Boys teams named for Queensland Under 17 City versus Country clash

Queensland Rugby League has today announced the City and Country teams for the Under 17 boys match on September 24.

The clash at Moreton Daily Stadium will showcase some of Queensland’s best young talent, with many players featuring prominently in this year’s Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup.

The game is part of a massive four-match program that also features the Queensland Under 17 City versus Country girls match, as well as the Hastings Deering Colts and Hostplus Cup grand finals.

The City boys team will be coached by former Brisbane Broncos player David Stagg, who was also involved in last year’s game as a City mentor.

“Off the back of last year and seeing what it is all about, it’s more about giving them an insight into what is required at this level and their progression moving forward,” Stagg said.

The Souths Logan Magpies and Wynnum Manly Seagulls are heavily represented with a combined total of nine players set to pull on the City jersey.

That list include Souths Logan trio Israel Leota, Devonte Vaiavela and Stanley Huen, all members of the Magpies team that beat the Townsville Blackhawks in the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup grand final.

Country features Blackhawks pair Tekelu Mene and Hoani Harris, as well as multiple representatives from the Central Queensland Capras, Sunshine Coast Falcons, Mackay Cutters and Western Clydesdales.

Former Queensland Maroons forward Antonio Kaufusi will coach the Country team. He said he was humbled by the opportunity to bring together such a talented group of players from regional Queensland.

“It really resonates with me, growing up here in the Bundaberg region, and my experiences of what we go through with players… just the challenges of having to get to places,”  Kaufusi said.

Queensland Under 17 City - Boys

Coach: David Stagg

Queensland Under 17 Country - Boys 

Head coach: Antonio Kaufusi

*teams updated September 22