Coast pair add experience for Heelers campaign

QUEENSLAND Country coach Rob Johnson has identified the returns of Gold Coast forwards Steven Finigan and Mitch Planten as being crucial to the Heelers’ upcoming three-match swing.

Having had a year off Heelers duties after previously being involved with the representative rugby squad, the duo will play key roles in a new-look line-up.

Finigan is predominantly a No.8 from the Helensvale Hogs while Planten is a lock from the Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators.

“Mitch and Steve both had a year off so we’re really excited to welcome them back,” Johnson said.

“We’re a really young team. We lost a lot of experience from last year so we are really going to be leaning on Mitch and Steve.”

Joining the pair is incumbent centre Jesse Mcgilvary from the Surfers Paradise side. The Heelers take on the Queensland Premier Rugby president’s XV at Ballymore on Sunday before clashes with North Canterbury on June 28 and NSW Country on July 1.