June 10 at Gold Park.
Paul Hanna has been named Barbarians’ captain.