Seven Bond University stars chosen in Queensland Country’s 32-man NRC squad
SEVEN Bond University stars have been named in Queensland Country’s 32-man National Rugby Championship squad, with one also penning a long-term deal with the Queensland Reds today.
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SEVEN Bond University stars have been named in Queensland Country’s 32-man National Rugby Championship squad.
The selection of Gavin Luka, Alex Mafi, Angus Blyth, Hamish Stewart, Dan Boardman, Joey Fittock and Zac Moi Moi gives the Bull Sharks the highest representation of all Queensland Premier Rugby clubs.
Lock Moi Moi has previously played in the NRC for Brisbane City, while his six Bond teammates were part of Queensland Country’s 2018 squad.
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The retention of utility back Stewart came amid news he had today put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Queensland Reds.
The 21-year-old made the first of his 28 Super Rugby appearances in 2017 following an impressive campaign with Queensland’s title-winning under-20s and also played for the Junior Wallabies at the World Rugby U20s Championships the same year.
Continuing his feel-good story, dynamic front-rower Feao Fotuaika, the older brother of Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika, has also re-signed with the Reds.
Out of shape and lacking motivation, the 26-year-old was on the verge of retirement until he was handed the opportunity of a lifetime.
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Scouted by Reds physiotherapist and scrum coach Cameron Lillicrap while playing for Brisbane City in the NRC, Fotuaika joined the Queensland squad on the proviso he’d be handed a Reds contract if he lost 10kg.
Under the strict regimen of Reds strength and conditioning head coach Brynley Abad, Fotuaika lost 16kg during the 2019 pre-season and went on to make his Super Rugby debut in the Reds’ opening game.
“The longer we can keep this same group of men here together, the better it will be for Queensland,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.
Queensland Country begin their NRC campaign against the Western Force in Perth on August 31.
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QLD COUNTRY NRC SQUAD
Harry Hoopert, Jethro Felemi, Gavin Luka*, Carter Ozanne, Bronson Tauakipulu, Alex Mafi*, Efi Ma’afu, Matt Faessler, Harry Hockings, Angus Blyth*, Will Dearden, Zac Moi Moi*, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright, Harry Wilson, Jeremiah Lynch, Tom Kibble, Dillon Wihongi, Tate McDermott, Reuben Wall, Carter Gordon, Rohan Saifoloi, Hamish Stewart*, Patrick James, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Dan Boardman*, Joey Fittock*, Connor Chittenden, Filipo Daugunu, Jonathan Kent, Jock Campbell, Tom Lucas
*play for Bond University
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