THURSTO READY FOR TEST
AFTER missing last season’s Four Nations tournament, Cowboys co- captain Johnathan Thurston will return to national duties on Friday when Australia take on New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Thurston is showing some of the best form of his brilliant career, helping the Cowboys to five consecutive wins.
THE fearless attitude that has stood Townsville Blackhawks captain Daniel Beasley in good stead through his team’s Intrust Super Cup surge is set to undergo the ultimate test.
Beasley will make his debut for the Queensland Residents against New South Wales on Sunday, taking his place in a team laden with National Rugby League experience.
While he does not have any first- grade experience himself, Beasley is made for representative football.
He has flourished with the added responsibility of leadership and made his mark in the Blackhawks’ front row, where he has led by example and helped shape the club’s culture.
“That’s the way I like to play the game, going hard up the middle,” Beasley ( above) said.
“I love that part of the game, but this is definitely going to be a huge test.
“These games always have plenty of heat in them and Queensland won it last year, so New South Wales will be pretty fired up.”
Beasley would have liked to see more of his Blackhawks teammates included in Queensland’s team, with Cowboys- contracted centre Kyle Feldt the only other Blackhawk to get a call- up.
Team standouts Ray Thompson and Rhyse Martin have opted to play for Papua New Guinea in Saturday’s Pacific Test against Fiji at Robina, while star recruit Neville Costigan ruled himself out of selection to focus on club duties.
Jahrome Hughes ( toe) and Ricky Thorby ( shoulder) were under injury clouds as selectors chose their Residents team, while Michael Parker- Walshe and Mosese Pangai were unlucky to miss out after their strong club performances.
“Plenty of other blokes on the team warranted selection,” Beasley said.
“But I don’t think you can read too much into it.
‘ It’s a very strong side and I’m honoured to be a part of it, and there’s plenty of NRL experience in both teams.”
Beasley will start at prop, taking his place in the front row alongside fellow prop and Souths Logan Magpies player Mitchell Garbutt.
The ISC has a bye round for the representative weekend, with the Blackhawks hosting the Burleigh Bears for their next game on Saturday week at Jack Manski Oval.