NQ’s local rugby league Team of the Decade, as decided by the readers
The experts have chosen their North Queensland rugby league A grade Team of the Decade and now here’s NQ’s dream team as decided by the readers. Here’s the dream team>>>
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The experts have chosen their North Queensland rugby league A grade Team of the Decade and now here’s NQ’s dream team as decided by the readers.
The list features a who’s who of North Queensland rugby league, including players who have gone on to NRL stardom, and others who played more than 10 years for their respective clubs.
The Townsville Bulletin was inundated with votes after each club in the Townsville and Districts Rugby League competition nominated their respective Team of the Decade.
NORTH QUEENSLAND’S A GRADE TEAM OF THE DECADE, READERS’ CHOICE
FULLBACK: MICHAEL PARKER-WALSHE (Brothers)
WINGER: CALVIN WAIA (Brothers)
CENTRE: TREMAYNE BOWIE (Brothers)
CENTRE: DANIEL PICKERING (Western Lions)
WINGER: KYLE FELDT (Norths)
FIVE-EIGHTH: MATT GROVES (Brothers)
HALFBACK: MITCHELL SERI (Herbert River)
PROP: BRENDAN SERI (Herbert River)
HOOKER: NATHAN NORFORD (Brothers)
PROP: TODD COCKBURN (Herbert River)
SECOND ROW: CHIPPIE KOROSTCHUK (Western Lions)
SECOND ROW: DANIEL GREVSMUHL
LOCK: ROY BAIRA
Herbert River captain-coach Mitch Seri was arguably the TDRL’s most dominant player across the past decade, and said he was privilege to be included in the Team of the Decade at halfback.
“It’s not one of those things you think about when you’re playing, and there’s been a lot of good halfbacks playing in the local competition in the last decade,” he said.
“I really think Townsville is up there with the best local footy in Queensland, and a lot of players in local footy could easily make the step up, just as long as they have access to opportunities.
“I’m hoping I can still keep going for a another couple of years. I know it will be very difficult to call it a day.”
Former Cowboys under-20s and Townsville Blackhawks player Michael Parker-Walshe joined Brothers from 2013 and after bring undoubted impact to the club’s premiership successes, he was at fullback.
“It’s definitely an honour to be named alongside these players,” Parker-Walshe said.
“It’s obviously something you don’t think about, but it’s good for the TDRL to do something like this and it’s giving back to the players who did so much for this competition.
“I’ve played local footy on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coat, and Townsville is the toughest local footy I’ve played.
“There’s a good mix of young talent and hardened veterans that makes this competition so tough.
“I really think the next 10 years will be just as good, if not better.”
Nathan Norford, who has also played Cowboys under-20s and for the Townsville Blackhawks, rated TDRL as some of the most rewarding footy he’s ever played.
“It’s a good standard, and you’re still playing with mates,” Norford said.
“I feel very privileged to be chosen in this team. There’s been some amazing players to have been part of this league.
“Without a doubt, you need that strong grassroots footy and it’s important it stays strong.”
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Originally published as NQ’s local rugby league Team of the Decade, as decided by the readers