DUO PREPARES FOR NEW TEST
Rugby stars eye title in Hong Kong
RUGBY: Dynamic duo Chloe Cocks and Alex McDonald are preparing to take on some of the world’s best young rugby sevens talent.
The Toowoomba pair, who play for Brisbane’s Tribe 7s club, head to Hong Kong at the end of the month for the Sai Kung Stingrays’ All Girls Rugby Tournament.
Cocks will draw on previous “international” experience having represented Tribe 7s at similar tournament in Paris last year.
“Playing for Tribe in Paris was a great experience – it gave me a lot of confidence,” Cocks said.
“I’m really looking forward to Hong Kong, playing rugby and enjoying the culture and all the sights.”
Cocks, who won the Paris tournament alongside fellow Toowoomba rugby product Holly Anlezark, is hoping her current team enjoys more success.
“Hopefully we can come home with another win,” she said.
“I think there are teams from 16 different countries involved – it’s a challenge having to adapt to the different styles of play but it’s also fun.
“I know Renegades from the Gold Coast are sending a team, they’re one of our rivals so I’ll be looking forward to that game if we get to play them.”
Returning to sevens rugby after a year away from the game, Alex McDonald is looking forward to facing, and hopefully beating, her opposition.
“I played league last season but I’m really enjoying being back in rugby,” she said.
“I love the intensity, the halves are short and there’s never a dull moment in rugby.
“I can’t wait to get over there (Hong Kong) to play some games – this will be the first time I’ve been involved in something like this.
“Hopefully we can bring back a trophy – I’d love that.”
Adding to the pair’s chances will be the new-found confidence and skills they have developed in recent weeks.
On top of busy rugby schedules, which included state rep games, the pair have been playing rugby tens.
Cocks and McDonald said while slower and slightly more technical the game has introduced them to the more physical aspects.
Adapting to the demands of needing to tackle more, the pair said they are more confident during “contact”.