Mick Snowden has been elevated to the starting side for the NSW Country Eagles for their National Rugby Championship clash with the Canberra Vikings on Sunday, meaning all four northern products will run on at Bellevue Oval.
The former Pirate joins Tamworth’s Paddy Ryan, Glen Innes native Alex Newsome and Narrabri’s Will McDonnell in the 15 after being named at half-back in the absence of three-try hero from the Eagles’ mid-week win over the Sydney Rays - their first of this years NRC - Jake Gordon.
Gordon has been called into the Wallabies squad to tour South Africa and Argentina.
The Eagles will also be without Wallabies contingent Ned Hanigan, Tom Robertson, Tolu Latu and Sekope Kepu but welcome back Waratahs second rower Jed Holloway while centre Seb Wileman is also slated for his first start after recovering from an injury in the Shute Shield grand final.
They will be looking to make it two from two in Armidale after a thrilling 25-24 win over the Vikings last year, Newsome fittingly scoring the match-winner.
The Eagles will host an open training session and kick with around with local juniors from 4.45pm on Saturday at Bellevue Oval and all players are welcome.
The action then kicks off at 10am on Sunday with juniors games preceding the main fixture at 1pm.
