TAMWORTH backrower Bernie Klasen has been selected in the 2001 NSW Country Rugby Union train-on squad despite missing the entire 2000 season.
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Klasen, a former NSW Country representative, is one of 12 Central North players in the squad which will play two trial games against the NSW Waratahs over the first weekend in February, 2001.
NSW Country co-coach Michael Bird said KlasenChr(39)s return to the football paddock was fantastic.
"Bernie is a brilliant player and weChr(39)re more than happy to have him back running around," Bird said on Friday.
"HeChr(39)s started training and heChr(39)s been selected so the ballChr(39)s in his court now."
Meanwhile Moree has six players selected in the 47-man squad.
Last yearChr(39)s NSW Cockatoos Jim Quinn and Damien Kelly will be joined by backrowers Mick Barwick, Anthony Kaberry and Jason Webb along with rugged inside centre Chris Kelly.
InverellChr(39)s NSW Country fly-half Matt Ellis and centre Tony Hunt are also in the squad as is David Banovich (Pirates), Mark Hardy (Narrabri) and Warwick Crosby (Tamworth /Pirates).
New EnglandChr(39)s Will Martell is also in the squad while David Schmude has recently moved back to Armidale after playing in Ireland and selectors are believed to be interested in fitting him into the squad if possible.
The return of the Tamworth Magpie star excited Bird who said Klasen is a complete rugby player.
"HeChr(39)s a very skilful player and a very experienced player," Bird said.
"The thing about Bernie is that he just seems to be able to read the game and heChr(39)s a very aggressive tackler.
“HeChr(39)s got fantastic breakdown skills so heChr(39)s great at snagging the ball at the breakdown.
“And heChr(39)s a good ball runner and heChr(39)s good at off-loading. HeChr(39) s just a very complete footballer," Bird said.
"HeChr(39)s played a lot of football under us (Bird and Joe Goldsworthy) for Tamworth and Central North and I think he understands the type of things weChr(39)re trying to do.
“He has to go through the selection process just like anybody else but certainly heChr(39)s very highly regarded by all the selectors.
“He stamped his place in the NSW country side a couple of years ago but now heChr(39)s had a year off weChr(39)re ecstatic that heChr(39)s back and started to do some training."
Bird said KlasenChr(39)s return to rugby was a big boost for the Tamworth Magpies.
"I started my coaching career at the Magpies in the early 1990s so itChr(39)s great to see Bernie back down there," Bird said.
