Academy Takes on Blues at Nanango

INTERSTATE rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales has one last round to go, with the QAS under 15s to play NSW Country under 16s at Nanango on Saturday.

Taking quality rugby league to Wide Bay’s rural sector, the match will feature players from the elite Queensland Academy of Sport Rugby League program.

Former State of Origin player, dual Rothman’s Medalist and Brisbane Broncos assistant coach Paul Green will coach the QAS team.

Those picked in the QAS squad have been identified as having the potential to represent either Australia or Queensland or make a professional living in the NRL when they are older.

Players involved undergo specialised skills sessions, briefings and updates, strength and conditioning programming, nutrition guidance and sport psychology sessions.

Kick-off in Saturday’s game against the best of New South Wales Country is 11am at Fred Kassulke Oval, King Street, Nanango.

Leading South Burnett referee Scott Kapernick will control the match, another feather in the cap for the region after the South Burnett Bushrangers finished second in this year’s Ipswich Rugby League.

Bernard Hopkis of the Bushrangers was named IRL Player of the Year, while elsewhere the likes of local boys Chris Sandow and Josh Costello have taken the QLD Wizard Cup by storm.