Brutal contest on the cards when first Queensland NRC derby takes place at Ballymore

A RETURN to old fashioned, head-on, brute force and passion will characterise Sunday’s inaugural Queensland derby in the NRC.

Captains for City V's Country Rugby Union, L to R, David McDuling, Brisbane City, lock and Greg Holmes, QLD Country, Tight head prop, it's the annual trophy played for between City and Country - Photo Steve Pohlner

A return to old fashioned, head-on, brute force and passion will characterise Sunday’s inaugural battle for the Andy Purcell Cup at Ballymore.

The winning captain of the first meeting between neighbouring National Rugby Championship sides Brisbane City and Queensland Country will raise the Cup, named after the late QRU life member who graced the game with more than 50 years of service - first as a player, then a referee, a coach and also as an administrator.

City-Country clashes were a regular feature of the landscape more than two decades ago.

Professional rugby saw those representative games downgraded but now City coach Nick Stiles expects the new competition will reignite their rivalry.

“There’s nothing like a grudge match,” he said.

“I came through an era at the Reds when we always had a chip on our shoulders coming up against the (NSW) Waratahs.

“This will be similar.

“Country will turn up with a lot to prove and it could be brutal.”

Reds and Country prop Greg Holmes said the game would represent more than just a local derby.

“We’ve tried to talk about this as much as we can, we’re aware of the heritage,” he said.

“There’s always a bit of sledging between mates and we usually play better against guys we know.”

Originally published as Brutal contest on the cards when first Queensland NRC derby takes place at Ballymore