Coast trio earn Heelers opportunity
THREE Gold Coasters will strive to demonstrate what Queensland country rugby is all about this month.
Centre Jesse Mcgilvary (Surfers Paradise) has retained his place in the Queensland Country Heelers representative side, while forwards Steven Finigan (Helensvale) and Mitch Planten (Palm Beach Currumbin) were also chosen.
The Heelers play their first match on June 25 against the Queensland Premier Rugby President’s XV at Ballymore.
That task will be followed by a clash with the tough North Canterbury side from New Zealand on June 28 at Ballymore and the prize July 1 showdown against bitter rivals NSW Country in Newcastle.
Heelers coach Rob Johnson said backing up their 29-27 win over NSW Country last year was the ultimate goal, while the clash against the select premier rugby side would present a golden chance.
“We’d love to beat them but it’s more about probably showing what Queensland country rugby is about,” Johnson, from the Darling Downs, said.
“We’re proud, we come together and we’re pretty tightknit because we’re all from the country.”
South Queensland players fill 17 of the 25 squad spots after dominating the Country Championships in Bundaberg last weekend.