Toowoomba Clydesdales announce strong squads to defend 47th Battalion crown in Gladstone

The Toowoomba Clydesdales have named their 30-player squads for the men’s and women’s 47th Battalion event in Gladstone. See who was picked to represent the region.

RUGBY LEAGUE: There’s plenty on the line for the Toowoomba Clydesdales this representative season, and they believe they have the squad to get it done.

The Clydesdales announced a 30-man squad for the upcoming 47th Battalion in Gladstone at the end of the month, as they look to defend their crown.

New coach Col Speed said they believe they have the right mix of depth within the squad to get the job done.

“We used the Allstars vs Emus game as a major trial, and coaching staff got out to a majority of the trials and round one fixtures,” Speed said.

“We got a good cross section and viewed every club’s performance to come up with a 30-man squad.

“The squad was picked with the long weekend in mind, but also the years to come. There are some younger players coming through around 21-22 years old and we’ve brought in some development players that have shown form.

“We’ve got size, good halves, good combinations and experience, and some exciting speed factors on the edges.

“The expectation is to win. We want to win and for the boys to enjoy each other’s company on the weekend away.

“We want them to do Toowoomba and the jersey proud.”

The likes of Cory McGrady, Steve Franciscus and Xavier Manley make up part of an experienced core that has achieved success at this level.

Speed said it was an honour to work with them, and what they will be able to provide for the new blood coming through.

“You don’t get to work with players of this calibre too often,” he said.

“We know how much pride Xavier has got in the side. To have those guys within the Toowoomba comp is huge.”

The Clydesdales will have three training sessions together in the lead-up to the 47th Battalion on the Labour Day long weekend.

The Clydesdales women proved strongest last year under the banner of the Western Mustangs, winning all of their games.

Coach Dom Haak has gone with a talented squad to represent the region this time around.

MENS SQUAD: Sam Betros, Cody Byrne, Sam Bielefeld, Brenton Clement, Carl Clement, AJ Ma Chong, Jordan Crocker, Josh Fanning, Fine Faingaa, Sam Fermor, Steve Franciscus, Sione Foueti, Ramon Filipine, Jarrod Lee, Thomas Hatch, Shannon Hicks, Austin Jennings, Xavier Manley, Joe Mu’a, Malcolm McGrady, Cory McGrady, Braydon McGrady, Mitch Revell, Patrick O’Callaghan, Andrew Petaia, Leevai Sutton, Harry Sullivan, Mitch Watson, Chris Woodbridge, Mitch Wilson

WOMENS SQUAD: Katelyn Anderson, Sarah Hoger, Rikki-Lee Boney, Kylie Janes, Latoya Broome, Janet Morofa, Meghan Clarke, Courtney Nolan, Katie Crothers, Lateisha Orcher, Erikana Dean, Tierra Riley, Mireka Dean, Jayde Rolph, Anna Dingley, Jayla Sefo-Wallace, Kim Dore, Brittney Smith, Rosie Gibbs, Kirilee Sires, Tegan Gibbs, Tahilia Sudhaus, Amanda Gibson, Kiara Taylor, Jasmine Gray, Madasan Taylor, Abbey Hancock, Emily Walker, Amanda Hinch, Natalia Webb