Samu Kerevi ruled out of Brisbane City’s NRC grand final clash against Perth Spirit
BRISBANE City’s attacking firepower has taken a hit with bulldozing centre Samu Kerevi ruled out of the Buildcorp NRC grand final on Saturday night.
BRISBANE City’s attacking firepower has taken a hit with bulldozing centre Samu Kerevi ruled out of the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship final at Ballymore on Saturday night.
The 106kg linebreaker has succumbed to a thigh muscle injury ahead of the trophy showdown against Perth Spirit.
Kerevi has been replaced by Jack Mullins, halfback in Easts’ 2013 premiership side and a mighty mite by comparison.
Mullins showed his utility value at inside centre as the opening tryscorer in Brisbane’s win over Canberra Vikings at Suncorp Stadium two weeks ago. Playing beside Easts centre and clubmate Toby White, an eye-catching performer throughout the NRC, is the plus to their partnership.
WHO SCORED THE BEST TRY OF THE NRC? WATCH AND VOTE
Seven players with Super Rugby experience will still give Brisbane City a big shot on Saturday, especially with the bang of an all-Reds backrow in Liam Gill, Jake Schatz and Curtis Browning.
“Our back row was outstanding in the semi-final. We were able to stop the NSW Country flow on numerous occasions so having those guys starting for us again will be a massive factor,” Brisbane coach Nick Stiles said.
While Kerevi’s absence is disappointing, Stiles said there was still plenty to like about the side contesting the final.
“Samu has had a strong presence for City all season but this side has made its way to the final through the collective efforts of the entire squad and depth has been one of our strongest assets,” Stiles said.
BRISBANE CITY SKIPPER A POSTER BOY FOR NRC SUCCESS
“Jack Mullins has a lot of experience in Premier Rugby having captained Easts to a title in 2013. He has played inside centre for us previously and played well.
“The key for us this weekend is our attitude. We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve worked hard and earned a home grand final.
“The guys are proud of that.”
Attacking trigger and halfback Nick Frisby has overcome a lower back complaint suffered in the NRC semi-final.
Out wide, Perth Spirit have a clear edge on paper with former Wallabies winger Luke Morahan and fullback Dane Haylett-Petty boasting superior experience.
Perth will field nine Force regulars, including starch in the front-row through prop Pek Cowan and the lineout-winning supply line from captain Sam Wykes.
Upsetting Melbourne Rising 45-29 in the semi-final last weekend spoke volumes for the line speed and defensive effort that the Spirit have taken from their Western Force cousins.
“A lot of hard work and commitment has gone into this season and we’re very excited to contest the inaugural NRC grand final this Saturday,” Perth coach Kevin Foote said.
“Our effort last week against the Rising was outstanding and we know we will need to match that this week.
“Brisbane City has a number of strong ballrunners and will be physical at the breakdown and strong at set-piece.
“This competition has allowed us to expose 42 Perth-based players, including 25 outside of the Force senior squad, to high-level rugby.
“It has broadened our playing base in Western Australia as well as allowing us to continue to build our Super Rugby program.
“This is a big occasion and the boys are looking forward to getting out there.”
Saturday’s final will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 3 and 3HD from 7.30pm AEDT (6.30pm in Queensland).
NRC GRAND FINAL TEAMS
Brisbane City (1-15): Pettowa Paraka, Andrew Ready, Sef Faagase, Marco Kotze, Dave McDuling, Curtis Browning, Liam Gill, Jake Schatz, Nick Frisby, Jake McIntyre, Matt Feaunati, Jack Mullins, Toby White, Chris Kuridrani, Brando Va’aulu.
Reserves: Matt Mafi, David Feaom Phil Kite, Tim Buchanan, Adam Korczyk, Will Thompson, James Dalgleish, Junior Laloifi.
Perth Spirit (1-15): Pek Cowan, Robbie Abel, Oliver Hoskins, Sam Wykes, Brent Murphy, Brynard Stander, Kane Koteka, Alex Rovira, Ian Prior, Zack Holmes, Marcel Brache, Ammon Matuauto, Solomoni Rasolea, Luke Morahan, Dane Haylett-Petty.
Reserves: Harry Scoble, Joe Savage, Chris Heiberg, Kieran Stringer, Richard Hardwick, Justin Turner, Davis Tavita, Christian Joubert.
Originally published as Samu Kerevi ruled out of Brisbane City’s NRC grand final clash against Perth Spirit
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