Paia’aua leads the way for Country
DUNCAN Paia’aua has retained the Queensland Country captaincy as the National Rugby Championship side aims to repeat their 2017 title success.
“Duncan has been a proven performer for Country over the last few seasons,” coach Rod Seib said of the centre, who was named man of the match in their grand final win over Canberra last November.
“He’ll have an important role to play again this season and with the nucleus of last year’s squad still remaining, it made sense to keep some consistency and stability in the leadership roles.
“With another season of Super Rugby under his belt, Duncan will have a lot to offer the group and will be a good mentor for some of the younger players coming into their first season of NRC.”
Bond University’s Hamish Stewart has been named as a vice-captain along with Liam Wright.
“Liam has been tested as a captain within the Queensland under-20s and captained the side in Fiji last year, while Hamish will be an important voice on the field for us directing the game from flyhalf,” Seib said.
Queensland Country play their first game on Saturday against Canberra in the ACT.
The Western Force will make their return to full-blown domestic rugby in the NRC, having replaced the Perth Spirit in the eight-team competition.
It comes after the Force were axed from Super Rugby at the end of last season and thrust into exhibition matches against Asia-Pacific teams.