BRONCOS KEEN FOR WARWICK
Big names announced for Broncos’ Downs visit
RUGBY LEAGUE: As Warwick prepares for its first taste of NRL action on February 16, more big names are being included in the weekend’s festivities.
State Of Origin hooker Andrew McCullough, Tevita Pangai Jr and Matthew Lodge, along with new coach Anthony Siebold, will kick off the events at a sportsman’s dinner next Friday night, before taking a junior player clinic the following day.
Broncos CEO Paul White said the club couldn’t contain its excitement to get into town and promote the game to the people of Warwick and surrounds.
“I’ll be attending the game with the board of the Brisbane Broncos,” White said.
“It’s a good opportunity to promote rugby league to a town south-west of Brisbane, and we love taking this trial to regional areas.
“It’s a special thing for Warwick in being able to put finances into junior and senior clubs, as well as kids having the chance to meet the players at clinics.
“Kids are invited from surrounding areas and we hope families come in and attend to help kick off the league season.
“We had great success with this game in Theodore last year, and I’m sure Warwick will be exactly the same.”
The Broncos will be bringing a 23-man squad to the Downs for their clash with Souths Logan Magpies at Father Ranger Oval, in what will serve as coach Anthony Siebold’s first game at the helm.
A number of young players will feature in the trial, including Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Tom Flegler, Izaia Perese and new signing Ilikena Vudogo.
“These players are representative class of the future, particularly Haas, Carrigan and Flegler, who will form the cornerstone of our forward pack in the future,” White said.
“We always play young blokes in this game, and for a lot it’s the first time they get a game in the Broncos colours.
“Last year in Theodore we had Kotoni Staggs, David Fifita and Payne Haas play, who went on to play first grade during the year.”
In the lead-up to the historic clash, a number of Broncos stars will get up close and personal with fans at a sportsman’s dinner on February 15.
McCullough, Pangai Jr, Lodge and Siebold will all speak at the event.
“It’s the first time Anthony Siebold will speak in one of those situations as Broncos coach,” Warwick Cowboys Agrade coach Matt Grew said.
“Andrew McCullough played his junior footy in Dalby and school footy with the Darling Downs, and still has strong ties to the TRL country rugby league in this area.”
Tickets are $125 and include a two-course meal and drinks package. To book, contact the Warwick Cowboys Facebook page.