Queensland Country Squad Announced

Queensland Country selectors have announced a strong initial squad of 34 players as the countdown to the Australian Country Championships begins.

The squad will be trimmed down to 25 players before they leave on Wednesday 18^th of April to Wagga Wagga.

There has been a good spread of players across the regions with players coming from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast, South Queensland and Gold Coast.

At this stage there are 6 NEAFL players named in the squad of 34 including debutant Ryan Holman formally of Goondiwindi.

Other notable selection include experienced Country representatives Matthew Walsh, James Rozynski, Angus Munro, Tyson Upton, Sam Brown, Nick Tomlinson, Caleb Brown, Michael I’Anson, Jesse Derrick.

Former Adelaide Crow and SANFL star Nick Gill who joins former Western Australian Country Rep Daniel Lewis as key inclusions.

 A surprise selection in the squad was young Western Magpies ruckman Scott Clarke who has been in good form for the Brisbane Lions Reserves as a top up player and has been added for depth.

Queensland Country Coach Stephen Daniels who has turned around the performances over the last 2 campaigns is excited about this year’s squad.

“I got a lot out of the performances in Cairns recently between Cairns and the Country Stockmen,” said Daniels.

 It’s a well organised selection process in what is a difficult with the distance between leagues.

“We are in for another tremendous challenge in Wagga Wagga playing against some of the best country players in Australia,” Daniels said.

“The staff we have in place down here (Victoria) will give us a good insight on our opposition which has benefited our recent championships in the past”.

As is the case in most Cchampionships,  4 weeks out players can be added to the squad if injury or form is a concern.