NINE CENTRAL North players were yesterday named in the NSW Country squad to play the Australian Rugby Shield competition and against the British Lions over the coming months.
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Moree had forwards Jim Quinn, Anthony Kaberry, Liam McCormick and Jason Webb named in the team while Tamworth’s Bernie Klasen also made a return to NSW Country representation.
Dashing Pirates backs Dave Banovich and Warwick Crosby were rewarded for their brilliant displays in the Caldwell Cup final against Newcastle while Narrabri centre Mark Hardy will line up for the Cockatoos after just his first Country Week appearance.
Inverell’s Mat Ellis made the squad again at fly-half.
Moree flanker Webb was shocked on being selected although his performance at Country Week meant he was the first loose forward selected.
“ It’s totally unexpected. The experience will be amazing,” a modest Webb said yesterday.
Tamworth number eight Klasen was also a standout performer over the three days at Country Week.
Klasen is a step ahead of most rugby players and has the knack of turning up at the right time in both attack in defence.
His tackles late in the games against Illawarra and Newcastle turned the tide the Kookaburras way.
The performance of giant Moree forward Anthony Kaberry in the final also won over the selectors. Kaberry more than matched it with the physical Newcastle pack. His reputation as an enforcer and one of country rugby’s most punishing defenders was confirmed yesterday.
Kaberry was out on his feet after yesterday’s Country Week final. He was “too buggered” to be elated about his selection.
“It hasn’t hit me yet. I just never thought I’d do it. It’s a big surprise,” Kaberry said.
Meanwhile Inverell fly-half Matt Ellis wasn’t happy with his game on Saturday after the clash with Illawarra but he proved in last year’s Australian Rugby Shield competition that he has the game to match it with the best.
Ellis was the player of the match in a number of the Cockatoos’ clashes last year and selectors were keen to maintain their faith in his proven ability.
Hardy was possibly a surprise selection to rugby followers from other zones but his Central North opponents will all attest to his ability to tear the better defences apart out wide.
Gunnedah’s Jade Ingham was also selected but missed the tournament through injury
The impressive young hooker, who is now based in Newcastle, won his spot on the strength of his season with the Cockatoos last year.
NSW COUNTRY SQUAD: Josh Woodford, John Vualato, Rod Petty, Alistair Carpenter, Chris Doyle, Vuli Tailasa (Illawarra) Scholar Motora, Mark Chamon, Gordon Refshauge (Sthn Inland) Liam McCormack, Jim Quinn, Jason Webb, Anthony Kaberry, Bernie Klasen, Matt Ellis, Mark Hardy, Dave Pannovitch, Warwick Crosby (Central Nth) Jade Ingham, Brent Dale, Darren Dimmock, Matthew Brown, Ryan McDougall, Nathan Croft (Newcastle) Ben Wright (Central West) David Von Kotze (Central Coast).
