Thousands of rugby fans from across the Central North region are expected to flock to Moree this Saturday to witness some of the game's greats take on some of their own local legends in a not-to-be-missed day of action at Weebolla Oval.
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More than 3,000 people are expected to fill Weebolla Oval on Saturday, March 23 when the Classic Wallabies take on the Central North Barbarians in a showcase event.
Some of Australia's greatest ever players, including the likes of Lote Tuqiri, Radike Samo, Justin Harrison and Mat Rogers, will be taking to the field and are sure to put on a performance that attendees will be talking about for years to come.
Moree's Josh Walker and Mitchell Adams have also been named in the Classic Wallabies outfit, and will go head-to-head with 16 of their Bulls teammates in the Central North Barbarians side, captained by Moree first-grade coach Damien Kelly.
Gates will open at 12pm, with a Farm Hard Knockout to kick-off the day, before a juniors clinic gets underway on field two at 12.30pm. The clinics - free to all juniors, aged eight to 13, of all skill levels - will provide an opportunity for children to experience coaching and drills with Classic Wallabies and Classic Wallaroos players.
At 1.10pm, the Darling Downs side will take on their Central West counterparts on field one in a Queensland versus NSW grudge match between both of the Classic Wallabies' 2018 Country Tour opponents.
Two of Southern Queensland's best rugby schools - The Southport School (TSS) and Toowoomba Grammar School (which will feature Tamworth's Harry Snook) - will then take to the main field at 2.20pm in a city versus country schoolboy rugby classic.
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At 4.15pm, the Classic Wallaroos will take to the main field against the Central North Womens in a game of rugby 10s.
Following the feature game, there will be a range of post-match entertainment on offer on the main field from 7pm. The Classic Wallabies will conduct post-match interviews, panels and engage face-to-face with the crowd long into the evening, ensuring that all attending rugby fans are able to get up close and personal with their heroes. Local band Avenue4Troy will perform into the night and there will be fundraising auctions and raffles.
General admission entry is $20 for adults, $15 for concession and students and free for children under 13 accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased on the gate or pre-sale online ($15 for adults, $10 for concession and students) at www.classicwallabies.com.au
TEAMS
Classic Wallabies: Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri, David Croft, Radike Samo, Mark Chisholm, Sean Hardman, Justin Harrison, Laurie Weeks, Sam Payne, Patrick McCutcheon, DeWet Roos, Frankie Fainifo, Nick Gregorski, Michael Hayes, Doug McNicholl, Nathan Ashley, Gene Fairbanks, Mitchell Adams (mentee position), Josh Walker (mentee position).
Central North Barbarians: John Adams, James Gall, Angus Smith, Damien Kelly (captain), Mick Grant, Matthew Wannan, Jamie Sampson, Ben Williams, Ben Carrigan, Jordan Cosh, Cameron Rodgers, Heath Riggs, Sylvester Joseph, Ben Colley, Nick Smith, Damien Meppem (Moree), Andrew Collins, Jack Shelton, Andrew Meppem, Bart Leach (Pirates), Matt Hannay, Jamie Mitchell (Gunnedah), Simon Newton, Henry King, Dom Bower (Walcha), Matt Schwager, Matt McDonnell (Narrabri), Josh Whale (Scone), Joe DeDassell, Chad Makim (Inverell). Coach - Jeremy Matthews (Moree)
Classic Wallaroos: Selena Worsley, Vanessa Bradley, Shirley Russell, Bronwen MacArthur, Deena Aiken, Annette Finch, Naomi Roberts, Pearl Palaialii, Debbie Grylls, Rhianna Burke (mentee position), Kirra Burke (mentee position).
Central North Women: Ashleigh Walker, Emily Leversha, Holly Houston, Bridget Hunt, Nikole Brooks, Bonnie Miller, Jessica York, Abby Nortup, Casey Onus, Jasmine Ward, Zoe Tomlinson, Samaria Kennedy, Isabelle Thrupp, Sophie Barr, Isabelle Brazel, Torika Nadruku. Coaches - Matt Hannay & Paul King