Dee confident Rangers can go back-to-back
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The XXXX Queensland Rangers team is more than ready to rip in against the New South Wales Pioneers at Davies Park on Sunday, according to captain Jesse Dee.
The sizeable second rower, who plays for Wests Tigers Mackay, said the team's preparations had gone "really well" and they could not wait to run out and represent Queensland.
Dee, part of last year's Rangers team that beat the Pioneers 46-16, said this year there was "a real good bunch" who were more than capable of getting the job done again.
"It helps that we have a few of the boys from last year... I think that's made all the boys come in real tight," Dee, one of three Northern players in the team, said.
The 24-year-old said during camp this week, the team had focused on structure and being directed by their vocal halves.
"I just want to be energetic and get physical," the Warilla Gorillas junior said.
"Being captain is a massive honour. I'm really proud to captain my state. Really proud.
"We can definitely win. If we put all the training in place and just play to our strengths, I think we'll get away with the win.
"It's been a really good week. I can't wait to play."
Match: QLD Rangers v NSW Pioneers
Round 1 -
home Team
QLD Rangers
away Team
NSW Pioneers
Venue: Davies Park
Rangers coach Glen Dreger said he was happy with how preparations had gone and in popular Dee's ability to lead the team.
"Jesse was there last year with us... he's just really solid - he'll play the full 80 minutes," Dreger said.
"He's just a leader. I know he'll just go and get it done - show the way.
"Chippie is our vice captain as well so he'll be a leader amongst the forwards.
"I'm really happy with our young halves in Corey and Caleb Daunt - they've been exceptional in camp."
Dreger said he expected the team to "just get out and work hard for each other - the Queensland way".
"We've got a really big mobile forward pack, really good outside backs," Dreger said.
I'm really excited. They've all trained hard and put in everything. Hopefully it'll all come together.
Dee, who works seven days on, seven days off in the mines in Moranbah, said moving forward after the game he hoped to get back to playing Intrust Super Cup.
The young gun, who has previously played for St George and Mackay Cutters, focused more on work this year after struggling to juggle work with football last year.
"It was a bit hard to do both," Dee said.
"I want to play good footy first this year and then I want to play Cup again next year. I just want to play good footy and let that sort itself out. I've got my English passport too so I could always go overseas."
