Darling Downs teams ready for King of the Country tournament

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RUGBY: With some “bite” in their backline the Redbacks are hoping to be rugby royalty by Sunday.

After winning last year’s Downs Rugby under-14 competition, the Highfields rugby side will line-up in the inaugural King of the Country tournament from this Friday.

The invitation only event will feature the best rugby teams from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and northern New South Wales.

“They’re a great bunch of kids – highly enthusiastic and motivated,” coach Stephen Coren said.

“We’re up against some big unknowns in the other teams but they’re all looking forward to the opportunity.

“We pride ourselves on our defence – if we step up in that department and really take it to our opposition we will be competitive.

“Aside from that the other important thing is that the boys have confidence in their ability.”

WORKING HARD: Redbacks players Declan Pearson and Curtis Cameron work on some tackling drills ahead of the team lining up in this weekend’s King of the Country tournament. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Darling Downs teams will line up in all three divisions at the Gold Coast tournament and all 24 games will be livestreamed on The Chronicle website.

“We’re really excited to be involved in this,” The Chronicle sports editor Jason Gibbs said.

“It’s a great opportunity for parents, supporters and rugby fans who can’t get to the tournament to still be a part of the action and excitement.

“More importantly it will create lasting memories for the young players who will be able to go back and watch themselves in action on the field.”

USQ Saints teams will represent the Darling Downs in the U13 and U14 divisions.

“We’ve put together an invitational team of sorts for the under-13,” Saints coach John Griffith said.

“The under-12 division here (the Darling Downs) is focused on developing players but we were invited to enter a team.

“It’s a combination of some Souths, Bears and USQ players and I think we will be very competitive.

“The great thing about the boys is their commitment and dedication which goes a long way at this level.”

The first games of the three day tournament kick-off and 10am on Friday, April 9 and a Chronicle digital subscription is required to watch the livestream.

As well as access to the rugby livestream and countless other livestreamed sporting events subscribers have access to the full The Chronicle website including its online galleries, video footage and news services.”

THE DRAW

DAY ONE, FRIDAY 9 APRIL

10am - U13: Helensvale Hogs v Far North Coast

11am - U13: Sunshine Coast Invitational Barbarians v USQ Saints

12pm - U14: Surfers Paradise Dolphins v Far North Coast

1pm - U14: Maroochydore Swans v USQ Saints

2pm - U15: Far North Coast v Sunshine Coast Grammar School

3pm - U15: Gold Coast Eagles v Highfields Redbacks

DAY TWO, SATURDAY 10 APRIL

10am - U13: Helensvale Hogs v Sunshine Coast Invitational Barbarians

11am - U13: Far North Coast v USQ Saints

12pm - U14: Maroochydore Swans v Far North Coast

1pm - U14: Surfers Paradise Dolphins v USQ Saints

2pm - U15: Far North Coast v Gold Coast Eagles

3pm - U15: Sunshine Coast Grammar School v Highfields Redbacks

DAY THREE, SUNDAY 11 APRIL

10am - U13: Far North Coast v Sunshine Coast Invitational Barbarians

11am - U13: Helensvale Hogs v USQ Saints

12.20pm - U14: Maroochydore Swans v Surfers Paradise Dolphins

1.20pm - U14: Far North Coast v USQ Saints

2.20pm - U15: Far North Coast v Highfields Redbacks

3.20pm - U15: Sunshine Coast Grammar School v Gold Coast Eagles