XXXX 47th Battalion: Queensland Outback teams ready to give title a shake

Queensland Outback teams are raring to go for their opportunity to give the competition a shake at the XXXX 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy in Kingaroy next month.

Men's and women's squads were named on the back of the Outback Senior Muster held in Cloncurry on June 8 as players from all across western Queensland showed their wares. 

Queensland Outback men will be led by head coach John Doyle, the former Maroons utility having guided the side to victory in the Beetson-Gibbs Shield against New South Wales Outback in 2023.

Another former Queensland representative in Heather Ballinger, who coached Southern Outback women in Cloncurry, will take the reins of the women's Queensland Outback side and said her players - some shocked at their selection - were looking forward to the challenge of the XXXX 47th Battalion carnival.

"I think they will really enjoy it. I have to remind them also that yeah, you will be playing four games, two a day, so be ready for that," she said.

"I think we've got strength there. I believe we've got a good forward pack, we're working on the spine to see who can play halves, but I think we've got a reasonable spread across the board.

"I'm already harping on to them about their fitness, because in three weeks we can do a little bit, not too much, and then try to get a basic game plan to them so when we do come together two days beforehand, we can get straight into it."

Ballinger said she was blown away at the talent in the men's competition and wouldn't be surprised to see the men's Queensland Outback side shock a few opponents in Kingaroy.

"They're fast, I'll give them that. I've had the honours to referee a couple of the A grade local games for a bit of a career change and it's good to see the boys all come together," she said.

"The skill they produced was above anything for what they have.

"If they stick to their game plan I'd like to hope so, they will give them a run, that's for sure.

"Some of these boys out here are fit, some of them really want it, so you can see the difference there. They will give them a run for their money."

All players at the XXXX 47th Battalion carnival will be in contention to be selected for Queensland Country teams to take on City in the XXXX Queensland City v Country clash on Hostplus Cup grand final day in September.

Watch select matches from the XXXX 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy by subscribing to Qplus.tv. A Round Pass, granting seven days' access, costs $4.99.

Main image: Oliver Peak, who led the Queensland Outback men last year, has been selected in the squad for the 2024 XXXX 47th Battalion carnival.