Anthony Faingaa back from injury to lead Queensland Country in NRC

FORMER Wallaby Anthony Faingaa will make his comeback for Country in Saturday’s Buildcorp National Rugby Championship clash at the Gold Coast.

Reds v Crusaders. Anthony Faingaa tries to break clear. Pic Mark Calleja

FORMER Wallaby Anthony Faingaa will make his comeback from injury for Country in Saturday’s Buildcorp National Rugby Championship clash at the Gold Coast.

The Reds and former Wallabies centre has battled a series of injuries over the past two seasons but has recovered sufficiently to captain the Queensland Country XV in its NRC opener against NSW Country.

The side includes three former Wallabies - Faingaa, prop Greg Holmes and flanker Beau Robinson - while Reds halfback Scott Gale will help steer the side from the scrumbase.

Coach Steve Meehan said while Fainga’a and fellow Reds player Robinson have provided great leadership for the squad, the existing Super Rugby players are feeding off the enthusiasm of newer players heading into Saturday’s match.

“Anthony, assisted by Beau, has provided some great leadership and direction to the squad since the team first came together, and the squad is really starting to build a strong bond,” Meehan said.

1. Haydn Hirsimaki – Sunnybank

2. Ryan Freney – GPS

3. Greg Holmes – Reds/Sunnybank

4. Cameron Bracewell – Bond University

5. Sam Fattal - Easts

6. James Turner – Souths

7. Beau Robinson – Reds/Souths

8. Ben Adams - Sunnybank

9. Scott Gale – Reds WTS/University of Queensland

10. Matt Brandon – Easts

11. Pierce Fitzgerald – Brothers

12. Anthony Faingaa (C) – Reds/GPS

13. Clyton Knox – Brothers

14. Tom Pincus- University of Queensland

15. Todd Winkley – GPS

Reserves

16. Tonga Ma’afu – Norths

17. Kirwan Sanday – Easts

18. Fred Burke – GPS

19. Rubin Fuimaono – Bond University

20. Mitch King – GPS

21. Jack de Guingand – University of Queensland

22. James Tuttle – GPS

23. Campbell Magnay – GPS

Originally published as Anthony Faingaa back from injury to lead Queensland Country in NRC