It will be a battle between the bush and the bright lights when the inaugural Queensland Under 16 City and Queensland Under 16 Country team clash at Dolphin Stadium on Sunday.
Coomera Anglican College Year 11 student Brody Smitka is one player ready to rip in alongside his City teammates, as they go head-to-head with their Country counterparts.
The two squads will spend some quality time together in camp before they go out to battle on Sunday, which will certainly showcase the home grown talent that continues to light up local competitions around Queensland.
Match: QLD City U16 v QLD Country U16
Round 1 -
home Team
QLD City U16
away Team
QLD Country U16
Venue: Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe
Having grown up playing rugby league, Brody quickly rose through the ranks while playing for his beloved Helensvale Hornets and now will don the No.8 jersey for the City side on Sunday.
Since bursting onto the scene as a youngster, the Gold Coast product has gone on to earn selection in a wide range of representative teams including the SEQ Under 16 training squad, Under 16 Emerging Origin squad and Under 14 Gold Coast Vikings representative side.
As well as taking part in countless other representative teams, Brody is also signed with the Gold Coast Titans, where he played for the Titans' Under 15 Invitational side that defeated the Western Mustangs in March last year.
Playing for the Under 16 Division One competition for Helensvale, Brody’s strong running game and effective offloading ability makes him a dangerous proposition for opposing teams as they try and contain the talented forward.
Brody took part in the Junior State Championships recently, which saw him play for South East Queensland White, which consisted of players from Ipswich, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The City versus Country sides were predominately picked off form throughout the carnival, Brody was looking forward playing with some old teammates when they take on Country this Sunday.
“I took part in the Junior State Championship on the Sunny Coast and personally I think the carnival went well but as a team, we probably could have done better, I think we won two of four games with SEQ White,” Brody said.
“It’s great being able to represent the Gold Coast and play with guys I have played with for a few years now and going up against some tough competition from Country, I think it will be really tough."
Playing at such a big event is a big honour and Brody expects the clash between City and Country to be a tough encounter.
“I’ve never played with an atmosphere quite like that so I think it will certainly be a first," Brody said.
“I think the match against Country will be very fast and physical and very well could be one of the fastest games I’ve played yet."
While his focus is on seeing City come out winners on Sunday, Brody is certainly looking to the future as he continues to improve and impress.
“My goal is to certainly make the Queensland merit side after this match, and then hopefully Australian Schoolboys next year.”
